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Flood Warning
Flooding is imminent or already occurring in the warned area.
Read guideReviewed official-source references
Weather alert guides
Plain-language explanations for ten common NWS products. Live bulletins always control for area, timing, severity, and instructions.
Be prepared
Flood Watch
Conditions are favorable for flooding, but flooding is not certain or imminent.
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Tornado Warning
A tornado has been indicated by radar or reported by a reliable source in the warned area.
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Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes in and near the watch area.
Read guideUse caution
Beach Hazards Statement
The local NWS office expects a significant beach hazard such as dangerous currents, high waves, cold water, or sneaker waves.
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Heat Advisory
Dangerous heat conditions are expected, but are not expected to reach the local warning threshold.
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Fire Weather Watch
Dry fuels and forecast weather may combine to support critical fire behavior. Local criteria vary.
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Gale Warning
Sustained non-tropical winds of 34 to 47 knots are forecast or occurring in the marine area.
Read guideUse caution
Small Craft Advisory
Winds or seas hazardous to small boats are forecast or occurring. Thresholds vary by marine area.
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Freeze Warning
Significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected during the local growing season.
Read guideHow these guides are written
Weather Alert Watch paraphrases current NWS safety and product pages, links every source, records a review date, and avoids adding local thresholds or predictions.
Editorial methodology