Storm surge warning: what it means and what to do
“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.”
weather.gov →Storm Surge Warnings in effect right now
No Storm Surge Warnings 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.
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.”
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.”
The National Hurricane Center says storm surge is currently the leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes. If you are under a storm surge warning, check for evacuation orders from your local officials and leave if told to.
Get ready before the next one
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