Storm Advisory Terms
Part of the preparation for storm season includes a basic understanding of various terms used by the weather service and subsequently passed on to the public through radio and television. I hope that our readers will find the following guide a useful tool:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Severe thunderstorms are possible.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Severe Thunderstorms are occurring. Severe Thunderstorms can be characterized by winds of 58 mph or more and / or hail with a diameter of ¾ inch or more.
- Tornado Watch
- Tornadoes are possible; atmospheric conditions exist for the development of these storms. The watch will usually last several hours and cover all or part of a specific area.
- Tornado Warning
- A Tornado has been sighted, or severe weather has been reported. Listeners should take cover immediately. Warnings will normally not last more than an hour and cover a limited area.
- Tropical Disturbance
- An area in the tropics that keeps its identity for 24 hours or more.
- Tropical Depression
- A complete low pressure circulation with winds up to 38 mph.
- Tropical Storm
- A low pressure circulation with highest sustained winds of 39 - 73 mph and a warm center.
- Tropical Storm Watch
- Tropical Storm conditions are possible within 36 hours.
- Tropical Storm Warning
- Tropical Storm conditions are expected within 24 hours.
- Hurricane Watch
- A hurricane is possible within 36 hours.
- Hurricane Warning
- A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
A hurricane is a pronounced low pressure circulation with highest sustained winds of 74 mph and a warm center. Hurricanes are classified into five categories, based on wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential.
Those categories are:
- Category One - Winds 74 - 95 mph,
- Category Two - Winds 96 - 110 mph,
- Category Three - Winds 111 - 130 mph,
- Category Four - Winds 131 - 155 mph,
- Category Five - Winds greater than 155 mph.
Understanding what the warnings being issued mean can contribute to you and your family's safety. We hope the preceding information will serve you well.