Hurricane Warning: what it means
“Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.”
weather.gov →Hurricane Warnings in effect right now
No Hurricane Warnings in effect right now.
National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:45 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →
Watch, warning or advisory?
Each in the National Weather Service's own words.
Hurricane Warning
“Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.”
Hurricane Watch
“Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area. Because it may not be safe to prepare for a hurricane once winds reach tropical storm force, The NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical storm-force winds.”
Tropical Storm Warning
“Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.”
Storm Surge Warning
“There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours. If you are under a storm surge warning, check for evacuation orders from your local officials.”
Get ready before the next one
Also: Portable generator safety · Go-bag checklist
Gear: Generators · Water storage containers · Portable power stations
Other storms alerts
A calm checklist before the season's storms
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