Terms to Know: a Public Service Provided by Panel Channels®

Tropical Disturbance – A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its intensity for 24 hours or more.

Tropical Storm Watch– will be issued when there is a threat of tropical storm conditions, sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning – A warning announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected in a specified area within 24 hours or less  A tropical storm can include winds up to 73 mph, only 1 mph less than a hurricane.  Coastal storm surge evacuation may follow.  If you plan to evacuate you must evacuate before winds reach 60 mph.

Hurricane Watch – will be issued for specific coastal areas warning that hurricane conditions of sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within 36 hours.  Evacuation notices will follow in category 1 (coastal) storm surge zones.  If you plan to evacuate you must evacuate before the winds reach 60 mph.

Hurricane Warning – A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher, assoiciated with a hurricane, are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.  Evacuation notices will follow in category 1 (coastal) storm surge zones.  If you plan to evacuate you must evacuate before the winds reach 60 mph.

Related Considerations and Information

Storm Surge and Evacuation Notices - Evacuation notices are usually issued only as related to storm surge conditions.  Expected hurricane wind evacuations are not normally issued.  Storm Surge is an abnormal rise of the sea along a shore as the result, primarily, of the winds of a storm.

Following a Tropical Storm Warning – If you plan to leave, begin preparations now.  Stay tuned to local and national weather advisories at all times.  Begin to take the necessary steps to protect your property.  Follow your Storm Preparation Plan at this point.  If you plan to evacuate, You must evacuate before the winds reach 60 mph.

Following a Hurricane Warning – Stay tuned to local and national weather advisories at all times. Specific Storm Surge Zone Category evacuations will be ongoing.  Once winds become over 60 mph evacuations will usually be too unsafe to attempt.  With winds over 60 mph, the recommendation will be to sit tight, it is too late and unsafe to leave.  Be aware emergency calls, 911, will not be responded to after winds reach speeds of 60 mph.  Prepare to be “On Your Own” for a minimum of 72 hours, and without electricity for up to 5 – 10 days.  Your Storm Plan for protecting your property should be completed by this time.

See “Why Install Now” for reasons to act before a hurricane arrives.

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