Storm Terms You Should Know

Tropical Depression - An organized system of clouds and thunder storms 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 and 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 sustained wind speed of 74 mph or higher. Hurricanes usually form over water that is at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they are giant heat engines that convert the heat energy of the tropics into wind and waves.

Hurricane Watch - Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area within 36 hours.

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

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