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Know the Dangers
When the weather starts to get rough and a dangerous situation develops, storm watches and/or warnings may be issued. It is important that you listen to the radio or watch TV to see whether or not a watch or warning has been issued for your area.
Below are the definitions of watches and warnings as they apply to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Tropical Storm Watch: This is issued when a tropical storm or tropical storm conditions could occur within the watch area. This type of warning is typically issued within 36 hours of the time that the storm may make its way into the watch area.
Tropical Storm Warning: A warning is issued when a tropical storm or tropical storm conditions are expected to occur within the warning area. This warning is usually issued within 24 hours of the time the storm is predicted to come into the warning area.
Hurricane Watch: As with the tropical storm watch, this type of warning is issued when a hurricane or hurricane conditions will possibly enter into the watch area. This is usually issued within 36 hours of the time that the hurricane may come into the watch area.
Hurricane Warning: This type of warning is issued when a hurricane is expected to occur within the warning area, within 24 hours of the time the hurricane should come into the warning area.