Hurricane Season Forecasts Links

As we come into the 2008 hurricane season (peak months are usually August-October), I’ve come across some interesting sites that I wanted to share.

NOAA, of course, offers hurricane predictions each season. The most recent one was released August 7th, for the Atlantic Coast region. (They are predicting an 85% probability of an above-average season, although the prediction is prefaced with paragraphs of qualifications.) They also offer real-time monitoring of both Atlantic and East Pacific Hurricane Potential, with in-depth oceanographic data that can be manipulated in various ways.

Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project also makes a seasonal prediction, which they update quarterly. The most recent one was released on the 5th of August; they also predict an ‘above-average’ season for the Atlantic. The main website for the TMP is packed with predictions, FAQ’s on typhoons, hurricanes and other tropical storms, and publications, as well as lists of contacts for personnel associated with the project.

The GeoGraphics Laboratory at Bridgewater State College, in association with Colorado State, oversees the “United States Landfalling Hurricane Probability Project” and their website contains an interactive Landfall Probability display, with data that can be manipulated by state and county.

Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management publishes a Virginia Hurricane Guide, with information specific to the Hampton Roads area. I’ve always wondered about the criteria the state would use to reverse traffic on I-64 along the Hurricane Evacuation Route, and that information is found in this brochure, along with a map of evacuation routes, and a list of helpful contacts. While it seems to be directed toward the average citizen, it’s worth a look.