View source for Tropical cyclone warnings and watches

{{Short description|Levels of alert issued to areas threatened by a tropical cyclone}}
[[File:Hurricane Lane warning (29254459177).jpg|thumb|Alert issued for the [[Hawaii (island)|Big Island]] about the message of hurricane warning during [[Hurricane Lane (2018)|Hurricane Lane]].]]
{{Tropicalcyclone}}
'''Tropical cyclone warnings and watches''' are alerts issued by national [[weather forecasting]] bodies to coastal areas threatened by the imminent approach of a [[tropical cyclone]] of tropical storm or hurricane intensity. They are notices to the local population and civil authorities to make appropriate preparation for the cyclone, including evacuation of vulnerable areas where necessary. It is important that interests throughout the area of an alert make preparations to protect life and property, and do not disregard it on the strength of the detailed forecast track.

==Western hemisphere==
{{See also|History of Atlantic hurricane warnings}}
{{HurricaneWarnings}}
New tropical cyclone position and forecast information is available at least every twelve hours in the Southern Hemisphere and at least every six hours in the Northern Hemisphere from Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers.<ref name="WMO RSMC list">{{cite web|work=Tropical Cyclone Program (TCP)|publisher=[[World Meteorological Organization]]|title=Regional Specialized Meteorological Center|date=April 25, 2006|access-date=November 5, 2006|url=http://severe.worldweather.wmo.int/rsmcs.html|archive-date=August 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814135352/http://severe.worldweather.wmo.int/rsmcs.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.gov.fj/services.php|title=Services|author=Fiji Meteorological Service|access-date=2017-06-04|date=2017|archive-date=2017-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618023828/http://www.met.gov.fj/services.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC/products-and-services-notice|title=Products and Service Notice|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=United States Navy|date=2017|access-date=2017-06-04|archive-date=2017-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609092158/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC/products-and-services-notice|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NHCprod">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/NHC_Product_Description.pdf|title=National Hurricane Center Product Description Document: A User's Guide to Hurricane Products|author=National Hurricane Center|date=March 2016|access-date=2017-06-03|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|archive-date=2017-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617023135/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/NHC_Product_Description.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/advisory.html|title=Notes on RSMC Tropical Cyclone Information|author=Japan Meteorological Agency|date=2017|access-date=2017-06-04|archive-date=2017-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319230044/http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/advisory.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In conjunction with the [[National Hurricane Center]], the national meteorological and hydrological services of [[Central America]], the northern [[Atlantic Ocean]], and the northeastern [[Pacific Ocean]] east of the [[140th meridian west]], excluding mainland Africa and Europe, all issue tropical storm/hurricane watches and warnings.<ref name="WMO TCOP-H">{{cite report|author=RA IV Hurricane Committee |title=Hurricane Operational Plan |url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/OPERATIONALPLAN2013_en.pdf |date=May 30, 2013 |url-status=live |type=Technical Document |access-date=December 15, 2013 |publisher=World Meteorological Organization |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115014336/http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/OPERATIONALPLAN2013_en.pdf |archive-date=November 15, 2013 }}</ref> Tropical storm watches are issued when gale and storm force winds of between 34 and 63&nbsp;knots (39–73&nbsp;mph; 63–118&nbsp;km/h) are possible, within 48 hours in a specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical or post-tropical cyclone.<ref name="NHC Glossary">{{cite web|title=Glossary of NHC Terms |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml |date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=December 15, 2013 |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128094712/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml |archive-date=November 28, 2013 }}</ref> These watches are upgraded to tropical storm warnings, when gale and storm force winds become expected to occur somewhere in the warning area within 36 hours.<ref name="NHC Glossary"/> Hurricane watches are issued when sustained winds of {{convert|64|kn|mph km/h}} are possible, within 48 hours in a specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical or post-tropical cyclone.<ref name="NHC Glossary"/> These watches are upgraded to hurricane warnings, when hurricane-force winds become expected to occur somewhere in the warning area within 36 hours.<ref name="NHC Glossary"/>

Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch and warnings are issued in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds, rather than in advance of the anticipated onset of hurricane-force winds.<ref name="NHC Glossary"/> At times a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch can both be in effect due to uncertainties in the forecast. These watches and warnings are also issued by the [[Central Pacific Hurricane Center]] for the Hawaiian Islands and the Weather Forecast Office in [[Guam]] for parts of [[Micronesia]] but not for [[American Samoa]] due to an international agreement.<ref name="NWS Manual">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Products |url= https://www.weather.gov/media/directives/010_pdfs/pd01006001curr.pdf |date= April 15, 2024 |type=National Weather Service Instruction 10-601 |access-date=December 1, 2024 |pages=|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service }}</ref>

Within the United States an [[extreme wind warning]] is issued by the National Weather Service for any land areas that are expected to be impacted by a major (Category 3 or higher) hurricane and by sustained surface winds greater than or equal to 100&nbsp;knots (115&nbsp;mph; 185&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="NWS Manual"/> The warning is issued just prior to when the strongest winds of the [[eyewall]] are expected to impact an area.<ref name=nws>{{cite web |url=http://products.weather.gov/PDD/EWW.pdf |title=Product Description Document: Extreme Wind Warning (EWW) |access-date=2007-10-04 |author=National Weather Service |archive-date=2010-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527115508/http://products.weather.gov/PDD/EWW.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The warning is to be issued for the smallest area possible, and be valid for times of two hours or less.<ref name=nws /> It was developed in response to confusion resulting from the landfall of [[Hurricane Katrina]]. NWS offices in [[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson]] and [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]]/[[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]] issued 11 [[tornado warning]]s for areas that would not experience an actual [[tornado]], but would experience extreme wind speeds commonly associated with tornadoes.<ref name=commerce>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.gov/os/assessments/pdfs/Katrina.pdf |title=Service Assessment. Hurricane Katrina: August 23–31, 2005 |access-date=2007-10-04 |author=U.S. Department of Commerce |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711190738/http://www.weather.gov/os/assessments/pdfs/Katrina.pdf |archive-date=2007-07-11 }}</ref> The extreme wind warning is now expected to be used in these situations.

In 2017, the National Hurricane Center introduced a new system of warnings and watches for [[storm surge]], which would cover the [[East Coast of the United States|Atlantic]] and [[Gulf Coast]]s of the [[United States]]. A storm surge watch would be issued when a life-threatening storm surge, associated with a potential or ongoing tropical, subtropical or post-tropical cyclone, is possible within the next 48 hours. These watches would be upgraded to storm surge warnings when there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge occurring within 36 hours. However, both watches and warnings may be issued earlier than specified if environmental conditions are expected to hamper preparations.<ref>{{cite report|title=Storm surge watch & warning to become operational in 2017|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/news/20170123_pa_SSWW.pdf|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=January 26, 2017|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202031747/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/news/20170123_pa_SSWW.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[Mexico]], a color coded alert system is used to keep the public informed when a tropical cyclone or possible tropical cyclones poses a threat to the nation. The scale starts with blue at the bottom being minimal danger, then proceeds to a green alert, which means low level danger. A yellow alert signifies moderate danger, followed by an orange alert that means high danger level. The scale tops off with a red alert, the maximum level of danger.<ref>{{cite web|title=Be Prepared for Hurricane Season in Cancun|url=http://www.royalsunset.com/be-prepared-for-hurricane-season-in-cancun/|website=Royal Sunset|access-date=August 15, 2016|date=October 22, 2013|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818064937/http://www.royalsunset.com/be-prepared-for-hurricane-season-in-cancun/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Canada===
In [[Canada]], terminology is fairly similar to that of the United States, but there are a few differences:<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/types-weather-forecasts-use/public/criteria-alerts.html|title = Criteria for public weather alerts|date = 26 July 2010|access-date = 25 July 2018|archive-date = 25 July 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180725184019/https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/types-weather-forecasts-use/public/criteria-alerts.html|url-status = live}}</ref>
*Watches are issued 36 hours prior to a tropical cyclone making landfall.
*Warnings are issued 24 hours prior to the tropical cyclone making landfall.
*If sustained winds 70&nbsp;km/h and/or gusts 90&nbsp;km/h or stronger are predicted, a conventional wind warning will be issued along with the tropical cyclone watches and warnings.
*A storm surge warning may be issued if abnormally high water levels are predicted.

==West Pacific systems==
{{expand section|date=July 2015}}

===China===
A two-stage warning system was long-established in China for tropical cyclones of tropical storm intensity of above.<ref>[http://www.typhoon.gov.cn/zhishi4.php Typhoon.gov.cn] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830215513/http://www.typhoon.gov.cn/zhishi4.php |date=August 30, 2006 }}</ref> Nowadays, the use of this system is restricted to coastal waters only. Thus, warnings may be discontinued even if a cyclone is maintaining tropical storm intensity inland. Color-coded alerts (below) may be in effect independently of any two-stage warnings.

