Hurricane Watch: 

• First warning by the National Weather Service that a hurricane is a definite threat to a portion of the coast of Florida; normally given 36 hours before the storm is expected to strike.  Landfall is uncertain and a broad geographic areas are alerted.  This is the time for preliminary storm preparation.
• In the event that the Lakeland area falls under a Hurricane Watch, the President, or designee, will have the Emergency Operations Plan Director (Mr. V. Terry Dennis) schedule a meeting of the Emergency Operations Plan Team.  The Director will establish communications with the local and state officials who will advise the institution on the development of the emergency and actions to take.

Hurricane Warning: 

• Normally issued 24 hours before the storm is expected to strike; more accurate landfall is predicted, with narrower geographic boundaries. 
• In the event of a Hurricane Warning, The President and emergency staff will constantly monitor emergency bulletins and make decisions, if needed, for the course of action necessary for the safety of students and college personnel.

Suggested Links for additional hurricane information:

• National Hurricane Center
• The Weather Channel - Lakeland weather
• http://hurricane.weathercenter.com/guide/
• http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Lakeland.html