Hurricane Terms:

Tropical Disturbance - An area of organized clouds generally 100 to 300 miles in diameter, originating in the tropics or subtropics & maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.

Tropical Depression - A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

Tropical Storm - A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 39 mph (34 knots) or more.

Sustained Wind - The mean wind speed in miles per hour or knots occurring during any one-minute span.

Storm Surge - An abnormal rise in sea level produced by a hurricane. Storm surges can be from 4 feet above normal to as high as 20 feet or more. Waves still continue above the storm surge. this combination of high water and strong seas can be deadly. The storm surge accounts for the most deaths during a hurricane.

Hurricane Watch - An announcement for an area that a hurricane or hurricane conditions may pose a threat to coastal areas, generally within 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning - A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher associated with a hurricane are expected within 24 hours or less.