Later, [[China Meteorological Administration]] standardized the system for national use.<ref>[http://www.cma.gov.cn/cma_new/qxzt/typhoon/tfzs/t20060713_140077.phtml CMA.gov.cn] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822041804/http://www.cma.gov.cn/cma_new/qxzt/typhoon/tfzs/t20060713_140077.phtml |date=August 22, 2006 }}</ref> This set is part of a larger warning system that covers other forms of severe weather conditions, such as extreme temperature, torrential rainfall, drought, etc.

{| class="wikitable"
! width="2%" | Level
! width="20%" | Name
! width="15%" | Sign
! width="62%" | Meaning
|-
| style="background:#4682B4" | IV
| style="text-align: center;" | Blue typhoon alert<br><small>台风蓝色预警信号</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Blue typhoon alert - China.svg|80px]]
| Within 24 hours, it may or may have been affected by tropical cyclones. The average wind power on the coast or land is above 6, or the gust above 8 and may continue.
|-
| style="background:rgb(255, 255, 0)" | III
| style="text-align: center;" | Yellow typhoon alert<br><small>台风黄色预警信号</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Yellow typhoon alert - China.svg|80px]]
| Within 24 hours, it may or may have been affected by tropical cyclones. The average wind power on the coast or land is above 8, or the gust above 10 and may continue.
|-
| style="background:#FF9900" | II
| style="text-align: center;" | Orange typhoon alert<br><small>台风橙色预警信号</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Orange typhoon alert - China.svg|80px]]
| Within 12 hours, it may or may have been affected by tropical cyclones. The average wind power on the coast or land is above 10, or the gust above 12 and may continue.
|-
| style="background:rgb(255, 0, 0)" | I
| style="text-align: center;" | Red typhoon alert<br><small>台风红色预警信号</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Red typhoon alert - China.svg|80px]]
| Within 6 hours, it may or may have been affected by tropical cyclones. The average wind power on the coast or land is above 12, or the gust above 14 and may continue.
|}

==== Guangdong ====
[[Guangdong]] continued to set up the '''White typhoon alert''' for typhoon, indicating that tropical cyclones may affect the area within 48 hours. In some inland areas that are less affected by tropical cyclones (such as [[Qinghai]], etc.), there is no typhoon warning signal, but when it is hit by tropical cyclones, a strong wind warning signal will be issued. The winds represented by each color are consistent with the typhoon warning signal.

