Make sure to track tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes. By being aware of their progress, you can be up to date and make your preparatory decisions on time and with time.
What the ALERTS mean:
STORM WATCH: Indicates tropical storm or hurricane “conditions” are possible in your area within the next 36 hours.
STORM WARNING: Tropical storm or hurricane “conditions” are expected in your area within 24 hours. “Conditions” indicate that winds, surge, waves, flooding, tornadoes, or any combination of those typical of a tropical storm or a hurricane are possible.
For Example: Hurricane Watch= hurricane is possible in your area within 36 hours
Other terminologies to be familiar with:
- Tropical wave: A low pressure trough of persisting winds that blow from east to west.
- Tropical disturbance: An organized area of thunderstorms generally 100-300 miles in diameter. Typically, a tropical disturbance maintains its identity for at least 24 hours and is accompanied by heavy rains and gusty winds.
- Tropical depression: An organized area of tropical low pressure in which sustained winds are 38 miles per hour or less.
- Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained wind speeds of 39-73 miles per hour. and accompanied by thunderstorms.
- Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour and accompanied by thunderstorms. In the Northern Hemisphre, hurricane winds circulate in a clockwise rotation.
