Hurricane Watches and Warnings: What Do They Mean?

It's that time of year again. You know, the hurricane season. The weather reports are full of words like tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane, Saffir-Simpson scale, and of course the most dreaded of all for coastal residents, hurricane watch and hurricane warning.

Hurricane forecasting is, at best, difficult. The projected path of a hurricane is dependent on ever changing weather patterns. High pressure areas, low pressure areas, wind speed and direction on the surface, as well as in the upper atmosphere, all play roles in the path a hurricane will take. Tremendous progress has been made in recent years in the forecasting of hurricanes with even better forecasting abilities just on the horizon.

A hurricane watch is issued when the National Weather Service is fairly sure hurricane activity is possible in a certain area within thirty-six to forty-eight hours. This is the time to closely monitor your local weather reports. Take a walk around the outside of your home and secure anything that isn't a permanent outside fixture. Mobile home tie downs should be checked and tightened. Lawn furniture, toys, and waste receptacles should be brought inside or safely stored until after the storm. Fill your vehicles up with fuel. Take precautions for your boat. Check emergency survival kits to make sure they are updated and complete. Begin preparations to board or shutter windows. Make sure you have cash on hand. If the power goes out, ATMs won't work and any stores that are able to reopen won't have the ability to use credit or debit cards. Refill life sustaining medications.

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane activity is expected within twelve to twenty-four hours. This is the time to quickly finish any tasks begun when the watch was issued. If your area is recommended for evacuation, leave early. The last place you want to be during a hurricane is in your car stuck in traffic. If you aren't planning on leaving, stay inside your home and prepare for weather to worsen quickly. Move valuables to a higher floor if possible. Fill water containers, as well as the bath tub and washing machine. Turn the refrigerator to the coldest setting and keep the door closed as much as possible. Use the phone only when necessary. When the power goes out, use flashlights only. Candles cause fires.

After the storm has passed, assess damage carefully and make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage.

Using common sense and proven guideline will help keep you and your loved ones safe during the storm.