Know the terminology: Hurricanes, storms, depressions

Tropical cyclone: This reference applies to many storms that involve revolving clouds that are born out of the tropics and subtropics. A tropical cyclone can describe a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane. The storms are distinguished by wind speeds.

Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with wind speeds of 38 mph or less

Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph

Hurricanes: A tropical cyclone with wind speeds reaching at least 74 mph. Specific category strengths of hurricanes are defined by wind speeds.

Category 1: 74 – 95 mph

Category 2: 96 – 110 mph 

Category 3: 111 – 129 mph 

Category 4: 130 -156 mph 

Category 5: More than 156 mph

Storm surge: Rising water forced inland. Storm surges can be deadly, and are often considered the most dangerous feature of tropical cyclones.

Watches: Issued 48 hours before possible weather conditions

Warnings: Issued 36 hours before expected weather conditions

Sources: National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

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