How to Track 2009's Atlantic Hurricanes

If you live in the Caribbean or along the gulf coast, you may be a bit more curious about hurricanes than the average Joe and for good reason. Monitoring these storms can help you be better prepared to protect your family and your home.

While living in the Caribbean, we used the internet to help us track hurricanes and you can follow them too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• internet connection

1. 
    

   Start by visiting NOAA's National Hurricane Center Page
   http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
   
   You'll find several useful links on this page. Check out the "Tropical Weather Discussion" for an in depth look at current active storms by meteorologists. Also, click on the "Have Your Disaster Plan Ready" for useful advice in preparing for a storm.

2. 
    

   Check out Weather Underground's Tropical Weather Page
   http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/
   
   From this page you can track active storms and see projected paths of the storms. Also, Dr. Jeff Master's Blog (in the far right column of the page) is often updated and contains a more personalized look at the storms. You can chat with other stormwatchers using comments in the blog.

3. 
    

   Search for historical storms in your area
   http://maps.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/viewer.html
   
   Again, this is a NOAA page and has great historical storm information. Enter your State, County, City or Zip Code and you can see the tracks of prior storms that have hit your area. You can also do a search for specific storms to find out more information.

4. 
    

   Look at the storm from a Caribbean point of view
   http://www.stormcarib.com/
   
   Most interesting about this site is the "Latest Local Updates from the Special Hurricane Correspondents" (on the right column of page). These are your average everyday folk giving their view on weather conditions from where they sit. You can choose your correspondent by island.

5. 
    

   Discuss the storms with other people
   http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=45
   
   If you have questions about a storm, want to discuss hurricane preparation or just want to play amateur meteorologist, you'll find this forum offers quite a bit for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, these sites may help you prepare for a hurricane but they cannot absolutely predict the path of the storm. Always be prepared for that storm to swing your way once it approaches your area.

[bailey4]

on 9/1/2009 Interesting article on How to Track 2009's Atlantic Hurricanes. 5*

[FrazzledNanny]

on 8/25/2009 Thanks for the great article on tracking 2009's Atlantic Hurricanes. I am lucky to live away from immediate danger from hurricanes but they are fascinating to watch (although terrifying at the same time). 5*

[Mitestarossa]

on 6/11/2009 I love following the hurricanes.

[westernmom]

on 6/11/2009 My daughter has moved to Texas, not far from the coast so this is going in my favs! Thanks for a great article. great pics and info 5***

[xrayness]

on 6/9/2009 Good job!