What constitutes a Hurricane Warning?

A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, are expected to affect a specific area shortly, typically within 36 hours. This alert indicates that those in the affected area should take immediate action to protect life and property due to imminent threats.

The significance of this warning lies in its urgency; it serves as a direct call to prepare for the impending severe weather, which includes potential for damage to structures, trees, and power lines, as well as flooding and other hazardous conditions. It necessitates that individuals and communities transition from preparedness measures to immediate protective action.

Other options reflect different aspects of weather and preparedness but do not accurately define a Hurricane Warning. The first option refers to a Hurricane Watch, which indicates favorable conditions for hurricanes within a two-day period. The third and fourth options could be associated with threats from hurricanes, but they do not capture the immediacy and specificity of a warning, which is focused on imminent hurricane conditions.