Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart National Hurricane Center Miami Florida
Introduction
The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart is an important tool used by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) located in Miami, Florida, to track and forecast hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The chart provides real-time information on the location, intensity, and movement of hurricanes, helping to protect lives and property in the United States and other affected areas.
History of the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart
The first hurricane tracking chart was developed in 1935 by the Weather Bureau, which later became the National Weather Service (NWS). The chart was originally created to track hurricanes in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, but its use was later expanded to cover the entire Atlantic Basin.
Over the years, the chart has undergone many changes and improvements in design, technology, and accuracy. Today, the NHC uses the latest satellite imagery, radar data, and computer models to provide the most up-to-date and reliable hurricane tracking information.
Components of the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart
The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart consists of several components, including:
- Storm location: The current location of the hurricane, represented by a symbol on the chart.
- Storm track: The predicted path of the hurricane over the next several days, shown as a line on the chart.
- Wind speed: The maximum sustained wind speed of the hurricane, shown in knots or miles per hour.
- Pressure: The central pressure of the hurricane, shown in millibars.
- Cone of uncertainty: A shaded area on the chart that represents the possible range of the hurricane's track over the next several days. The size of the cone depends on the accuracy of the forecast and the size of the storm.
How to Read the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart
Reading the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart is easy if you know what to look for. Here are some tips:
- Pay attention to the storm location: The symbol on the chart represents the current location of the hurricane. If the symbol is moving towards your area, you need to take action to prepare for the storm.
- Track the storm: The predicted path of the hurricane is shown as a line on the chart. If the line is moving towards your area, you need to take action to prepare for the storm.
- Check the wind speed: The maximum sustained wind speed of the hurricane is shown in knots or miles per hour. A higher wind speed means a more powerful storm.
- Look at the pressure: The central pressure of the hurricane is shown in millibars. A lower pressure means a more intense storm.
- Stay inside the cone of uncertainty: The shaded area on the chart represents the possible range of the hurricane's track over the next several days. If you are inside the cone, you need to prepare for the storm.
Why the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart is Important
The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart is important for several reasons:
- Protecting lives: The chart helps people in affected areas prepare for hurricanes and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
- Protecting property: The chart helps businesses and homeowners prepare for hurricanes and take necessary precautions to protect their property.
- Improving accuracy: The latest technology and data used in the chart help to improve the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, reducing the risk of false alarms or missed warnings.
- Providing information: The chart provides real-time information on hurricanes, helping people stay informed and make decisions based on the latest data.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Tracking Chart is an important tool used by the National Hurricane Center to track and forecast hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The chart provides real-time information on the location, intensity, and movement of hurricanes, helping to protect lives and property in the United States and other affected areas. By understanding how to read the chart and taking necessary precautions, people can stay safe and prepared during hurricane season.