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Severe Weather Watches And Warnings Definitions 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. |
Last Updated: Friday, 22-Oct-2004 13:16:14 EDT |
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