The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood warnings for the Jersey Shore, while warning of dangerous rip currents along the entire East Coast.

A watch means the ingredients are there for severe weather. A warning means it is happening. But there are differences based on weather type.

Weather hazard maps have nearly 100 colors including six variations of red, a "bisque," "moccasin," cornflower blue, and Dodger blue. Experts are working to simplify the alerts.

The NWS office in eastern Kentucky has been credited with saving lives during the region's recent record-breaking floods, but ...