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Terms you should know
Flood Watch : High flow or overflow of water from a river is possible in the given time period. It can also apply to heavy runoff or drainage of water into low-lying areas. These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.
Flood Warning : Flooding conditions are actually occurring or are imminent in the warning area.
Flash Flood Watch : Flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.
Flash Flood Warning : Flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or ice jam.
Tornado Watch : Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
Tornado Warning : A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch : Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning : A severe thunderstorm has actually been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Tropical Storm Watch : Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds from 39 to 73 mph are possible in the watch area within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning : Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch : Hurricane conditions (sustained winds greater than 73 mph) are possible in the watch area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning : Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area in 24 hours or less.
