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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale |
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Tropical Classifications | |
By international agreement, Tropical Cyclone is the general term for all cyclone circulations originating over tropical waters. They are classified by form and intensity as follows: | |
Tropical Wave | |
A trough of low pressure in the trade-wind easterlies. | |
Tropical Disturbance | |
A moving area of thunderstorms in the Tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more. A common phenomenon in the tropics. | |
Tropical Depression | |
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 38 mph (33 knots) or less. | |
Tropical Storm | |
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind ranges from 39-73 mph (34-63 knots) inclusive. | |
Hurricane | |
A tropical cyclone in which maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph (64 knots) or greater. | |
Small Craft Cautionary Statements | |
When a tropical cyclone threatens a coastal area, small craft operators are advised to remain in port or not to venture into the open sea. | |
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Tropical Storm Watch | |
Is issued for a coastal area when there is the threat of tropical storm conditions within 36 hours. | |
Tropical Storm Warning | |
A warning for tropical storm conditions including sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) which are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less. | |
Hurricane Watch | |
An announcement that hurricane conditions pose a possible threat to a specified coastal area within 36 hours. | |
Hurricane Warning | |
A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less. | |
Storm Surge | |
An abnormal rise of the sea along a shore as the result, primarily, of the winds of a storm. | |
Flash Flood Watch | |
Means that flash flood conditions are possible within the designated watch area - be alert. | |
Flash Flood Warning | |
Means a flash flood has been reported or is imminent - take immediate action. | |
A weaker system than early this week will move through the area tonight bringing a shot at some scattered showers and storms. In general a great stretch of weather is building for the next seven days.
More >>A weaker system than early this week will move through the area tonight bringing a shot at some scattered showers and storms. In general a great stretch of weather is building for the next seven days.
More >>The WECT Weather app has many features you can use every day to keep you and your family ahead of changing weather conditions; lightning and severe weather alerts, ability to watch live severe weather coverage and a forecast that is updated numerous times daily by your First Alert Weather team.
More >>The WECT Weather app has many features you can use every day to keep you and your family ahead of changing weather conditions; lightning and severe weather alerts, ability to watch live severe weather coverage and a forecast that is updated numerous times daily by your First Alert Weather team.
More >>North Carolina Severe Weather Awareness Week runs March 4-10 in 2018.
More >>North Carolina Severe Weather Awareness Week runs March 4-10 in 2018.
More >>The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was horrific by almost any measure.
More >>The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was horrific by almost any measure.
More >>The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado touched down near Shallotte Monday.
More >>The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado touched down near Shallotte Monday.
More >>