| STORM WARNINGS |
| Storm and hurricane forecasts and warnings legend. Source: NOAA's National Hurricane Center |
| Advisory: Weather advisory messages are issued for tropical storms and hurricanes. An advisory states the location, intensity, direction of travel, and speed of a tropical storm or hurricane. |
| Bulletin: A weather bulletin is a public release made during periods between advisories, announcing the latest details on the storm or hurricane. |
 Small Craft Advisories: To alert mariners to sustained (more than two hours) weather or sea conditions, either present or forecast, that might be hazardous to small boats. The threshold conditions for the Small Craft Advisory are usually 18 knots of wind (less than 18 knots in some dangerous waters) or hazardous wave conditions. |
 Gale Warning: A warning of winds within the range of 39 - 54 mph (34 - 47 knots). Gale warnings may precede or accompany a hurricane watch. |
 Storm Warning: A warning of winds within the range of 55 - 73 mph (48 - 63 knots). |
| Hurricane Watch: An advance statement, not a warning, indicating that a hurricane is approaching and attention should be given to subsequent advisories. It implies the possibility of dangerous conditions within 24 to 48 hours. Precautionary action should be taken in case hurricane warnings are forthcoming. |
 Hurricane Warning: A warning that indicates that hurricane winds of 74 mph (64 knots) and higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas, are expected to impact a specified coastal area. When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent and may begin immediately or at least within the next 12 to 24 hours. When a warning is announced, it is of utmost importance that precautionary measures are taken for protection of life and property. |
| Hurricane: A violent storm originating over tropical waters, with winds near its center reaching 74 mph and higher. In size, the storm may range from 50 to 1,000 miles in diameter. |
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