Know your alerts
Hurricane Watch vs Hurricane Warning
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible; a warning means they are expected. Their usual 48-hour and 36-hour lead times are measured before anticipated tropical-storm-force winds, not hurricane-force winds or landfall. Follow local evacuation instructions immediately.
The watch
What a hurricane watch means
A hurricane watch signals that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are possible in the specified area. Watches are generally issued 48 hours before anticipated tropical-storm-force winds. This earlier reference point allows preparation before outdoor work becomes unsafe.
The warning
What a hurricane warning means
A hurricane warning signals that hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area. Warnings are generally issued 36 hours before anticipated tropical-storm-force winds. Finish preparations promptly and follow official instructions.
At a glance
Hurricane alert levels and timing
| Alert | Meaning | Timing reference | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm Watch | Tropical-storm conditions possible | Within 48 hours | Monitor official guidance and prepare |
| Tropical Storm Warning | Tropical-storm conditions expected | Within 36 hours | Follow official protective instructions |
| Hurricane Watch | Hurricane conditions possible | Generally 48 hours before anticipated tropical-storm-force winds | Prepare and follow local evacuation instructions |
| Hurricane Warning | Hurricane conditions expected | Generally 36 hours before anticipated tropical-storm-force winds | Complete preparations; evacuate immediately if ordered |
Evacuation
Why this is not an evacuation countdown
Neither alert guarantees a safe travel window. Do not wait for a warning, landfall, or a particular wind speed if officials direct you to leave. Local emergency management determines evacuation instructions for the hazards and routes affecting your area.
Take action
What to do when a storm threatens
Check your local National Weather Service office and emergency management updates. Review your evacuation route and destination, allow time to pack and notify others, and secure windows while it is safe to do so. Leave immediately if ordered. HurriTrack is a supplementary information tool, not an official warning or evacuation authority.
FAQ
Common questions
Does a hurricane warning give me 36 hours to evacuate?
No. Follow local evacuation instructions immediately; a warning is not a guaranteed safe travel window.
Where should I check what to do?
Use your local National Weather Service and emergency management updates for current instructions.
Next
Build your plan with the hurricane prep checklist. To see what the forecast cone does and doesn't show, read what the cone of uncertainty means, and for why water is the bigger threat, see storm surge vs. flooding.
Sources
Every safety-critical and quantitative claim on this page is drawn from these primary sources. Guidance can change — follow your local emergency management for decisions where you are.
- Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches, Warnings, Advisories and Outlooks — NOAA / National Weather Service. https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww
- Hurricane Safety: During a Hurricane Threat — NOAA / National Weather Service. https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-action
- NHC Glossary of Terms — NOAA / National Hurricane Center. https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml
HurriTrack is an independent guide for general awareness and is not an official source. For any safety decision, follow NHC, the National Weather Service and your local emergency management.