Weather Alert Meaning Decoder
Choose an alert type to see what it means, how urgent it is, and what actions to consider.
This tool explains common alert terms. Always follow official alerts and instructions from the National Weather Service, local emergency management, law enforcement, and other authorities.
Live situational awareness
Check current conditions on the live dashboard
Use this planning tool, then scan the live HazardNow dashboard for current alerts, weather, power, air quality, transportation, and infrastructure signals.
Watch vs Warning vs Advisory
- Watch: Be prepared; conditions favorable or possible.
- Warning: Take action; hazard occurring, imminent, or likely.
- Advisory: Use caution; less severe than warning but still disruptive.
More HazardNow tools
Practical planning helpers
Explore the rest of the standalone emergency planning tools. They are informational only and do not replace official alerts or instructions.
Flood Safety
Flooded Road Risk
Check why flooded roads are dangerous and get a conservative do-not-cross risk explanation based on depth, visibility, current, vehicle type, and official warnings.
Severe Weather
Tornado Safe Place
Rank the safest available shelter options during a tornado watch or warning based on building type, floor level, rooms, windows, and mobility needs.
Power & Household Safety
Power Outage Triage
Prioritize food safety, medical needs, temperature risk, generator safety, communications, and backup-power decisions during an outage.
Wildfire & Air Quality
Smoke Clean-Room
Plan a cleaner-air room during wildfire smoke using AQI or PM2.5, room size, purifier CADR, DIY filter options, HVAC recirculation, and mask availability.
Evacuation Planning
Evacuation Prioritizer
Generate a prioritized evacuation action list based on whether you have 5, 15, 30, 60, or more minutes, with life safety and official instructions first.
Communications Backup
Remote-Work Backup
Estimate how long router, modem, laptop, hotspot, UPS, power bank, or portable power station resources can support essential work and communications.