Tropical Disturbance	A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.
Tropical Depression:	Rotary circulation at surface, highest constant wind speed of 38 mph (33 knots).
Tropical Storm:	Distinct rotary circulation with constant wind speed ranges from 39-73 mph (34-63 knots).
Hurricane:	Pronounced rotary circulation with constant wind speed of 74 mph (64 knots) or more.
Gale Warnings:	May be issued when winds of 39-54 mph (34-47 knots) are expected.
Tropical Storm Watch:	Tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning:	Tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch:	Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning:	Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning within 24 hours.
Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale
Category ONE	Wind 74-95 mph: No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Expect some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
Category TWO	Winds 96-110 mph: Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Category THREE	Winds 111-130 mph: Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain wall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain lower than 5 feet above sea level may be flooded inland 8 or more miles.
Category FOUR	Winds 131-155 mph: More extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.
Category FIVE	Winds greater than 155 mph: Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shore line may be required.
Previous Hurricanes