Lee County Hazards Guide

The Lee County All Hazards Guide is available in Spanish and German. Click here to find out more about hurricanes and to get a copy of the All Hazards Guide (now available in Spanish and German).

Fire Department
P.O. Box 150027
Cape Coral, FL 33915-0027

phone: 239-574-0501
fax: 239-242-3309
email: ccfire@capecoral.net

Hurricane Q & A

What do "watches" and "warnings" mean?

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A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm
conditions are possible in a specified area, usually within
36 hours. A tropical storm warning means that tropical
storm conditions, including possible sustained winds within
the range of 39 to 73 mph, are expected in a specified
area usually within 24 hours. Hurricane watch is that
conditions are possible in a specified area usually within
36 hours. During a hurricane watch you should prepare to
take immediate action to protect your family and property
in case a hurricane warning is issued. In fact, if you wait
until a hurricane warning is issued, it may be too late to
evacuate. Take action early. Hurricane warnings are
issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher
associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified
area within 24 hours or less.

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