Hurricane Warning vs. Hurricane Watch

Hurricane Warning vs. Hurricane Watch

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that typically destroy everything in their path!  Hurricanes have the capacity to claim lives and cause major damage to personal property and business entities alike.  Due to the severity of damage caused by hurricanes, it is extremely important to understand the terminology used to identify hurricanes.  Hurricanes are identified using the following two terms:  hurricane watch and hurricane warning.   

Hurricane watch.  Hurricane watch means that a hurricane is possible in your area.  Newscasters often use this terminology to inform viewers that a hurricane is possible, but has not been officially declared.  During a hurricane watch, you should closely monitor your local news channels, news feeds, radio stations, and other media outlets to keep abreast of local weather activities. You may also tune in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) storm watch via the Internet. Typically, a hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before its anticipated occurrence.  Once a hurricane watch has been issued, you should  begin taking precautions in the event the hurricane watch is upgraded to a hurricane warning.

Hurricane warning.  Hurricane warning means that a hurricane is expected in your area.  Once a hurricane has been declared, you should remain in tuned to your local news and be prepared to evacuate and leave the area as quickly as possible. A hurricane warning is normally issued 36 hours before its anticipated occurrence.

For additional information on hurricane watches and warnings, please visit the National Hurricane Center.