Alert colors
Red generally indicates immediate danger or a warning; orange indicates severe conditions; yellow indicates a watch or elevated risk; blue indicates an advisory or informational alert. Always read the official text and expiration time.
Public information center
Understand the data before you act
Use this guide to read storm colors, radar, forecast tracks, wind values, watches, and warnings without needing a meteorology degree.
Forecast tracks
A forecast path is an estimate of a storm center. Wind, rain, surge, and tornadoes can occur outside the line or cone. Do not use the cone as a safe-zone boundary.
Radar colors
Radar reflectivity colors represent returned energy, not a direct measurement of damage. Stronger returns can indicate heavier precipitation, but hail, debris, beam effects, and distance can affect interpretation.
Trusted sources
This hub links to the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center. Official instructions from local emergency management take priority over this educational guide.
How to reason about a forecast
- Check the timestamp and source.
- Compare the official alert with your exact location.
- Look for changes across updates instead of reacting to one number.
- Follow evacuation, shelter, and emergency instructions from authorities.