ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hurricane Milton is a major storm and is expected to intensify as it moves toward the west coast of Florida.
Its track is aiming toward the Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area with residents seeing impacts beginning late Tuesday into Wednesday.
A few different watches including hurricane, storm surge and tropical storm watches have been issued in Florida with warnings expected over the next few days. So, what's the difference between the two? The National Ocean Service has certain criteria that must be met before either one is issued.
Hurricane watch
A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of 74 mph or higher, are possible in specific areas.
"A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area," the service said. "During a hurricane watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued."
Hurricane warning
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within an area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before landfall to allow for plenty of preparation time.
"During a hurricane warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials," the service said.
Tropical storm warning
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours.
Tropical storm watch
A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.
Storm surge warning
A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
