Use a watch to finish planning. Use a warning to finish protective action and follow local instructions before strong winds begin.
| Alert | What it means | When it is issued |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane watch | Sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or more are possible in the area | 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin |
| Hurricane warning | Sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or more are expected in the area | 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin |
| Tropical storm watch | Sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are possible in the area | Within 48 hours |
| Tropical storm warning | Sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are expected in the area | Within 36 hours |
| Storm surge watch | Life-threatening inundation from rising water is possible in the area | Generally within 48 hours |
| Storm surge warning | Life-threatening inundation from rising water is expected in the area | Generally within 36 hours |
Why the wording matters
A hurricane watch is generally issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin. A hurricane warning is generally issued 36 hours before those winds begin. These lead times refer to hazardous winds, not the arrival of the center.
What should you do?
During a watch, review your evacuation zone, supplies and plan. During a warning, finish preparations and follow local officials. If ordered to evacuate, follow the designated route and timing.
A warning is specific to an area
Read the affected locations and time window in the actual bulletin. A nearby city may have different conditions, and alerts can continue after a cyclone loses tropical status.
Tropical storm watch and warning
A tropical storm watch means sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are possible in the area within 48 hours. A tropical storm warning means those winds are expected within 36 hours. A hurricane watch or warning covers the stronger case, sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or more, and the National Hurricane Center can issue each of these for a tropical, subtropical or post-tropical cyclone.
Storm surge watch and warning
Storm surge has its own watch and warning, because rising water is the hazard that hurricane category does not measure. A storm surge watch means life-threatening inundation is possible in the area, generally within 48 hours. A storm surge warning means it is expected, generally within 36 hours. Either can be issued earlier when tropical-storm-force winds are expected soon enough to limit the time available for evacuations.
A warning can outlast the wind
A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water, or a combination of dangerously high water and waves, continues even though winds have fallen below hurricane force. Do not treat a drop in wind speed as the end of the warning. Wait for the National Hurricane Center and your local officials to cancel it.
A watch does not mean conditions are happening now, and a warning does not mean every location will receive the same impacts. The official area and timing define each alert.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Common questions
What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?
A watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area. A warning means hurricane conditions are expected.
How long before a hurricane is a watch or a warning issued?
A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin, and a hurricane warning 36 hours before, according to the National Hurricane Center.
What is the difference between a tropical storm warning and a hurricane warning?
A tropical storm warning means sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are expected within 36 hours. A hurricane warning means sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or more are expected.
What is a storm surge watch or warning?
A storm surge watch means life-threatening inundation from rising water is possible in the area, generally within 48 hours. A storm surge warning means it is expected, generally within 36 hours.
Can a hurricane warning stay in effect after the winds drop?
Yes. The National Hurricane Center says a hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continues, even if winds are less than hurricane force.
What should I do for a hurricane watch and for a warning?
Use a watch to finish planning. Use a warning to finish protective action and follow local instructions before strong winds begin.
Sources
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on September 27, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.