Greg Fishel's Hurricane Glossary

Watch Greg Fishel explain some of the most common terms you hear when it comes to hurricanes.

Eye: The relatively calm area in the center of a hurricane; can range from about 5 miles to more than 50 miles across.

Eyewall: A doughnut-shaped zone of highest winds and greatest violence surrounding the eye.

Flash-flood warning: A flash flood is imminent; take immediate action. Flooding conditions can occur with little or no warning. Storm surge and rains associated with a hurricane may cause conditions favorable for flooding.

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.

Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours. Be prepared to take action if a warning is issued by the National Weather Service, and keep informed of the storm's progress.

Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions are likely within 24 hours. Leave beachfront and low-lying areas. Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter. Stay in your home if it is sturdy, on high ground and not near the beach; if authorities ask you to leave, GO!

Tropical depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and sustained winds of 38 mph or less.

Tropical disturbance: An area of clouds and thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.

Tropical storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and sustained winds of 39-73 mph. The point at which a storm receives a name.