Tropical Disturbance:An area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintain its identity for at least 24 hours. A very common phenomenon in the tropics. Tropical Depression:An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph or less. Tropical Storm:An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 39 to 73 mph. Tropical Storm Watch:Tropical storm conditions are POSSIBLE in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. Tropical Storm Warning:Tropical storm conditions are EXPECTED in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. Hurricane:An intense tropical system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. Hurricane Watch:Hurricane condition are POSSIBLE in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours. Hurricane Warning:Hurricane condition are EXPECTED in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours. Small Craft Advisory:When a hurricane moves within a few hundred miles of the coast, small-craft owners should not venture out into the open ocean. |