Typhoon warning signals used in [[Guangzhou]] from June 1, 1995, to November 1, 2000:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/1995/06/id/66728.shtml |title=广州市防风工作方案 |access-date=2018-09-15 |archive-date=2018-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915155144/https://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/1995/06/id/66728.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> 
{|class="wikitable"
!Name!!Meaning
|-
|Windproof Info (Tropical Storm or Typhoon Info)|| indicates that a tropical storm or typhoon has entered the South China Sea (or has formed in the South China Sea) and is likely to move to the coastal areas of the province.
|-
|Windproof Warning (Tropical Storm and Typhoon Warning)||Indicating that a tropical storm or typhoon warning enters the South China Sea, its route is moving in the direction of the Pearl River Estuary. If there is no change, it may land within 48 hours.
|-
|Windproof Special Alert (Tropical Storm or Typhoon Emergency Alert)||Indicating that a tropical storm or typhoon hits the Pearl River Estuary within 24 hours, or landed in a coastal area within 150 kilometers of the Pearl River Estuary, which will have a serious impact on Guangzhou.
|-
|Disarming (Tropical Storm or Typhoon Disarming Alert)|| indicates that a tropical storm or typhoon has landed (or weakened to a low pressure).
|}
Typhoon warning signals used from November 1, 2000, to May 2006:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/2000/09/id/65905.shtml |title=广东省台风、暴雨、寒冷预警信号发布规定 |access-date=2018-09-15 |archive-date=2018-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915155233/https://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/2000/09/id/65905.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! width="20%" | Name
! width="15%" | Signal
! width="65%" | Meaning
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | White typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Taf1.gif|80px]]
| Tropical cyclones may affect the area within 48 hours.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Green typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Taf2.gif|80px]]
| Tropical cyclones will be within 24 hours or are affecting the area, with an average wind level of strong winds (6-7) (41-62&nbsp;km/h).
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Yellow typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Kj3.gif|80px]]
| Tropical cyclones will be within 12 hours or are affecting the area, with an average winds level of strong gale (8-9) (63-87&nbsp;km/h).
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Red typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Ty4.gif|80px]]
| Tropical cyclones will be within 12 hours or are affecting the area, with an average winds level of strong storm (10-11) (88-117&nbsp;km/h).
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Black typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Jk5.gif|80px]]
| Tropical cyclones will be within 12 hours or are affecting the area, with an average winds level of [[typhoon]] (>12).
|}
Typhoon warning signals used from June 1, 2006, to December 31, 2014:<ref name="szmb.gov.cn">{{cite web|url=http://www.szmb.gov.cn/article/ZaiHaiYuJing/YuJingXinHaoFaBuGuiDing/2009/09/09/4aa76fa6cb971.html|title=台风预警信号 - 深圳市气象局|work=szmb.gov.cn|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824193222/http://www.szmb.gov.cn/article/ZaiHaiYuJing/YuJingXinHaoFaBuGuiDing/2009/09/09/4aa76fa6cb971.html|archive-date=2010-08-24}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! width="20%" | Name
! width="15%" | Signal
! width="65%" | Meaning
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | White typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Typhoon 1 white.jpg|80px]]
| Tropical cyclones may affect the area within 48 hours.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Blue typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Typhoon 2 blue.jpg|80px]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 24 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 6, or gusts above 7; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 6–7, or gusts of 7–8, and may continue.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Yellow typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Typhoon 3 yellow.jpg|80px]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 24 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 8, or gusts above 9; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 8–9, or gusts of 9-10, and may continue.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Orange typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Typhoon 4 orange.jpg|80px]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 12 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 10, or gusts above 11; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 10–11, or gusts of 11–12, and may continue.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Red typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Typhoon 5 red.jpg|80px]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 6 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 12; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 12, and may continue.
|}
Typhoon warning signals used since January 1, 2015:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dg121.com/upload/news/staticFile/2014122215411149823_1.htm |title=存档副本 |access-date=2014-12-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231134843/http://www.dg121.com/upload/news/staticFile/2014122215411149823_1.htm |archive-date=2014-12-31 }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! width="20%" | Name
! width="15%" | Signal
! width="65%" | Meaning
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | White typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:2015版广东省台风白色预警信号.gif|2015版广东省突发气象灾害预警信号之台风预警信号]]
| Tropical cyclones may affect the area within 48 hours.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Blue typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:2015版广东省台风蓝色预警信号.gif|2015版广东省突发气象灾害预警信号之台风预警信号]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 24 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 6, or gusts above 7; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 6–7, or gusts of 7–8, and may continue.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Yellow typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:2015版广东省台风黄色预警信号.gif|2015版广东省突发气象灾害预警信号之台风预警信号]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 24 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 8, or gusts above 9; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 8–9, or gusts of 9-10, and may continue.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Orange typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:2015版广东省台风橙色预警信号.gif|2015版广东省突发气象灾害预警信号之台风预警信号]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 12 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 10, or gusts above 11; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 10–11, or gusts of 11–12, and may continue.
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | Red typhoon alert
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:2015版广东省台风红色预警信号.gif|2015版广东省突发气象灾害预警信号之台风预警信号]]
| It may be affected by tropical cyclones within 6 hours, the average wind power can reach above level 12; or it has been affected by tropical cyclones with an average wind power of 12, and may continue.
|}

===== Shenzhen =====
[[Shenzhen]] currently uses a different signal from Guangdong Province:<ref name="szmb.gov.cn"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.szmb.gov.cn/article/ZhuanTi/fangzaizhiyin/index.html|title=深圳市台风暴雨灾害公众防御指引（试行）|work=szmb.gov.cn|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216005210/http://szmb.gov.cn/article/ZhuanTi/fangzaizhiyin/index.html|archive-date=2015-02-16}}</ref>

===== Zhuhai =====
[[Zhuhai]] adopts the signal style of Guangdong Province, but the meaning of the signal is different:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zhmb.gov.cn/main_pages/open.jsp?id=64&type=4|title=珠海气象局|work=zhmb.gov.cn|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231142050/http://www.zhmb.gov.cn/main_pages/open.jsp?id=64&type=4|archive-date=2014-12-31}}</ref>

==== Ball signal ====
===== Shenzhen and Zhuhai =====
Shenzhen and Zhuhai used digitally arranged typhoon signals from June 4, 1994, to November 1, 2000,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/1994/06/id/67600.shtml |title=深圳经济特区防洪防风规定 |access-date=2018-09-15 |archive-date=2020-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127141818/https://www.chinacourt.org/law/detail/1994/06/id/67600.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> but they have now been replaced by typhoon warning signals.

