Hurricane Advisories and Warnings

Updated May 8, 2019 | Infoplease Staff

Thanks to modern detection and tracking devices, the National Weather Service can usually provide 12 to 24 hours of advance warning. Advisories are issued by the Weather Service if NOAA hurricanes approach land.

A “hurricane watch” is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to coastal areas. Everyone in the area covered by the “watch” should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a hurricane warning is issued.

A “hurricane warning” is issued when hurricane winds of 74 miles an hour or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in a specific coastal area within 24 hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately.