Hurricane alerts are official notifications issued by meteorological agencies to inform the public about the potential threat of a hurricane. These alerts are categorized into different levels, such as Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning. A watch indicates that conditions are favorable for a hurricane to develop, while a warning means a hurricane is imminent or already occurring. These alerts help communities prepare for severe weather by providing essential information on expected wind speeds, rainfall, and potential flooding. Residents are encouraged to follow safety guidelines and stay updated through local news and official sources like the National Hurricane Center.