===== Ports =====
The coastal ports of various cities in mainland China will still hang the squash signal when the typhoon hits.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tqyb.com.cn/gz/weatherAlarm/winball/ |title=廣州市氣象台风球信号说明 |access-date=2018-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919122047/http://www.tqyb.com.cn/gz/weatherAlarm/winball/ |archive-date=2018-09-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The sign is roughly the same as the typhoon signal used in Shenzhen and Zhuhai.<ref>{{YouTube|_rCNkpGzGqY&t|1997年颱風維克托風暴消息(6/10) - 考慮改掛十號風球}}</ref>

===Hong Kong and Macau===
{{main|Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals}}

The [[Pearl River Delta]] uses a variety of warning systems to inform the public regarding the risks of tropical cyclones to the area.

The [[Hong Kong Observatory]] issues typhoon signals to indicate the existence and effects of a tropical cyclone on [[Hong Kong]]. The first numeric warning system was used in 1917.

The [[Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau]] in [[Macau]] uses a similar system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smg.gov.mo/smg/severeWeather/e_typhoon_def.htm|title=Meaning of Tropical Cyclone Signals and the relevant recommended safety precautions|publisher=Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau|access-date=10 April 2017|archive-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619063646/http://www.smg.gov.mo/smg/severeWeather/e_typhoon_def.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Hong Kong the typhoon signal system consists of 8 signals in 5 levels numbered non-consecutively for historical reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hko.gov.hk/blog/en/archives/00000126.htm|title=Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.5 in the Past|author=John YK Leung and WH Lui|publisher=Hong Kong Observatory|date=9 August 2012|access-date=10 April 2017|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902100747/http://www.hko.gov.hk/blog/en/archives/00000126.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hko.gov.hk/informtc/tcsignal_history.htm|title=History of the Hong Kong Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals|publisher=Hong Kong Observatory|access-date=10 April 2017|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419185924/http://www.hko.gov.hk/informtc/tcsignal_history.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Each signal has a day signal and a night signal for hoisting, which are still hoisted in Macau but no longer hoisted in Hong Kong. Day signals are also used as signal symbols in both places.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Signal
! Symbol in Hong Kong
! Symbol in Macau
! Night Signal in Macau
! Note
! Wind speed
! Gust
|-
| No.1
| [[File:No. 01 Standby Signal.png|60px]] 
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 1 de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]] 
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 1 de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]] 
| (Standby) A tropical cyclone is centred within 800&nbsp;km of the territory.
| NA
| NA
|-
| No.3
| [[File:No. 03 Strong Wind Signal.png|60px]] 
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 3 de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]] 
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 3 de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]] 
| A definite warning that a tropical cyclone is expected to come near enough to Hong Kong to cause strong winds in Hong Kong. It normally gives 12 hours warning of strong winds generally over Hong Kong at sea level, but in exposed areas, winds may become strong sooner.
Implication for citizens: Do not need to go to kindergartens, some places and events.
| Strong wind with a sustained speed of 41–62&nbsp;km/h
| ≥ 110&nbsp;km/h
|-
| No.8.  NW
|  [[File:No. 8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal.png|60px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 NW de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 NW de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]]
| rowspan=4 | Gale or storm force wind. 
4 different symbols for different directions.

Implication for citizens: Usually no need to go to school or work for most people if hosted before a certain hours before official work hours; depends on official announcement & employment contracts.
| rowspan=4 | Sustained speed of 63–117&nbsp;km/h from the northwest, southwest, northeast, southeast quadrants respectively
| rowspan=4 | ≥ 180&nbsp;km/h.
|-
| No.8.  SW
| [[File:No. 8 Southwest Gale or Storm Signal.png|60px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 SW de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 SW de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]]
|-
| No.8.  NE
| [[File:No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal.png|60px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 NE de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 NE de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]]
|-
| No.8.  SE
| [[File:No. 8 Southeast  Gale or Storm Signal.png|60px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 SE de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 8 SE de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]]
|-
| No. 9
| [[File:No. 09 Increasing Gale or Storm Signal.png|60px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 9 de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]] 
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 9 de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]] 
| (Hong Kong) Gale or storm force wind is increasing or expected to increase significantly in strength. / (Macau) The centre of a tropical cyclone is approaching and Macau is expected to be severely affected.
| It usually implies that wind speeds are expected to reach 88 to 117 kilometres per hour.
| 
|-
| No. 10
| [[File:No. 10 Hurricane Signal.png|60px]]
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 10 de tempestade tropical de Macau na dia.png|70px]] 
| [[File:Aspecto do sinal nº 10 de tempestade tropical de Macau em noite.png|18px]] 
| Hurricane-force wind.<br />Implication for citizens: No need to go to work or school. Most public transportation stops.
| Winds range upwards from 118 kilometres per hour. 
| ≥ 220&nbsp;km/h
|}

===Japan===
{{Main| Japan Meteorological Agency}}
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is the government agency responsible for gathering and providing results for the public in [[Japan]], that are obtained from data based on daily scientific observation and research into [[Natural phenomenon|natural phenomena]] in the fields of [[meteorology]], [[hydrology]], [[seismology]] and [[volcanology]], among other related scientific fields. Its headquarters is located in [[Tokyo]].

