The difference between a hurricane watch vs warning is crucial for everyone living in areas receiving emergency alerts because of Hurricane Beryl. The ongoing hurricane has wreaked havoc in the Caribbean and is now poised to impact the Texas coast. By learning and analyzing different weather alerts, one can take the right actions to significantly reduce the risk to life and property.
If you are stuck in a place that is facing a constant power cut due to the ongoing Hurricane Beryl and are moving to a community shelter, you can take along Jackery Solar Generator to power up your important appliances, like two-way radio, portable induction cooktop, portable fan, CPAP machine, laptop, smartphones, LED lights, and more.
Key Takeaways
It is highly recommended for all to understand the differences between a hurricane watch vs a warning. This way, they can learn more about hurricane warning flags and make well-informed decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we are going to explore different aspects of hurricanes, including:
- A detailed comparison between hurricane watch vs warning.
- Different weather watches and warnings are issued by the government.
- Important tips to follow when hurricane watch and warnings are issued.
- Potential risks and damages caused by the hurricanes.
- And how the Jackery Solar Generator can help power 99% of household appliances.
Hurricane Beryl: Hurricane Warning Issued for Texas
As of July 2024, Hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of the Texas coast as Hurricane Beryl is expected to strengthen and make landfall. In the last weeks of June, Beryl had intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, resulting in at least 12 deaths in the Caribbean. According to Newsweek, the National Weather Service (NWS) has placed warnings from Baffin Bay to Sargent, with forecasts indicating landfall likely as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Acting Governor Dan Patrick has declared a preemptive disaster for 121 counties in preparation for the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge. Rainfall could reach up to 6 to 10 inches in the hardest-hit areas.
"Should that happen, it'll most likely be a Category 1 hurricane," Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, was quoted by The Associated Press.
So, considering that the NWS warns of life-threatening beach conditions that may cause rip currents along the Gulf Coast, it is highly important for all beachgoers to understand more about hurricane watch vs. warning and follow the lifeguard's advice.
Hurricane Watch Vs. Warning
When preparing for Hurricane Beryl or other hurricanes, it is crucial to know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. It is also very important to compare hurricane watch vs. warning, as it can be life-saving. These alerts are issued by the National Weather Service and are considered extremely important for individuals and communities.
Hurricane Watch
According to the NWS, hurricane conditions occur when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher occur within a specified area. The agency issues a hurricane watch when hurricane conditions are possible within that area. In most cases, hurricane watches are issued 48 hours before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, giving residents and communities ample time to prepare.
For instance, before Hurricane Beryl approached the Texas coast, the NWS issued a hurricane watch, signaling the residents and communities to start preparing for possible severe weather impacts.
Hurricane Warnings
In contrast to the Hurricane Watch, hurricane warnings indicate that hurricane conditions are expected in the next 36 hours. These warnings are issued in advance of the expected onset of tropical storm-force winds.
When NWS releases hurricane warning alerts, residents must take immediate action to protect their lives and property. At the same time, they should complete their emergency preparations and even evacuate from their homes if instructed by the local authorities.
Hurricane Watch vs Warning: Key Difference
The key difference between a hurricane watch and a warning lies in the level of certainty and immediacy. The hurricane watch alert is issued 48 hours in advance, during which time the NWS predicts that there might be a hurricane emergency in the region. In contrast, hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours in advance, and the NWS instructs the residents to take immediate action to save their lives.
Some of the key differences between a hurricane watch and a warning are:
|
Aspect |
Hurricane Watch |
Hurricane Warning |
|
Definition |
Indicates hurricane conditions are possible. |
Indicates hurricane conditions are expected. |
|
Issued |
48 hours before the anticipated onset of winds. |
36 hours before the anticipated onset of winds. |
|
Certainty |
Possible occurrence of hurricane conditions. |
Expected occurrence of hurricane conditions. |
|
Action |
Review emergency plans and secure property. |
Complete preparations and evacuate if instructed. |
|
Purpose |
Alert and encourage preparation. |
Signal the need for immediate action. |
More Weather Watches & Warnings
Apart from hurricane watches and warnings, meteorological agencies issue a variety of weather watches and warnings. Some of the common watches and warnings are related to tropical storms, storm surges, coastal floods, extreme wind, and floods. By responding appropriately to these weather-related alerts, residents can better protect themselves and minimize the impact of severe weather conditions.
Some of the most common weather watches and warnings are:
Tropical Storm Watch vs. Warning
Meteorological agencies issue a Tropical Storm Watch when tropical storm conditions, characterized by sustained winds of 39-73 mph, are possible within a specified area. Similar to a hurricane watch, a tropical storm watch is also issued within 48 hours and allows residents time to prepare by reviewing their emergency plans, gathering necessary supplies, and securing outdoor items.
