Merritt Island Severe Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
Select the Advisory Below for Details
Begins: 5:00 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025Expires: 1:00 AM Sun, Sep 28, 2025Begins: 12:01 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025Expires: 6:30 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025Begins: 5:00 AM Sun, Sep 28, 2025Expires: 5:00 AM Tue, Sep 30, 2025
TROPICAL STORM WATCH
Begins: 5:00 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025
Expires: 1:00 AM Sun, Sep 28, 2025
* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
* STORM SURGE
- No storm surge inundation forecast
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm
surge flooding
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding.
Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip
currents are possible.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding
are needed.
- ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor
forecasts.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding.
* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally
higher amounts
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.
* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms
with gusty winds may still occur.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect
against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest
tornado situation.
- ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.
TROPICAL CYCLONE STATEMENT
Begins: 12:01 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025
Expires: 6:30 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025
HLSMLB
This product covers East Central Florida
**Tropical Storm Watch Now In Effect For Coastal Portions of
East-Central Florida**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Indian
River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia,
Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern
Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Indian River,
Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Mainland
Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard
Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 520 miles south-southeast of Cape Canaveral FL or about
440 miles southeast of Stuart FL
- 22.0N 76.2W
- Storm Intensity 35 mph
- Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 6 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
At 11 AM, Tropical Depression Nine was located about 115 miles
south of the Central Bahamas and movement was toward the northwest at
6 mph. The system is forecast to organize into a Tropical Storm
tonight as it moves north-northwestward over the central and
northwestern Bahamas. It is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by
late Monday or Tuesday as it parallels the Atlantic coast of Florida.
Increasing moisture over the area and an approaching front are
forecast to produce scattered showers and lightning storms this
afternoon and evening, with some activity lingering into early Sunday
morning along the Space and Treasure Coasts. As the center of Tropical
Depression Nine moves northward, outer rain bands will begin to affect
the immediate coast of east-central Florida as early as midday Sunday.
Multiple rounds of rainfall are forecast from Sunday through at least
early Tuesday, with amounts of 1 to 3 inches focused along and east of
Interstate 95. Through Tuesday, locally higher amounts to 5 inches are
possible where persistent bands of rain set up, especially along the
immediate coastline. Localized flooding or ponding of water on
roadways is possible where repeated rounds of heavy rain occur.
With Tropical Depression Nine forecast to strengthen into a hurricane
as it parallels the east-central Florida coastline, the wind field is
also anticipated to slowly expand. Tropical-storm- force wind gusts
are possible for much of the east-central Florida coastline,
especially from Cape Canaveral northward. The potential exists for at
least occasional tropical-storm-force sustained winds along the
northern Brevard and Volusia coast, pending future track adjustments.
As a result, Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for coastal
portions of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin
counties, along with the adjacent Atlantic waters.
At the coast, battering surf from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday
will produce dangerous beach conditions. A high risk of rip currents
is forecast with breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet. Beach erosion is
increasingly likely as waves run up to the dune line or sea walls,
especially along the northern Brevard and Volusia coast on Monday.
Winds gradually turn offshore into Tuesday, but long-period swells
from this system and distant Hurricane Humberto look to produce the
potential for long-duration beach and dune erosion, along with high
surf conditions, through late week.
For locations in and near the Tropical Storm Watch, do not let your
guard down. Slight westward adjustments in the forecast track will
increase the potential for tropical-storm-force winds, while an
eastward shift would decrease this potential. Regardless of the exact
track, significant coastal impacts are anticipated. Now is the time to
ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and your safety plan is in
place. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National
Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida.
--------------------
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
coastal areas of east-central Florida. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or
heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges
and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
Elsewhere across East Central Florida, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across coastal areas of east-central Florida. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts
include:
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
closures.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.
When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
RIP CURRENT STATEMENT
Begins: 5:00 AM Sun, Sep 28, 2025
Expires: 5:00 AM Tue, Sep 30, 2025
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and
Martin Counties.
* WHEN...From late tonight through late Monday night.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH
Begins: 5:00 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025
Expires: 1:00 AM Sun, Sep 28, 2025
* WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * STORM SURGE - No storm surge inundation forecast - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little to no storm surge flooding - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding. Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip currents are possible. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations for storm surge flooding are needed. - ACT: Follow the instructions of local officials. Monitor forecasts. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from storm surge flooding. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for localized flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for localized flooding from heavy rain. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.
TROPICAL CYCLONE STATEMENT
Begins: 12:01 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025
Expires: 6:30 PM Sat, Sep 27, 2025
HLSMLB This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Watch Now In Effect For Coastal Portions of East-Central Florida** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Coastal Indian River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coastal Indian River, Coastal Martin, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Volusia, Mainland Northern Brevard, Mainland Southern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands * STORM INFORMATION: - About 520 miles south-southeast of Cape Canaveral FL or about 440 miles southeast of Stuart FL - 22.0N 76.2W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 6 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 11 AM, Tropical Depression Nine was located about 115 miles south of the Central Bahamas and movement was toward the northwest at 6 mph. The system is forecast to organize into a Tropical Storm tonight as it moves north-northwestward over the central and northwestern Bahamas. It is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by late Monday or Tuesday as it parallels the Atlantic coast of Florida. Increasing moisture over the area and an approaching front are forecast to produce scattered showers and lightning storms this afternoon and evening, with some activity lingering into early Sunday morning along the Space and Treasure Coasts. As the center of Tropical Depression Nine moves northward, outer rain bands will begin to affect the immediate coast of east-central Florida as early as midday Sunday. Multiple rounds of rainfall are forecast from Sunday through at least early Tuesday, with amounts of 1 to 3 inches focused along and east of Interstate 95. Through Tuesday, locally higher amounts to 5 inches are possible where persistent bands of rain set up, especially along the immediate coastline. Localized flooding or ponding of water on roadways is possible where repeated rounds of heavy rain occur. With Tropical Depression Nine forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it parallels the east-central Florida coastline, the wind field is also anticipated to slowly expand. Tropical-storm- force wind gusts are possible for much of the east-central Florida coastline, especially from Cape Canaveral northward. The potential exists for at least occasional tropical-storm-force sustained winds along the northern Brevard and Volusia coast, pending future track adjustments. As a result, Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for coastal portions of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin counties, along with the adjacent Atlantic waters. At the coast, battering surf from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday will produce dangerous beach conditions. A high risk of rip currents is forecast with breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet. Beach erosion is increasingly likely as waves run up to the dune line or sea walls, especially along the northern Brevard and Volusia coast on Monday. Winds gradually turn offshore into Tuesday, but long-period swells from this system and distant Hurricane Humberto look to produce the potential for long-duration beach and dune erosion, along with high surf conditions, through late week. For locations in and near the Tropical Storm Watch, do not let your guard down. Slight westward adjustments in the forecast track will increase the potential for tropical-storm-force winds, while an eastward shift would decrease this potential. Regardless of the exact track, significant coastal impacts are anticipated. Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and your safety plan is in place. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. -------------------- POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal areas of east-central Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across East Central Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal areas of east-central Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne FL around 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
RIP CURRENT STATEMENT
Begins: 5:00 AM Sun, Sep 28, 2025
Expires: 5:00 AM Tue, Sep 30, 2025
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin Counties. * WHEN...From late tonight through late Monday night. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.