JMA is also designated one of the [[Regional Specialized Meteorological Center]]s (RSMC) of the [[World Meteorological Organization]]. It has the responsibility for [[weather forecasting]], [[tropical cyclone naming]] and distribution of warnings for [[tropical cyclone]]s in the [[Pacific Ocean|Northwestern Pacific]] region.

===<span class="anchor" id="Philippines"></span>Philippines===
{{main|Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals}}
{{Philippine Tropical Cyclone Signals}}
The [[PAGASA|Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration]] (PAGASA) releases tropical cyclone warnings in the form of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS, or "wind signals").<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/learning-tools/tropical-cyclone-wind-signal|title=Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal|date=March 23, 2022|author=[[PAGASA|Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration]] (PAGASA)|publisher=PAGASA|access-date=August 21, 2022|archive-date=August 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823130838/https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/learning-tools/tropical-cyclone-wind-signal|url-status=live}}</ref> Within this warning system, an area having a wind signal may be under:
*TCWS #1 - Tropical cyclone winds of 39–61&nbsp;km/h are prevailing or expected within the next 36 hours.
*TCWS #2 - Tropical cyclone winds of 62–88&nbsp;km/h are prevailing or expected within the next 24 hours.
*TCWS #3 - Tropical cyclone winds of 89–117&nbsp;km/h are prevailing or expected within the next 18 hours.
*TCWS #4 - Tropical cyclone winds of 118–184&nbsp;km/h are prevailing or expected within 12 hours.
*TCWS #5 - Tropical cyclone winds of 185&nbsp;km/h or greater are prevailing or expected within 12 hours.
These wind signals are hoisted when an area (in the Philippines only) is about to be directly affected by tropical cyclone winds. Wind signals for specific areas can be escalated to higher signal levels (and the lead times shortened consequently) as a tropical cyclone gains strength and/or gets closer to the areas about to be affected. De-escalation and/or lifting of wind signals are implemented once a tropical cyclone weakens and/or gets farther away from the affected areas. The lead time is also only valid for the first issuance.

===Vietnam===
Vietnam recognises its typhoon season from the beginning of June through to the end of November,<ref>{{cite web|title=Typhoon and Tropical Cyclone Seasons in Vietnam|date=29 October 2019|url=https://vn.usembassy.gov/typhoon-and-tropical-cyclone-seasons-in-vietnam|agency=U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam|accessdate=30 October 2019|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022232439/https://vn.usembassy.gov/typhoon-and-tropical-cyclone-seasons-in-vietnam/|url-status=live}}</ref> with an average of four to six typhoons hitting the country annually.<ref>{{cite web|title=Typhoon Season in Vietnam: How to Prepare Your Business|url=https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/typhoon-season-vietnam-how-to-prepare-your-business.html/|date=15 September 2021|publisher=Vietnam Briefing|access-date=26 July 2023|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216070109/https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/typhoon-season-vietnam-how-to-prepare-your-business.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> Any tropical cyclones here are monitored by the [[National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting]] (NCHMF), which is the nation's official meteorological agency and was established in January 2003. The NCHMF tracks a storm should it enter the agency's monitoring area range which is within the East Sea to the west of [[120th meridian east|120°E]] and north of [[5th parallel north|5°N]]. Any storm that enters this area is assigned a number, and is set according to its sequence of its occurrence – as for instance with Bão số 1 etc., which translates to "Storm no. 1". ''Bão'' comes from "暴', meaning ferocious, violent or vicious, but in vernacular Vietnamese has come to mean "storm".

