Tropical Storm Watch

An announcement that tropical storm conditions exist with sustained winds of 39-73 mph and conld hit a specified coastal area within the next 48 h. 

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Tropical Storm Watch Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds from 39 to 73 mph are possible in the watch area within the next 36 hours. 

The NWS issues warnings when hurricanes appear to be a threat to the US mainland, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. As soon as conditions intensify to the tropical storm level even thongh thousands of miles from the mainland, the storm receives a name, and the Weather Service begins issning advisories. The advisories are issued every 3 h, or less, as it nears. Location, wind intensity, speed, and direction are given. As a hurricane moves toward the mainland, hurricane watch notices are issued. 

An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is formally issued 48 h in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. 

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