The National Weather Service declares different levels of concern about potentially dangerous weather conditions, depending on rainfall, wind speed and temperature reports.
But if you're not sure what to glean from those different designations, here's some guidance.
The short version is that forecasters say:
- A "watch" means "be prepared."
- An "advisory" means "be aware."
- A "warning" means "take action!"
The National Weather Service says a tropical storm watch is put in place when a storm containing winds of 39 to 73 mph poses a threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge and flooding. A watch does not mean such conditions will occur, only that they are possible.
A tropical storm warning indicates a higher level of threat — storm conditions, including winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within 36 hours.
A tropical storm gets upgraded to a hurricane when wind speeds reach 74 mph.
A flood advisory is issued "when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning," but also adds that "if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property."
A flood warning is the most serious level — and the National Weather Service says that means flooding is imminent or occurring.
A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
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