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
Much of the area’s mountains are also under a winter storm warning, with heavy snow possible Tuesday evening through Thursday, according to the weather service.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 17, 2026
The rains caused by the storm are already beginning to hit the south-eastern Bahamas, and the Turk and Caicos Islands, where a tropical storm warning is in effect.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 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
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