warning Update: A tropical storm watch: what is it? A warning of a hurricane? And the much-feared cone? What to be aware of
Conditions in their path can be lethal or extremely severe during hurricanes. This is how safe locations are kept safe via evacuation zones. BY MCCLATCHY / NICOLE L. CVETNIC Don’t know your watches from your alerts when a storm is approaching? Are you confused by all of the weather jargon you see on TV and hear on this news website? To help you be ready for anything, here is a tutorial to help you learn the language of storms:
When each of those conditions has a potential of developing near you, you should be under a tropical storm or hurricane watch. This is the time to start stockpiling food and water, protecting your home, and filling your car with gas, if you haven’t already. The National Hurricane Center typically issues hurricane watches 48 hours ahead of the projected arrival of tropical storm force winds. When you are in an area where one of those conditions is expected, you are issued a tropical storm or hurricane warning. 36 hours prior to a storm, a warning is given so you have time to complete your preparations. This is your final opportunity to properly secure your house before the cyclone makes landfall.
Is it possible to have both a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch at the same time? A tropical storm with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph is expected to make landfall in your area within 48 hours if there is a simultaneous hurricane watch and tropical storm warning in effect. It also indicates that the weather system is about ready to become a hurricane. When winds reach 74 mph or above, severe weather systems are classified as hurricanes by the National Hurricane Center.
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