storm warning

[ stawrm wawr-ning ]

noun

1. a prominently displayed object, as a flag or lantern, or clearly audible sound, as from a horn or siren, that signals the expected arrival of a storm:

   As we speak, the island’s harbor masters are calling for storm warnings to be hoisted up every available flagpole.

2. Meteorology. a notification by the National Weather Service of anticipated or occurring winds with sustained speeds of 48 knots (55 miles per hour, 25 meters per second) to 63 knots (73 miles per hour, 32 meters per second), or frequent gusts within that range, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone. Compare hurricane warning, warning ( def 3 ).
3. any sign or indication of approaching trouble, adversity, unrest, etc.:

   The arrival of troops at the border was an ominous storm warning.

   I could easily interpret that look on Mom’s face as a storm warning for me and my brother.

storm warning

noun

1. a pattern of lights, flags, etc, displayed at certain ports as a warning to shipping of an approaching storm
2. an announcement on radio or television of an approaching storm
3. any warning of approaching danger or trouble

Word History and Origins

Origin of storm warning¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Mountains across Northern California, including in Shasta County and across the Sierra Nevada, could see up to 20 inches of snow at elevations above 4,500 feet, with some areas getting up to 4 feet Wednesday, according to the winter storm warning for the area.

From Los Angeles Times

The National Weather Service also issued winter weather alerts and a winter storm warning through Wednesday for several other areas along the Pacific coast.

From BBC

“This is a fairly uncommon event just due to the size and lower visibility of the dust storm,” she said, noting that the Hanford office’s senior forecaster issued his first career dust storm warning for several counties.

From Los Angeles Times

Heavy rains are also expected in the Cayman Islands, while a tropical storm warning is in force in the Florida Keys.

From BBC

Austrian storm warning centre UWZ says that in some areas, previous records for the entire month of September will be "surpassed in just a few days".

From BBC

Related Words

• forecast