Watch and warning lead times as published by the National Weather Service

National Weather Service published definitions: Hurricane Watch — "Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area," issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Hurricane Warning — "Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area," issued 36 hours in advance. Tropical Storm Watch — sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph "are possible within the specified area within 48 hours." Tropical Storm Warning — the same conditions "are expected within your area within 36 hours." Storm Surge Watch — "There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline," generally within 48 hours. Storm Surge Warning — "There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline," generally within 36 hours. The 2026 SC Hurricane Guide pairs these with actions: for a Watch, "Prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case an evacuation order is issued"; for a Warning, "If directed by state or local officials, finish storm preparations and leave the threatened area immediately." Because published Central Region clearance times for Zones A+B run 24.7 to 30.1 hours at full compliance, the 36-hour warning lead time is the operative planning window, not the 48-hour watch. Checked 2026-09-04.