Watch and Warning Criteria

The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center/Tropical Prediction Center developed a clear and concise watch and warning system to help local communities prepare for an oncoming tropical system. These watches and warnings are generated as early and as accurately as possible to help residents, visitors, emergency managers and public safety personnel prepare for the storm.

Tropical Storm Watch:
Issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73 mph, pose a possible threat to a specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning:
Issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73 mph, are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

Hurricane Watch:
Issued for a specified coastal area for which a hurricane or a hurricane-related hazard is a possible threat within 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning:
Issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher is expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues, even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity.