- Tropical Disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics.
- Tropical Depression: An area of low pressure, counter-clockwise rotation of clouds, and winds to 38 mph.
- Tropical Storm: A low pressure area with wind speeds increasing to 39-73 mph. A storm is given a name at his point.
- Hurricane: When a tropical storm reaches winds of 74 mph or greater, it is classified as a hurricane.
- Advisory: A dissemination of hurricane and storm data issued every 6 hours.
- Special Advisory: A notice given anytime there is a significant change in weather conditions or warnings.
- Intermediate Advisory: A report updating a regular advisory information every 2 to 3 hours, as necessary.
- Gale Warning: Wind speeds of 39-54 mph expected
- Storm Warning: Wind speeds of 55-73 mph expected.
- Hurricane Watch: A hurricane may threaten your area within 36 hours.
- Hurricane Warning: A hurricane expected do strike your area within 24 hours or less.
- Tornado Watch: Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible for your area.
- Tornado Warning: Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible for your area.
- Storm Surge: The low pressures and strong winds associated with hurricanes and tropical storms cause the sea level to rise above normal tidal heights, giant waves, and unpredictable currents over a 50 mile area.