WEATHER TERMS
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH - Thunderstorms
are expected in the area
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - A thunderstorm is in the area which may produce
high winds, hail, dangerous lightning, and/or tornadoes. Take cover immediately.
TORNADO WATCH - Weather conditions exist
in which tornadoes may develop.
TORNADO WARNING - A tornado has been detected; take shelter immediately.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH - Flash floods are
possible due to high rainfall amounts.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING - Flash flooding is occurring. Do not cross flooded areas.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION - Conditions similar
to tropical storms but with winds less than 39 mph.
TROPICAL STORM - Similar to a hurricane but with winds ranging from 39 to 73
mph.
HURRICANE - A severe cyclonic storm,
sometimes 500 miles across, with winds exceeding 73 mph.
CATEGORY 1 - 74-95 mph winds with a 4- to 5-foot storm surge.
CATEGORY 2 - 96-110 mph winds with a 6- to 8-foot storm surge.
CATEGORY 3 - 111-130 mph winds with a 9- to 12-foot storm surge.
CATEGORY 4 - 131-155 mph winds with a 13- to 18-foot storm surge.
CATEGORY 5 - 156 mph winds and above with a 19-foot storm surge and above.
STORM SURGE - An abnormally high tide caused by a hurricane. The cause of most
deaths during a hurricane.
HURRICANE SEASON - The period of June 1 through November 30, during which
hurricanes are most likely to develop.
HURRICANE WATCH - A hurricane is advancing and conditions are favorable for a
hurricane to strike.
HURRICANE WARNING - A hurricane is expected to reach a coastal area within the
next 24 hours.
HIGH WIND WARNING - Sustained winds of at
least 40 mph lasting at least one hour are imminent.
GALE WARNING - Wind speed of 39-54 mph expected.
FREEZING RAIN OR DRIZZLE - Expected rain
is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground, putting a coating of ice
or glaze on roads and all exposed surfaces.
ICE STORM - A substantial layer of ice is expected to accumulate from freezing
rain.
HEAVY SNOW WARNING - A snowfall of four
inches or more is expected in a 12-hour period, or a fall of six inches or more
is expected in a 24-hour period. Variations of these rules may be used in
different parts of the country depending on what the normal snowfall is.
BLIZZARD WARNING - Winds with speeds of at least 35 mph are accompanied by
considerable falling or blowing snow. Temperatures of 20o F or lower are expected
for an extended period of time.
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