Hurricane Preparedness Blog

Understanding the terms “hurricane watch” and “hurricane warning” can help you know how to prepare….

We have all heard the words “watch” and “warning” associated with hurricanes. The trouble is, there’s a lot of confusion over the difference between the two. We’re sure many people are wanting to know some important answers to some important questions, such as: which one is more severe? Which one requires a higher level of preparation?And, finally, what should I be doing?

Now, for some much needed clarification:a hurricane watch will be issued when hurricane conditions are possible within the next thirty-six hours. A hurricane warning will be issued when hurricane conditions are expected within the next twenty-four hours. In other words, when your area is under a hurricane watch, you are still watching for a warning (while you are preparing for the storm, of course). If your area is under a hurricane warning, you’ve been warned that hurricane conditions are coming within a day- understand that under a warning, there is a very high chance that you will be seriously impacted by a hurricane.

The message is similar for tropical storm watches and warnings. A tropical storm watch indicates that tropical storm conditions (potential storm surge, heavy rain, and sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible in your area within the next 36 hours. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected in your area within the next twenty-four hours. Although a tropical storm is not as severe as a hurricane, it still can pack a pretty heavy punch. With this type of storm, flooding, wind damage, and heavy rains are all possible and should be prepared for.

Note that there are different preparations for both a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. The lists below should help distinguish what you should be doing if a watch or warning is issued for your area.

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Access and/or complete your OneStorm family plan to make sure that you are adequately prepared.If you haven’t already done so, visit http://www.onestorm.org/ to create a free family hurricane plan within minutes.
• Verify that you have all the supplies on your OneStorm hurricane preparedness shopping list.

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
• Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom withoutwindows.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Sources Used:

Norcross, Bryan. Hurricane Almanac. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, June 2007.
“Hurricane.” American Red Cross. 2008. 8 July 2008.

Did you enjoy Hurricane Watch Vs. Hurricane Warning: What Is the Difference?? Subscribe to RSS Feed.