This designation is especially important to installations in the southern Atlantic region, as it is most affected by hurricanes.
In the western Pacific, where hurricanes are referred to as typhoons, the scale is called Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR).
A HURCON or TCCOR can be issued up to 96 hours before a hurricane is expected to strike the installation.
In addition; aircraft, ships, equipment, and other assets will be relocated, tied down, bunkered, or otherwise secured.
The contraction was chosen in line with other military terminology in use like DEFCON and FPCON to communicate hazardous conditions.