Storm Surge Warning

• A Storm Surge Warning is issued when there is a danger of life-threatening flooding from rising water levels moving inland from the ocean, usually within 36 hours. People in affected areas should take immediate action to protect life and property.

Hurricane Warning

• A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher (Category 1 or stronger) are expected in an area, typically within 36 hours. It also includes the threat of dangerous storm surges, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. Immediate preparations should be completed, and evacuation orders followed.

Tropical Storm Warning

• A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (63 to 118 km/h) are expected in an area, typically within 36 hours. While less intense than hurricanes, tropical storms can still cause flooding, wind damage, and dangerous conditions.

Storm Surge Watch

• A Storm Surge Watch is issued when the risk of life-threatening inundation from rising water levels is possible, usually within 48 hours. This watch alerts residents to the potential for storm surge and the need to prepare for flooding.

Hurricane Watch

• A Hurricane Watch is issued when hurricane-force winds (74 mph or higher) are possible in an area within 48 hours. It indicates that people should start preparing for potential hurricane impacts, including securing property and reviewing evacuation plans.

Tropical Storm Watch

• A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical storm-force winds (39 to 73 mph) are possible within an area in the next 48 hours. Residents should monitor the storm's progress and begin preparations in case the storm strengthens or the warning is upgraded.

Main Development Region

• The MDR stands for the Main Development Region in the Atlantic.

  It’s the stretch of tropical Atlantic Ocean between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean (roughly from 10°–20°N latitude, 20°W–60°W longitude).

  This area is important because:

  • Sea surface temperatures there are usually warm enough to fuel storms.
  • Atmospheric conditions (like low wind shear) are often favorable.
  • Most Cape Verde-type hurricanes—long-tracking, powerful storms—form in this region.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues regular advisories for tropical storms and hurricanes. Here’s how often they provide updates:

1. Regular Advisories:

   • Issued every 6 hours at the following times (in Eastern Time):
     • 5:00 AM
     • 11:00 AM
     • 5:00 PM
     • 11:00 PM

2. Intermediate Advisories:

   • Issued every 3 hours if a tropical storm or hurricane is close to land or if a hurricane watch or warning is in effect.
   • Typically released at:
     • 2:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:00 PM (Eastern Time).

3. Special Advisories:

   • Released as needed if there is a significant change in the storm’s strength, track, or other important characteristics outside of the regular advisory times.

This schedule ensures that the NHC provides timely updates, especially when the storm is nearing land or conditions are rapidly changing.

General Information Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as official guidance or warnings related to hurricanes or tropical storms. Users should always follow the recommendations and orders of official sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC), local authorities, and emergency services.

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While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented on this site, no guarantee is made that the information is completely current or error-free. Forecasts and models can change rapidly, and users are encouraged to consult multiple sources for the latest updates.

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Forecasting Uncertainty Disclaimer

Hurricane and tropical storm forecasting is inherently uncertain. Users are advised that conditions may change unexpectedly, and forecasts should not be solely relied upon for decision-making. Always be prepared to act on official alerts.

Usage for Personal Reference Only

The information on this site is intended for personal reference only. It should not be used for commercial purposes or relied upon in place of official storm advisories, evacuation notices, or emergency preparedness measures.

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Weather models, including spaghetti models and forecast cones, are visual representations of potential outcomes. These models do not predict exact impacts, and users should consider the full range of potential weather conditions when preparing for a storm.