Tropical storm warning: what it means and what to do
“Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.”
weather.gov →Tropical Storm Warnings in effect right now
No Tropical Storm Warnings in effect right now.
National Weather Service data, updated Nov 2, 2026, 9:41 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.
Tropical Storm Warning
“Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.”
Tropical Storm Watch
“Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.”
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 storms are below hurricane strength but still bring damaging wind, flooding rain and power outages, and NWS says their effects can span hundreds of miles from the center. Follow your local officials' instructions.
Get ready before the next one
Also: Flood preparedness · Power outage checklist
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