Definitions

Hurricane: 
A tropical low-pressure system with sustained wind of 74 to 155 miles per hour. A storm surge of 4 to 20 feet above sea level and torrential rainfall amounts of 5 to 40 inches per day.
 
Category 1
74 to 95 mph with a storm surge of 4 to 5 feet.

Category 2
96 to 110 mph with a storm surge of 6 to 8 feet.

Category 3
111 to 130 mph with a storm surge of 9 to 12 feet.

Category 4
131 to 155 mph with a storm surge of 13 to 18 feet.

Category 5
more than 155 mph with a storm surge of 18 + feet.

Watch:
Hurricane conditions are possible in the area within 36 hours.

Warning:
Hurricane conditions are expected in the area within 24 hours