Tropical weather terms
Published: Friday, June 1, 2012 at 2:04 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, June 1, 2012 at 2:04 p.m.
TROPICAL DISTURBANCE: First stage of unstable weather that may develop into a hurricane.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION: The tropical activity has a low-pressure area that could become a hurricane. Highest wind speed is 38 mph.
TROPICAL STORM: Wind speeds of 39-73 mph. Low-pressure area is well-defined by rotating circulation.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that a tropical storm poses a threat within 36 hours.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Tropical storm is expected within 24 hours.
HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that a hurricane is expected within 36 hours.
HURRICANE WARNING: A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. Because of the erratic nature of hurricanes, the warning could come only a few hours before.
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