A tropical storm watch is an announcement that tropical storm conditions are possible within the specified area.
A tropical storm warning is an announcement that tropical storm conditions are expected within the specified area.
A flood advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance and flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning.
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur and conditions are favorable to occur.
A flood warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening and flooding is imminent or occurring.
A hurricane watch is an announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area.
A hurricane warning is an announcement that hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area.
Watches vs. Warnings
PG Management Group - Thursday, October 6, 2016