Eyes on the Storm: Hurricane Season Resources
Ocean observations are important elements of forecasting, tracking, and managing risk during hurricane season. Access visualizations, data portals, forecasting tools, and other information that support storm monitoring and decision making.
Important Forecast Information
For forecasts, warnings, and up-to-the-minute hurricane information, visit NOAA’s National Hurricane Center
Featured Satellite Image
GOES East GeoColor satellite image of the Atlantic Ocean on September 11, 2018 showing Hurricanes Florence (left) and Helene (right) and Tropical Storm Isaac (center). Photo Credit: NOAA/NESDIS.
Why Ocean Observations Matter During Hurricane Season
Ocean observations are important elements of forecasting, tracking, and managing risk during hurricane season. The resources listed on this page provide access to visualizations, data portals, forecasting tools, and other information that support storm monitoring and decision making.
National Resources
IOOS.us
Provides quick access to U.S. IOOS’s main project areas, including the data catalog for data downloads. During hurricane season, access key storm tracking data.
Glider Data Assembly Center
Ingests data from gliders deployed throughout all U.S. IOOS regions, including sea surface temperature and salinity data important for storm prediction.
Compare glider and other ocean observations to global ocean models using the IOOS Model Comparisons Archive Explorer, which allows users to flip through visualizations of observations and model outputs in various regions and at different depths, as well as view profiles from ocean models and in-situ observations for further comparison. The Ocean Model Plotter provides along-track cross-section comparisons of observations and models.
Environmental Sensor Map
Integrates real-time data from sensors on buoys and fixed moorings. Custom data views are offered during notable events.
EDS Model Viewer
Examine, analyze, and access integrated model output from federal and non-federal partners. Generate time series plots and compare with real-time observations.
WebCOOS Webcam System
Network of coastal webcams providing real-time views of coastal conditions.
Regional Resources
Mid Atlantic Region
MARACOOS
Storm Resource Center
Near real-time visualizations and links to neighboring regions and national information centers.
Southeast Region
SECOORA
Hurricane Resource Hub
Quick access to buoy, glider, and water level data, along with forecasts and storm surge models.
Gulf of America Region
GCOOS
Hurricane Resource Center
Comprehensive dashboard with weather radar mosaics, satellite imagery, storm warning maps, and forecasted positions.
Caribbean Region
CARICOOS
Hurricane Season Dashboard
Suite of data visualizations focused on the Caribbean. View water and heat visualizations, satellite imagery, and forecasts focusing on the Caribbean.
For quick access to Caribbean gliders, access their dedicated glider page.
CARICOOS' Caribbean Regional Ocean Partnership (CROP) Data Sharing Initiative
An integrated data portal with data products, information, and visualization tools from multiple sources including Federal and state government, NGOs, and CARICOOS. In the event of a hurricane, CROP can provide access to information to help in planning mitigation and response.
Pacific Islands Region
PacIOOS
PacIOOS Voyager
Variety of hurricane season data including storm cones, sea surface temperatures, wave heights, and precipitation data.
To view (an active) projected cone, “Hurricanes and tropical cyclones” can be selected under the “Hazards: Forecast” category. As a storm is approaching, you might be interested to find out about NOAA’s satellite sea surface temperatures, the forecasted wave height from PacIOOS models, or the actual observed wave heights from NOAA NDBC and PacIOOS wave buoys during the storm. To monitor rain, precipitation measured by Doppler Radar might be of interest to you, as well as observations from USGS rain gauges and stream gauges. And of course, last but not least, wind forecasts can be accessed through the Pacific NOAA GFS layer or PacIOOS’ high resolution atmospheric model for the Hawaiian Islands.
Stay Informed During Hurricane Season
Access real-time data, forecasting tools, and regional resources to support storm monitoring and decision making throughout hurricane season.