In 2014, the Vietnamese government issued Decree no.44/2014, introduced five warning levels,{{efn|{{langx|vi|Cấp độ rủi ro thiên tai|lit=Disaster risk level}}}} but NCHMF only use three out of five levels to issue typhoon warnings:<ref>{{cite web|title=Phân loại CẤP ĐỘ RỦI RO THIÊN TAI áp thấp nhiệt đới, bão|trans-title=Classification of risk levels of tropical cyclones|website=Xây dựng chính sách pháp luật - Báo điện tử Chính phủ|date=17 September 2024|url=https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/co-may-cap-do-rui-ro-thien-tai-do-ap-thap-nhiet-doi-bao-119220927070228135.htm|accessdate=5 February 2025|language=vi}}</ref>

* Orange-decorated "Level 3 disaster risk alert" (High alert)
* Red-decorated "Level 4 disaster risk alert" (Very high alert)
* Pink-decorated "Level 5 disaster risk alert" (Disaster alert)
{{clear}}

=={{Anchor|Australia and the South Pacific}} South Pacific basin ==
The Australian [[Bureau of Meteorology]] will issue a cyclone watch for a specified part of Australia, when a tropical cyclone is expected to cause gale-force winds in excess of {{convert|62|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} within 24–48 hours and subsequently make landfall.<ref name="Advice">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/warnings/advice.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Warning Advice|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=December 15, 2013|archive-date=December 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215174026/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/warnings/advice.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> A cyclone warning is subsequently issued for a specified part of Australia when a tropical cyclone, is expected to cause or is causing gale-force winds in excess of {{convert|62|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} within 24 hours and is subsequently expected to make landfall.<ref name="Advice"/>

The [[Fiji Meteorological Service]] <small>(FMS)</small> issues a tropical cyclone alert for the [[Cook Islands]], [[Fiji]], [[Kiribati]], [[Nauru]], [[Niue]], [[Tokelau]] and [[Tuvalu]], when a tropical cyclone has a significant probability of causing gale-force winds or stronger winds within 24–48 hours.{{RA V Tropical cyclone operational plan}} Gale, storm and hurricane-force wind warnings are subsequently issued for the above areas by FMS, when a tropical cyclone is either causing or expected to cause either gale storm or hurricane-force winds within 24 hours.<ref name="SPAC TCOP"/>

Météo-France is responsible for the issuance of tropical cyclone watches and warnings for [[New Caledonia]], [[Wallis and Futuna]], [[French Polynesia]] and the [[Pitcairn Islands]].<ref name="SPAC TCOP"/> The National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of the [[Solomon Islands]], [[Samoa]], [[Indonesia]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Tonga]], New Zealand, [[Vanuatu]], [[Timor Leste]] and [[American Samoa]] are responsible for their own watches and warnings.<ref name="SPAC TCOP"/>

==Indian Ocean systems==
The [[Indian Meteorological Department]] (IMD/RSMC New Delhi) is responsible for tracking tropical cyclones within the North Indian Ocean.
[[Météo-France]] in [[Réunion]] (MFR/[[RSMC La Réunion]]) is responsible for the issuing advisories and tracking of tropical cyclones in the southwest part of the basin, however, the naming of systems is deferred to the Mauritius and Madagascar weather services.

===India===
{{IMDWarnings}}
The IMD issues warnings in four stages for the Indian coast. 
* Stage 1: Cyclone watch - Issued 72 hours in advance, it discusses the likelihood of development of a cyclonic disturbance in the north Indian Ocean and the coastal region likely to experience adverse weather.
* Stage 2: Cyclone alert - Issued 48 hours in advance of the commencement of adverse weather over the coastal areas.
* Stage 3: Cyclone warning - Issued 24 hours in advance of the commencement of adverse weather over the coastal areas. The location of landfall is discussed at this stage.
* Stage 4: Landfall outlook - Issued 12 hours in advance of the commencement of adverse weather over the coastal areas. The track of the cyclone after the landfall and the possible impact inland is discussed at this stage.

