Atlantic
Atlantic Storm Map
Meehaa's Atlantic storm map displays potential tropical storms that could impact the US coast. If there is an active tropical storm or disturbance the map will include forecast tracks & wind danger areas.
Tropical Storms
A tropical cyclone is a generic term for a low-pressure system that formed over tropical waters (25°S to 25°N) with thunderstorm activity near the center of its closed, cyclonic winds. Tropical cyclones derive their energy from vertical temperature differences, are symmetrical, and have a warm core.
If it lacks a closed circulation it is called a tropical disturbance. If it has a closed circulation but under 39 mph (34 knots, or 17 meters per second) maximum sustained surface winds, it is called a tropical depression. When winds exceed that threshold, it becomes a tropical storm and is given a name. Once winds exceed 74 mph (64 knots, 33 meters per second) it will be designated a hurricane (in the Atlantic or East Pacific Oceans) or a typhoon (in the northern West Pacific).
Tropical Disturbances -> Tropical Depressions -> Tropical Storms -> Hurricane.
Tropical Storm Tracks & Models
Data is pulled from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). That data is summarized here:
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is a component of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) located at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. The NHC mission is to save lives, mitigate property loss, and improve economic efficiency by issuing the best watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather and by increasing understanding of these hazards. The NHC vision is to be America's calm, clear, and trusted voice in the eye of the storm and, with its partners, enable communities to be safe from tropical weather threats.
Storm Surge / Wave Heights
Data is pulled from the National Weather Service (NWS).
The National Weather Service (NWS) is an organization that relies heavily on science, partnerships, and ties to local communities to successfully provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. The NWS works with many partners, including those from national and local government, members of the weather enterprise, Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors, and Academia to help educate people in all communities on how to stay safe and ensure important weather information, such as warnings, reach the broadest possible audience.
NWS Offices provide forecast information in a way that better supports how emergency managers, first responders, government officials, businesses, and the public are able to make fast, smart decisions to save lives, property, and enhance livelihoods. This helps mitigate the devastating impacts of extreme events like record breaking snowfall, violent tornadoes, destructive hurricanes, widespread flooding, and devastating drought. They are able to do this through professional expertise, securing new data, and investigating technologies that will improve forecasts and ultimately increase weather-readiness.
Atlantic Storms Map
Preparing for Tropical Storms
Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge historically is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. The Atlantic Hurricane Season falls between June 1st and November 30th
During A Tropical Storm
Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.
Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater.
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Ready.Gov
Ready.Gov is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. It is maintained by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
It is an excellent resource for information on emergency preparation and preparedness.
Storm Dashboard
The Saffir - Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS)
The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS) classifies hurricanes that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms, into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. To be classified as a hurricane, a tropical cyclone must have one-minute-average maximum sustained winds at 10 m above the surface of at least 74 mph (Category 1). The highest classification in the scale, Category 5, consists of storms with sustained winds of at least 157 mph.
Sustained Winds
74 - 95 MPH
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage:
Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Sustained Winds
96 - 110 MPH
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Sustained Winds
111 - 129 MPH
Devastating damage will occur:
Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Sustained Winds
130 - 156 MPH
Catastrophic damage will occur:
Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted, and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Sustained Winds
157 MPH +
Catastrophic damage will occur:
A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.