A HURRICANE WATCH indicates that hurricane conditions could arrive in the watch area
within 36 hours. A watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan and protective measures
should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time, such as securing a boat or
leaving limited-access or low-laying areas.
A HURRICANE WARNING indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour
are expected within 24 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should
be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding on the safest location to be
during the storm.