Michael Petruccelli says; According to the U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service -
A
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch:
Hurricane/tropical
storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually
within 48 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds.
Saffir–Simpson
Hurricane Scale states these wind speeds-
Tropical
Storm (39 mph sustained winds up to 73 mph)
Hurricane
Category 1 (74 mph sustained winds up to 95 mph)
Hurricane
Category 2 (96 mph sustained winds up to 110 mph)
Hurricane
Category 3 (111 mph sustained winds up to 129 mph)
Hurricane
Category 4 (130 mph sustained winds up to 156 mph)
Hurricane
Category 5 (157 mph sustained winds plus)
During
a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from
local officials.
When in a Watch Area…
1. Frequently listen to radio, TV or
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for official bulletins of the storm’s progress.
2. Fuel and service family vehicles.
3. Inspect and secure mobile home tie
downs.
4. Ensure you have extra cash on hand.
5. Prepare to cover all windows and
doors with
shutters or other shielding materials.
6. Check batteries and stock up on
canned food,
first aid supplies, drinking water and
medications.
7. Bring in light-weight objects such
as garbage
cans,
garden tools, toys, lawn furniture and potted plants.
Plan to Leave if
You...
1. Live in a mobile home. They are
unsafe in high winds no matter how well fastened to the ground.
2. Live on the coastline, an offshore
island or near a river or a flood plain.
3. Live in a high rise building.
Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
