Appendix 3

Meteorological Information

Alert: A formal message issued from the Meteorological Office giving warning information
along with details on tropical depression, storm or hurricane location, intensity and
movement.
Watch: Issued when once it is established that a storm or hurricane conditions are expected
within 36 hours. Keep listening attentively.
Alert - Issued at regular interval when a tropical storm or hurricane is first detected in the
area of south of 20 degrees latitude and between 40 and 65 degrees West longitude.
Warning: Issued when once it is established that a storm or hurricane conditions are
expected within 24hours. Action to protect life and property should be rushed to completion
immediately.
Tropical Depression: An area of low pressure in the tropics with a circulation, but with
winds of less than 39 miles per hour (mph).
Tropical Storm: An area of low pressure in the tropics with a circulation with maximum
sustained winds of (39-74) mph; (34-64) knots.
Hurricane: An intense area of low pressure in the tropics with a circulation with maximum
sustained winds greater than 74 mph (64 knots).
Storm Surge: Abnormal use of water above the predicted astronomical tide generated by
the strong winds and low pressure associated with the storm or hurricane.
Eye - The relatively calm area near the center around which the strongest winds blow. As
the eye passes, light winds rapidly give way to very severe winds from the opposite
direction.