As of July 2024, a tropical storm watch was issued before Hurricane Beryl approached Texas.
In contrast, Tropical Storm Warnings are issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. The meteorological agency issues this alert warning when the weather is likely to deteriorate rapidly, and residents are advised to take immediate action. During Tropical Storm Warnings, residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel.
Storm Surge Watch vs. Warning
The government issues a storm surge watch when there is a chance of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline in the next 48 hours. The officials issue such alerts to warn residents to start preparing for potential flooding. During this time, the residents are also urged to review their evacuation routes and consider relocating to higher ground.
Ahead of Hurricane Beryl's approach, a storm surge watch was in effect from the mouth of the Rio Grande northward to Sargent, Texas. This watch signaled that severe flooding along the coast could occur.
The department issues a storm surge warning when a similar life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline is expected within 36 hours. Similarly to other weather-related warnings, this warning also indicates that residents should immediately evacuate from low-lying areas and follow the local authorities to ensure safety.
Coastal Flood Watch vs. Warning
A Coastal Flood Watch is issued when coastal flooding is possible within the next 48 hours due to severe weather conditions. The departments' alerts help residents act appropriately, like moving their valuables to higher floors and preparing sandbags.
Officials issue a Coastal Flood Warning when coastal flooding is imminent. Such alerts advise residents to take immediate action to protect life and property, such as evacuating vulnerable areas and avoiding travel through flooded zones.
Flood Watch vs. Warning
Similarly to other watches, the government issues a Flood Watch when conditions are favorable for flooding within the next 48 hours. This watch alerts the public to the possibility of flooding and encourages them to monitor local conditions, prepare emergency kits for floods, and stay informed through weather updates.
In contrast to the watch, a Floor Warning is issued when a flood has already started wreaking havoc in the surroundings, and the danger is now imminent. This Flood Warning indicates that residents should take immediate action to protect themselves and their family members, including pets. As per the National Weather Service, during the Flood Warning, residents are advised to move to higher grounds and avoid driving through floodwaters.
Extreme Wind Watch vs. Warning
As per the NWS, an Extreme Wind Watch is issued for residents when extreme winds of 58 mph or higher are possible within the next 48 hours. This watch alerts residents to the potential for dangerous winds and encourages them to secure their outdoor items that may blow around in high winds. Residents are also advised to bring their pets inside so they stay protected from any flying debris.
An Extreme Wind Warning is issued when extreme winds are imminent or occurring. This warning signals that immediate action is required to protect life. As per the NWS, High Wind Warnings or Extreme Wind Warnings are issued when there is a sustained wind of 40 mph or higher for one hour or wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration in the next 36 hours.
How Long Is It Until Hurricane Watches and Warnings Are Issued
A Hurricane Watch is issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. Whereas Hurricane Warnings are issued 36 hours before the expected onset of tropical storm-force winds. As you can see, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issue Hurricane watches and warnings with specific timelines to ensure that the residents and communities have ample time to prepare and take strict actions.
Hurricane Watch Timing
A Hurricane Watch is issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. By alerting the residents and local authorities in advance, the NWS spread awareness to prepare for possible hurricane conditions. As per the expert, the 48-hour window is sufficient for the local authorities and residents to review their emergency plans, gather necessary supplies, and even consider potential evacuation routes.
Hurricane Warning Timing
A Hurricane Warning is issued 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected. The experts at NWS have designed this notice so that residents can complete their emergency preparations and take immediate protective actions, such as evacuating if instructed by their local authorities. It should be noted here that the shorter time frame from the NWS reflects the increased urgency of the impending hurricane conditions.
What To Do When Hurricane Watch or Warning Are Issued
When a hurricane watch or warning is issued, following all the guidelines instructed by your local authorities is crucial. Reviewing your emergency plan, securing your home, planning an evacuation (if needed), and gathering essentials like tool kits, first aid, and hand-crank radio are among the important things that you should do when such watches or warnings are issued.
Here are detailed tips for various scenarios that will help you take precautionary measures at the time of need:
What to do When a Hurricane Watch is Issued
When a hurricane watch is issued, you have 48 hours to take all the necessary steps. This is a crucial time to prepare and ensure that you are ready if the adverse conditions escalate.
Review Your Emergency Plan
The first and foremost thing you need to do is gather your family members and review your emergency plan. Discuss the plan's aspects with your family members and ensure that everyone is well-updated with any changes or procedures.
