storm signal
- noun
- /stɔrm ˈsɪɡnəl/
- Philippine
:
señal de tormenta
- The rapidity with which the storm developed came as a surprise to the folk at the Observatory, to the extent that they started to caution the public about the likelihood of higher storm signals being raised quite quickly.
Examples
-
The coast guard issued a storm signal to alert boats in the harbor about the impending storm.
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Residents were advised to take precautions after a storm signal was raised, warning of severe weather on the way.
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When the storm signal was sounded, everyone knew to seek shelter immediately.
Synonyms
54
1.6
Something that shows there may be danger or a problem
5
3.2
A loud sound or flashing light that tells people there is danger
1
3.7
A sign that something dangerous may happen
A pointed cloth shape raised to warn ships of strong winds near the coast
How Severe
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound combines 'storm' (severe weather) with 'signal' (a sign or warning), so the meaning 'a warning indicating an approaching storm' is directly derivable from the constituents. This noun+noun compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows transparent semantic logic, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
The term storm signal comes from the simple image of a flag, light or siren raised to warn people about an approaching storm and give a 'warning' to take shelter when they saw the signal. That's why today storm signal means a warning that a severe storm is coming.