A watch means the ingredients are there for severe weather. A warning means it is happening. But there are differences based on weather type.

The NWS Wakefield VA released a tropical cyclone statement at 11:28 a.m. on Tuesday in effect until 7:30 p.m. The statement is for Western Currituck and Eastern Currituck as well as Pasquotank, Camden,

Hurricane - The term for tropical cyclones in either the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific basins which have maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph.

The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.

On Monday at 5:10 p.m. the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a tropical cyclone statement in effect until Tuesday at 1:15 a.m. The statement is for East Carteret, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.

More information: Alwin Andriel L. Bathan et al, Influence of tropical cyclones, southwest monsoon, and tropical cyclone-enhanced southwest monsoon on rainfall variability over the western coast ...

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the high-pressure ridge north of the state will weaken over the next several days as the remnants of former Tropical Cyclone Gil pass just north of the islands Wednesday and Thursday. That will bring warm, humid conditions and increased showers.

Watches, warnings, special weather statements and advisories can mean different things based on the weather event, location and the vulnerabilities of an area. In general, weather statements,