Secure Your Home
Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and any other objects that could become projectiles during high winds. Always ensure that you secure the windows with storm shutters or plywood.
Check Supplies
The moment the hurricane watch is issued, check the quantity of food and water you have in case things escalate. You can also include a Jackery Solar Generator as a portable power source to keep your essential electronics charged in case of an extended power outage.
Stay Informed
Ensure you have NOAA Weather Radio or your devices receive the latest alerts from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service or local news. Be prepared if a hurricane warning is issued.
What to Do When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued
When a hurricane is imminent, the NWS issues a hurricane warning. This warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours, and immediate action is required to protect life and property.
Complete Preparations
Escalate the review of your emergency plan and finish securing your home. Gather all the emergency supplies, like a first-aid kit, baby food, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and more. Always double-check that all the windows and doors are securely fastened and that you have brought in all of your house pets.
Evacuate If Ordered
If your local authorities deem it necessary for you all to evacuate your property, do not delay; leave immediately. Always follow the recommended evacuation routes and avoid shortcuts, as debris may block or flood them.
Stay Indoors
If you are not in the evacuation zone, then always stay indoors and away from windows and doors. In case of power cuts, you can use Jackery Solar Generator to power essential devices, like CPAP machines, flashlight batteries, laptops, two-way radios, smartphones, and more.
Maintain Communications
Always ensure your smartphone is fully charged and you use a hand-crank radio to communicate with your loved ones or the local authorities.
Evacuation Plan for Hurricane
Most of the residents and community shelters have specific evacuation plans for hurricanes. Remember that a well-thought-out evacuation plan can help you save lives and properties.
- Identify Evacuation Routes:When a hurricane watch is issued, and it is safe to leave your house, make sure you note down the location of evacuation routes. Try to have multiple options in case one route is blocked.
- Prepare Your Vehicle:Ensure that your primary car is in good working condition, has a full tank of gas, and has been filled with emergency supplies, such as food, water, and a first aid kit.
- Inform Family & Friends:Always keep someone outside the family in the loop about your whereabouts. Share your personal details and ID card information with close family members so they will know where you are going and how to reach you in case of any emergency.
Emergency Supplies for Hurricane
Even if the hurricane watch is issued, make sure that you are preparing the emergency supplies for the entire family. It is highly advisable to add supplies to sustain your family for at least three days.
- Basic Supplies:Water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and personal hygiene items, like soaps, handwash, sanitizer, baby wipes, and more.
- Tools & Safety Items:A multi-tool, flashlight, spare batteries for flashlight, a first aid kit, and a whistle to signal for help.
- Power & Communication:Two-way radios and smartphones can be your primary communication devices. A Jackery Solar Generator can be a reliable power backup solution for charging and powering important emergency appliances.
- Personal Items:Important documents in a waterproof container, extra cash, and any prescription-based medications.
Communication Plan for Hurricane
Having a communication plan is equally important as it helps the close family and friends to learn about your whereabouts during hurricane-related emergencies.
- Designate an Out-of-Town Contact:Try to choose someone outside your local area to be the central point of contact for your family in case of any emergency.
- Family Communication:Ensure that all family members know how to send and receive emergency texts. Install microchips in your pets' leashes or belts so they can easily be tracked down.
- Stay Informed:Use local news, weather apps, and social media for real-time updates from the meteorological departments.
Jackery Solar Generators for Emergencies
Jackery is a renowned solar brand that manufactures high-quality solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. The Jackery Portable Power Stations can be recharged with the help of Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, wall outlets, and car chargers. When the solar panels are unfolded and placed under sunlight, the PV cells absorb the sunlight and produce DC electricity.
The pure sine wave inverter then converts to AC electricity suitable for charging appliances. The Jackery Solar Generators are portable, compact, and powerful solar-powered generators that can charge essential appliances during hurricane power outages. You can even carry them in your vehicles when evacuating to a safer place.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large solar-powered generator that can charge 99% of essential appliances, such as TVs, radios, CPAP machines, refrigerators, induction cooktops, etc. It also features a portable design, a foldable handle, and a pull rod to move the solar generator anywhere you want and keep charging the appliances. If you live in an area where the local authorities have declared long-term power outages, the large solar generator will ensure you never run out of power.
Appliances Running Time
- Mini Refrigerator (100W) = 25.7H
- CPAP Machine (60W) = 42.8H
- LED Lights (10W) = 257.0H
- TV (150W) = 17.1H
- Induction Cooktop (1100W) = 2.3H
Customer Review
"All I can say is it ran my refrigerator for 12 hours and only got down to 60%. That's without solar panels. Also ran my PC (lots of social media videos), Xbox, and fan on another day, and it got down to 12%. Pretty impressed." -- Rhys Adams.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another solar-powered generator that can charge 99% of household or outdoor appliances whenever needed. You can charge household appliances during power outages or carry the solar generator in your vehicle wherever you are evacuating. What makes the solar-powered generator different from others is its expandable nature. With the help of additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, the battery capacity can be expanded up to 24kWh.