Cyclonic storm conditions mean what winds in excess of 63&nbsp;km/h (39&nbsp;mph) are possible.<ref>{{cite web|title=Four Stage Warning|url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24&Itemid=170&lang=en|publisher=India Meteorological Department|access-date=23 October 2016|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915051847/http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24&Itemid=170&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mauritius===
Mauritius Meteorological Services is responsible for naming tropical systems in the South-West Indian Ocean between 55°E and 90°E. They issue four different levels of cyclone warnings for the islands of [[Mauritius]] and [[Rodrigues]].
* Class I cyclone warnings are issued 36 to 48 hours before the islands are affected by wind gusts of at least 120&nbsp;km/h (75&nbsp;mph).
* Class II cyclone warnings are issued when there are 12 hours of daylight left before gusts of 120&nbsp;km/h (75&nbsp;mph) affect the islands.
* Class III cyclone warnings are issued when there are 6 hours of daylight left before gusts of 120&nbsp;km/h (75&nbsp;mph) affect the islands.
* Class IV cyclone warnings are issued when gusts of at least 120&nbsp;km/h (75&nbsp;mph) are occurring in the islands.
* Safety Bulletin Issued for the purpose of: lifting the cyclone warning class III or cyclone warning class IV, as the case may be; and informing the public of the existence of any severe weather conditions associated with the cyclone and other environment risk, depending on the nature and extent of the damage occurred during the passage of the cyclone.
* Termination Issued when subsequent observations indicate that the risk of cyclonic gusts of 120 kilometres per hour has abated and the cyclone is moving away<ref>{{cite web |title=Warning System |url=http://metservice.intnet.mu/tropical-cyclone/warning-system.php |publisher=Mauritius Meteorological Services |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=28 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728063913/http://metservice.intnet.mu/tropical-cyclone/warning-system.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Réunion===
[[Météo-France]] issues five levels of alerts for the French overseas department and region of [[Réunion]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Le risque cyclonique à La Réunion |url=http://www.meteofrance.re/documents/3714872/14885398/Risque+cyclonique+La+R%C3%A9union |publisher=Météo-France La Réunion |access-date=10 July 2021 |format=PDF |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121151052/http://www.meteofrance.re/documents/3714872/14885398/Risque+cyclonique+La+R%C3%A9union |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Pre-alert/Yellow alert – issued when a tropical system may impact Réunion between 24 and 72 hours.
*Orange alert – issued when a tropical storm or cyclone may impact Réunion in the next 24 hours.
*Red alert – issued when a tropical storm or cyclone is impacting part or all of Réunion.
*Purple alert – issued when a major tropical cyclone with winds exceeding {{cvt|200|km/h|mph}} is impacting part or all of Réunion.
*Safeguard phase – issued when a tropical storm or cyclone is moving away from Réunion, but hazards relating to damage caused by the system, such as fallen trees, flooded roads, mudslides, and downed power lines, still remain.

==Military advisories==

===HURCON/TCCOR===
{{Main|HURCON}}
The [[United States Department of Defense]] uses a multi-stage system called the Hurricane Condition (HURCON) in the North Atlantic and the Northeast Pacific and the Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) in the western Pacific to prepare bases and evacuate assets and personnel in advance of adverse weather associated with tropical cyclones.<ref name="TCCOR">{{cite journal|title=Objective Guidance for Use in Setting Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness|author1=Sampson, Charles R|journal=Weather and Forecasting|author2=Schumacher, Andrea B|author3=Knaff, John A|author4=DeMaria, Mark|author5=Fukada, Edward M|author6=Sisko, Chris A|author7=Roberts, David P|author8=Winters, Katherine A|author9=Wilson, Harold M|year=2012|volume=27|issue=4|pages=1052–1060|doi=10.1175/WAF-D-12-00008.1|bibcode=2012WtFor..27.1052S|doi-access=free}}</ref>

The alerts are recommended by weather facilities either on base or by central sites like the [[National Hurricane Center]] or the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] and are generally related to the timing and potential for destructive sustained windspeeds of above {{convert|50|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="TCCOR"/> Recommendations are then considered by base or area commanders along with other subjective factors for setting the alert status like assets, holidays or the bases experience in emergency preparedness.<ref name="TCCOR"/> The bases prefer to set these alerts sequentially, from HURCON or TCCOR 5 with destructive winds expected within 96 hours, through levels 4, 3, 2 and if needed to a series of four different level 1 conditions, however depending on the cyclone's movement or location some of these signals can be skipped.<ref name="TCCOR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/fwc-n/RSS/pdf/TC_QRG_2013.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Quick Reference Guide 2013|publisher=United States Navy|date=February 8, 2013|access-date=December 15, 2013|author=Fleet Weather Center|page=2|archive-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221115422/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/fwc-n/RSS/pdf/TC_QRG_2013.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a system passes and stops affecting the base, the authorities can decide to revert to the lowest level or stay in a heightened approach if another tropical cyclone is approaching.<ref name="TCCOR"/>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[Gale warning]]
* [[HURCON]]
* [[Severe weather terminology (disambiguation)]]
* [[Small craft advisory]]
* [[Storm warning]]
==Notes==
{{notelist|group=efn}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/forecast/warnings.shtml NHC - watches and warnings]

{{Severe weather terminology (United States) navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tropical Cyclone Warnings And Watches}}
[[Category:Tropical cyclone meteorology]]
[[Category:Weather warnings and advisories]]