Important Terms

Definitions

  • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.
  • Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a possible threat within the next 36 hours.
  • Tropical Depression: Formed when a tropical wave develops cyclonic (counter-clockwise) circulation with sustained (one minute) winds up to 38 miles per hour.
  • Tropical Disturbance / Tropical Wave: A grouping or cluster of clouds moving through the tropics.
  • Tropical Storm: Formed when sustained winds reach 39 miles per hour.
  • Hurricane: Formed when sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour.