Storm Terms You Should Know

Tropical Depression

An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top sustained winds of less than 39 miles-per-hour.

Tropical Storm

An organized system of strong storms with a defined circulation and top sustained winds of between 39 - 74 mph.

Tropical Storm Watch

Tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning

Tropical storm conditions are expected in the affected area within 24-hours.

Hurricane

An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and a sustained wind speed of 74 mph or higher.

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area within 36 hours. At this point, take immediate action to protect your family and property.

Hurricane Warning

Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area within 24 hours.

Storm Surge

A rapidly rising dome of seawater up to 20 feet high that arrives with a hurricane. Evacuation zones are identified according to their susceptibility to this occurrence.