Hurricane watch: what it means and what to do
“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.”
weather.gov →Hurricane Watches in effect right now
No Hurricane Watches in effect right now.
National Weather Service data, updated Nov 2, 2026, 9:44 PM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →
What to do now
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. The Eastern Pacific season runs May 15 to November 30.
- A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible. A warning means they are expected and is issued 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated.
- Find your evacuation zone now. If you are in a mandatory zone and officials say leave, go immediately.
- Storm surge has historically been the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S., so take your surge risk seriously.
From our hurricane preparedness checklist guide, which links every source.
Watch, warning or advisory?
Each in the National Weather Service's own words.
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.”
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.”
Tropical Storm Watch
“Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.”
Storm Surge Watch
“There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours.”
A watch is the time to finish getting ready: know your evacuation zone, check your supplies and secure outdoor items. NWS says to listen closely to local officials and evacuate if told to do so.
Get ready before the next one
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