MyUSA alert guide
Understanding weather alerts
MyUSA groups official National Weather Service alerts into a simplified color guide so the next step is easier to recognize. These colors are not official NWS map colors; always read the alert headline, affected area, timing and instructions.
Advisory
Use cautionHazardous conditions are occurring or expected.
Watch
PrepareDangerous weather is possible. Review your plan and be ready to act.
Warning
Act nowDangerous weather is occurring or imminent for the alerted area.
Emergency
Act immediatelyAn exceptional, life-threatening situation requires immediate action.
Clear
Stay awareNo active NWS alerts were found for the selected location.
Why alerts are issued
Dangerous heat index, extreme heat, wind chill or cold.
Damaging wind, large hail, lightning or tornado danger.
Flash, river or coastal flooding, high surf and rip currents.
Heavy snow, ice, blizzard conditions or freezing rain.
High wind, red flag fire weather or dense smoke.
Tropical storms, hurricanes, storm surge or marine hazards.
Read the alert itself
Check the affected area, start and end time, severity and urgency, official headline, issuing office and safety instructions. Your phone’s Wireless Emergency Alerts and local emergency officials remain essential when MyUSA is closed.
Hot weather
Heat and sun safety
Plan outdoor time around the heat, recognize warning signs and know when conditions are becoming dangerous.
- Check the temperature, humidity and heat index before outdoor activity.
- Move strenuous activity to cooler morning or evening hours when possible.
- Drink water regularly and take breaks in air-conditioning or shade.
- Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked vehicle.
Severe weather
Thunderstorms, lightning and tornadoes
Know the difference between a watch and a warning, and decide where you will shelter before storms arrive.
- If you hear thunder, move into a substantial building or enclosed hard-topped vehicle.
- Stay away from windows and avoid corded electrical equipment during lightning.
- For a tornado warning, use a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor.
- Keep wireless emergency alerts enabled and have more than one way to receive warnings.
Road and flood safety
Flooding and dangerous driving
Heavy rain can hide washed-out roads and moving water can carry away a vehicle. Turn around instead of taking a chance.
- Never drive around a barricade or into a flooded roadway.
- Move to higher ground when a flash flood warning is issued for your area.
- Slow down in heavy rain, increase following distance and use headlights.
- Check official alerts and road information before a weather-sensitive trip.
Coastal weather
Hurricane preparation
Make a household plan before a storm threatens, then follow evacuation instructions from local officials.
- Know your evacuation zone and identify where you would go.
- Prepare medicines, water, food, flashlights, chargers and important documents.
- Secure outdoor items and protect windows well before tropical-storm winds arrive.
- Use generators only outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents.
Page reviewed: August 1, 2026