Appliances Running Time
- Mini Refrigerator (100W) = 17.3H
- CPAP Machine (60W) = 28.9H
- LED Lights (10W) = 173.6H
- TV (150W) = 11.5H
- Induction Cooktop (1100W) = 1.5H
Customer Review
"Love the feel. Great build quality and length are just right. I will be sticking with Jackery products and recommend them." -- Carlos.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
If you're looking for a compact charging solution that's designed for people who want to evacuate to a safe location, you may consider the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. Its foldable handle and ergonomic design ensure you can store the solar generator in your bug-out vehicle and charge emergency gadgets, such as smartphones, portable fans, radios, lights, etc., on the go. It's also expandable in nature, and you can extend the battery capacity from 1.2kWh to 5kWh with three Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus.
Appliances Running Time
- Mini Refrigerator (100W) = 10.7H
- CPAP Machine (60W) = 17.9H
- LED Lights (10W) = 107.4H
- TV (150W) = 7.1H
- Induction Cooktop (1100W) = 58 minutes
Customer Review
"I believe, if/when a need for emergency backup power happens, Jackery 1000 Plus is an excellent choice to survive a power outage." -- Casey S.
Damages of Hurricanes
Hurricanes are complex and powerful natural disasters that pose numerous risks and cause extensive damage. Most hurricanes are capable of causing widespread destruction, which affects coastal and inland areas alike. Some of the most common damages of hurricanes are:
Storm Surge
Storm surge is one of the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane. Storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by a storm's strong winds and low pressure. It can lead to significant coastal flooding, which destroys buildings and wash away roads.
Inland Flooding
Inland flooding occurs when heavy rainfall from a hurricane causes rivers, lakes, and streams to overflow their banks. Such flooding can affect areas far from the coast. For instance, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 damaged several ships and caused significant disruptions to port operations.
Risk to Life & Property
The primary concern during a hurricane is the risk to human and animal lives. Hurricanes bring high winds, flying debris, and collapsing structures that pose immediate dangers to anyone who comes in their path. One of the most notable examples of property loss is Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused an estimated $91.6 billion in damages.
Hurricane Watch Vs. Warning FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for an emergency?
The size of solar generator that you will require for a hurricane-related emergency depends on the appliances and their respective wattage.
For instance, you plan to use Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro during a Hurricane watch time. During this phase, you plan to concurrently power your mini refrigerator (100W), CPAP machine (60W), and LED (10W) with it. Then, the working hours that you will get with this solar generator can be calculated using the following formula:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of the Appliances
Working Hours = 3024Wh * 0.85/170W = 15.12H
Note: We multiplied this solar generator's total battery capacity by 0.85 to account for the power loss during appliance charging.
Is a hurricane warning worse than a watch?
Yes, a hurricane warning is more serious than a watch. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. It indicates that residents should take immediate action and find ways to protect themselves and their families.
What does a watch mean for a hurricane?
A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area, usually within 48 hours. The NWS sends this alert to the residents so they get enough time to review their preparedness plans and secure property.
What is the warning system for a hurricane?
The warning system for hurricanes includes watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). A hurricane watch signals that hurricane conditions are most likely to occur in the next 48 hours, while a hurricane warning indicates that similar conditions might occur within 36 hours.
When a hurricane warning is issued, a hurricane will definitely hit landfall within 24 hours?
No, this will not necessarily happen because a hurricane warning typically means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. However, it does not guarantee landfall within 24 hours. The hurricane warning indicates that the storm is approaching.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane watch and warnings are critical alerts issued by meteorological agencies to inform civilians about potential hurricane impacts. By learning hurricane watch vs. warning, one can take preemptive actions that will help them stay safe during hurricane emergencies.
The National Weather Services has advised you to prepare a preparedness kit to help you combat emergencies. You can include a Jackery Solar Generator in your preparedness list as a reliable power source for your household appliances during emergencies.
As Newsweek and the Associated Press noted, Hurricane Beryl has been a significant concern for Mexico and Texas and is now considered a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The hurricane also posed a risk of isolated tornadoes and brought heavy rainfall, leading to potential flash flooding across Southeast Texas. So, if you find yourself in this situation, we urge you to take all the precautionary measures, stay well-informed, and prepare your emergency list beforehand.
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