Storm watches versus warnings: What the alerts mean as NC braces for Hurricane Ian
As Hurricane Ian reaches South Carolina, much of North Carolina is bracing for impacts from the storm.
The Category 1 hurricane could batter parts of North Carolina with strong winds, heavy rain and flooding starting Friday, Sept. 30, according to the National Weather Service.
The predictions prompted forecasters to issue a tropical storm warning in several regions — including in the Charlotte area and Triangle. Along parts of the southeastern coast, hurricane and storm surge watches and warnings were in place.
As North Carolinians are urged to keep an eye on the forecast, what’s the difference between weather watches and warnings? Here’s what to know.
How to tell the difference
Weather warnings tend to be issued when there’s a more imminent threat.
For example, a hurricane warning is issued when tropical cyclone winds are expected to be at least 74 mph and expected to hit an area within 36 hours. In addition to winds, storm surge and flooding also may be possible, forecasters said.
“A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area,” the National Hurricane Center wrote on its website. “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
For comparison, an area is under a hurricane watch when there’s a potential for the powerful winds within about 48 hours. People in those areas could also see storm surge and flooding.
“The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur,” the weather service said. “It only means that these conditions are possible.”
To help residents visualize the difference, N.C. Emergency Management posted a graphic containing a Southern staple.
In it, sugar depicts a sweet tea watch, meaning that conditions for the drink are possible. But in the sweet tea warning, there’s already a glass of the beloved drink, meaning conditions for it are expected.
Where is Hurricane Ian?
Just after 2 p.m. Friday, the center of Hurricane Ian made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina. It packed 85-mph maximum sustained winds at the time of impact, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Ian should weaken rapidly after landfall soon and transition into a post-tropical cyclone overnight,” forecasters wrote. “Ian should dissipate over western North Carolina or Virginia late Saturday.”
Still, as the storm moves to the northwest, parts of North Carolina could see tornadoes, flooding, storm surge and up to 8 inches of rain. More detailed forecasts for Charlotte, Raleigh and the North Carolina coast can be found in these links.
At least a dozen deaths have been tied to the storm, which made its way back toward land after lashing southwest Florida with powerful winds and storm surge, the Miami Herald reported.
This story was originally published September 30, 2022 at 10:43 AM.
