Hurricane Preparedness

WEATHER TERMS USED FOR  HURRICANE SEASON

Part of staying informed about weather conditions is understanding the different terms used by weather forecasters. 

Following are some of the most common terms:

• Advisory: Hurricane and storm information is disseminated to the public every six hours.
• Special Advisory: Information is disseminated when there is significant change in storm-related weather conditions.
• Gale Warning: Sustained winds of 35-54 mph and strong wave action are expected.
• Storm Warning: Sustained winds of 55-73 mph are expected.
• Hurricane Watch: There is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours or less, with sustained winds of 74 mph or more  and dangerously high water.
• Tropical Disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms is in the tropics.
• Tropical Depression: An area of low pressure, rotary circulation of clouds and winds up to 38 mph is identified.
• Tropical Storm: A storm characterized by counterclockwise circulation of clouds and winds 39-73 is brewing.