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Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watches and Warnings
The National Weather Service broadcasts severe weather conditions on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio. Watches and warnings for either tropical system should be taken seriously.
Tropical Storm Watch
An announcement for specific coastal areas that tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning
A warning that sustained winds within the range of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.
Hurricane Watch
An announcement for specific coastal areas that hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning
A warning that sustained winds 64 kt (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher associated with a hurricane are 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 continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
To prepare for hurricane conditions, see Before, During, After.
During a Hurricane Watch
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Tune-in to your local TV station or listen to a battery-operated radio tuned to your local radio station for hurricane progress reports |
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Check emergency supplies |
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Fuel car |
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Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside |
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Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows |
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Remove outside antennas |
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Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings, and open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly |
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Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils |
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Review evacuation plan |
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If you own a boat, moor it securely or move it to a designated safe place; use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer; use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house |
During a Hurricane Warning
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Tune-in to your local TV station or listen constantly to a battery-operated radio tuned to your local radio station for instructions |
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If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately |
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Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home |
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Avoid elevators |
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If at home, stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors |
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Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light |
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If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored |
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If officials indicate evacuation is necessary, leave as soon as possible |
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Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed out bridges |
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Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve |
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Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going |
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If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor |
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Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing |
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Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter |
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Lock up home and leave |
See also Before, During, After.
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