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Hurricane Terms

Here are some common hurricane-related terms used by weathercasters and forecasters. Hurricane season runs from June through November.
  • 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 conditions are POSSIBLE in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours.
  • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions 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.

Related Links

Disasterassistance.gov 

ready.gov/hurricanes 

FEMA 

Floodsmart.gov 

Get a Game Plan 

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hr 

Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-7500
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Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness