storm warning
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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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.
noun
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a pattern of lights, flags, etc, displayed at certain ports as a warning to shipping of an approaching storm
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an announcement on radio or television of an approaching storm
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any warning of approaching danger or trouble
Etymology
Origin of storm warning
First recorded in 1865–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A tropical storm warning was also issued for the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located.
From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026
A hurricane warning was in effect for Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island, and a tropical storm warning held for the islands of Maui, Molokai and Kahoolawe to its northwest.
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
Bangor remains under a winter storm warning until Tuesday, with heavy snowfall forecast.
From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2026
Fire crews should soon receive assistance with the arrival of rain and possible snow as a winter storm warning is in effect in Mono County from 1 p.m.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2025
The violin was the government station at Arlington, Virginia, transmitting a storm warning to ships in the South Atlantic.
From Peter the Brazen A Mystery Story of Modern China by Gayle Porter Hoskins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
