1. Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning

One of the most important distinctions to understand is between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning.

• Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. It’s a heads-up to start preparing.
• Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. By this point, you should have your emergency plan ready and take immediate action.

Pronunciation tip:
Watch rhymes with match, and warning has a clear “r” sound in the middle, making it different from “waning.”

2. Storm Surge

A storm surge refers to the rise in sea levels during a hurricane, which can lead to flooding. It’s one of the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane. When authorities warn of a storm surge, it’s crucial to move to higher ground.

Pronunciation tip:
“Surge” sounds like “merge,” with a soft “g” sound at the end.

3. Evacuation Order

An evacuation order is an official directive telling residents to leave an area for safety. These orders are usually given when there’s a high risk of flooding, wind damage, or other dangers.

Do: Follow evacuation orders immediately to avoid being stuck in dangerous conditions.
Don’t: Wait until the last minute to leave; roads can become congested, and resources like gas and food may become scarce.

Pronunciation tip:
The word evacuation is pronounced ee-VAK-yoo-ay-shun. Focus on the “vak” sound to ensure clarity.

4. Shelter

A shelter is a safe place where you can stay during a hurricane if you’re unable to evacuate. Local governments typically open emergency shelters for residents who don’t have a safe place to go.

Do: Identify your nearest shelter before hurricane season.
Don’t: Assume your home is safe if it’s in a flood zone or an area prone to storm surge.

Pronunciation tip:
The word shelter is pronounced SHEL-ter. The “ter” is soft, similar to the word “better.”

5. Tropical Storm

Before a storm reaches hurricane strength, it is classified as a tropical storm. These storms can still cause damage, so it’s important not to ignore warnings about them.

Pronunciation tip:
The word tropical is pronounced TROP-i-kal. The “trop” sounds like “crop,” with emphasis on the first syllable.