What Does a Hurricane Watch Warning Mean?

A hurricane watch is a warning issued by meteorologists at the U. S. Weather Bureau.

When a hurricane is headed toward a coastline, it is considered a threat to that area and the inland regions bordering it. A hurricane watch is then issued.

This doesn’t mean that the area will definitely be hit by the hurricane. It is a warning that everyone in the area should look for signs of the storm and be prepared to act quickly if a definite warning is given.

A hurricane watch is issued in areas where 74 mile an hour winds (or greater) are expected. A hurricane watch is never issued more that 24 hours in advance of the storm, and some give only several hours advance notice.