Understanding Hurricane Maps
With the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season well underway, we want to help you be more prepared! That means understanding how to read hurricane maps. Below you will find some examples of hurricane maps from the NOAA and a description of how to read them so you understand what to expect from upcoming tropical weather.
When severe tropical weather is detected in the Atlantic, a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning will be issued. A map showing the track forecast will then be released. See the example from Hurricane Sandy below. This shows the probable path of the storm, and what areas could be affected by tropical storm or hurricane weather. The orange circle indicates the current position of the center of the storm. The black dots show the National Hurricane Center's forecast track of the center at the times specified for each dot. The letter inside the dot tells you the expected intensity of the storm at that point in time. The "D" stands for Tropical Depression, with wind speeds less than 39 mph. The "S" stands for Tropical Storm, with wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph. The "H" stands for Hurricane, with wind speeds between 74 and 110 mph. Finally, the "M" stands for Major Hurricane, with wind speeds greater than 110 mph. The uncertainty of the track on the map is displayed as a "cone" which is shown in white on the map. Historical data indicates that the entire 5-day path of the storm will stay within that cone about 60-70% of the time. When reading a map like this, it is important to note that a tropical cyclone is not a single point. These storms can span many hundreds of miles from the center, and therefore the effects of the storm can easily be felt outside of this cone area.
When a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast to hit the United States, a map showing the earliest arrival time of tropical-storm force winds is generated. You can see an example of this type of map below. It's pretty self-explanatory, as the date and time are listed on the map showing the areas that will be affected by winds. This is a great way for people to understand how long they have to prepare their homes before the high winds will begin. The anticipated arrival of sustained tropical-storm-force winds from a tropical storm or hurricane is a critical threshold for coastal communities. Emergency managers also use this map to determine when to begin and end coastal evacuations. The public use it to know when to prepare their homes or business, and how early to get supplies.
Before a storm is imminent, there are maps that will show tropical disturbances that have been detected and their likelihood to develop into a tropical storm or hurricane. See an example of a 5-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook below. This map shows the formation potential for individual disturbances within the next 5 days. The "X" shows where a disturbance was detected. The areas enclosed around the X represent the potential formation area during the forecast period, and the color of those areas indicates how high the probability. Yellow is low, orange is medium and red is high.
When preparing for a hurricane, the high winds aren't the only thing to be concerned about. You'll want to understand the probability of storm surge as well. Below you will see a static example of what a Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map looks like. This map shows the geographical areas where inundation from storm surge is likely. It also shows how high above ground the water could reach in those areas. This map is generated based on the latest forecast track and intensity of the tropical cyclone. The first storm surge map like this is typically issued at the same time as the initial hurricane watch.
These are just a few of the many maps you can expect to see during hurricane season. Whether you're a resident on the coast or more inland, it's important to understand these maps and be aware of the risks in your area.
Big Bags USA® wants everyone to be properly prepared for a hurricane. Our innovative flood barriers are the perfect protection for your property against flooding during a tropical weather event. They can be deployed 200 times faster than your traditional sandbag barriers, using less labor and less resources. For more information about our flood control products, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537.
Hurricane Watches and Warnings - The Track Forecast Cone
When severe tropical weather is detected in the Atlantic, a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning will be issued. A map showing the track forecast will then be released. See the example from Hurricane Sandy below. This shows the probable path of the storm, and what areas could be affected by tropical storm or hurricane weather. The orange circle indicates the current position of the center of the storm. The black dots show the National Hurricane Center's forecast track of the center at the times specified for each dot. The letter inside the dot tells you the expected intensity of the storm at that point in time. The "D" stands for Tropical Depression, with wind speeds less than 39 mph. The "S" stands for Tropical Storm, with wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph. The "H" stands for Hurricane, with wind speeds between 74 and 110 mph. Finally, the "M" stands for Major Hurricane, with wind speeds greater than 110 mph. The uncertainty of the track on the map is displayed as a "cone" which is shown in white on the map. Historical data indicates that the entire 5-day path of the storm will stay within that cone about 60-70% of the time. When reading a map like this, it is important to note that a tropical cyclone is not a single point. These storms can span many hundreds of miles from the center, and therefore the effects of the storm can easily be felt outside of this cone area.
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| Photo Credit: www.NOAA.gov |
Tropical-Storm-Force Winds
When a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast to hit the United States, a map showing the earliest arrival time of tropical-storm force winds is generated. You can see an example of this type of map below. It's pretty self-explanatory, as the date and time are listed on the map showing the areas that will be affected by winds. This is a great way for people to understand how long they have to prepare their homes before the high winds will begin. The anticipated arrival of sustained tropical-storm-force winds from a tropical storm or hurricane is a critical threshold for coastal communities. Emergency managers also use this map to determine when to begin and end coastal evacuations. The public use it to know when to prepare their homes or business, and how early to get supplies.
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| Photo Credit: www.NOAA.gov |
Tropical Weather Outlooks
Before a storm is imminent, there are maps that will show tropical disturbances that have been detected and their likelihood to develop into a tropical storm or hurricane. See an example of a 5-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook below. This map shows the formation potential for individual disturbances within the next 5 days. The "X" shows where a disturbance was detected. The areas enclosed around the X represent the potential formation area during the forecast period, and the color of those areas indicates how high the probability. Yellow is low, orange is medium and red is high.
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| Photo Credit: www.NOAA.gov |
Storm Surge Flooding
When preparing for a hurricane, the high winds aren't the only thing to be concerned about. You'll want to understand the probability of storm surge as well. Below you will see a static example of what a Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map looks like. This map shows the geographical areas where inundation from storm surge is likely. It also shows how high above ground the water could reach in those areas. This map is generated based on the latest forecast track and intensity of the tropical cyclone. The first storm surge map like this is typically issued at the same time as the initial hurricane watch.
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| Photo Credit: www.NOAA.gov |
These are just a few of the many maps you can expect to see during hurricane season. Whether you're a resident on the coast or more inland, it's important to understand these maps and be aware of the risks in your area.
Big Bags USA® wants everyone to be properly prepared for a hurricane. Our innovative flood barriers are the perfect protection for your property against flooding during a tropical weather event. They can be deployed 200 times faster than your traditional sandbag barriers, using less labor and less resources. For more information about our flood control products, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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