(Click here for a picture of the TAFB staff)
The Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) (formerly known as the Tropical Satellite Analysis and Forecast (TSAF) unit) is an integral part of the Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center. The TAFB performs a number of functions within the Tropical Prediction Center. TAFB products include: marine High Seas Forecasts over the tropics and subtropics, Offshore Waters Forecasts over the tropics and subtropics, Tropical Weather Discussions over the tropics and subtropics, and surface weather analyses and forecasts over the tropics, subtropics, and mid-latitudes. For further information about TAFB and TAFB products not included in these web pages, contact Christopher Burr, Chief TAFB at 305-229-4430.

Many TAFB products are available over high seas radiofax on upper side-band (USB). The TAFB radiofax product transmission schedule and frequency list is transmitted daily at 0630 and 1830 UTC. Transmission is from the United States Coast Guard located at New Orleans, LA.

The TAFB is also an integral part of the National Hurricane Center (NHC). TAFB provides support for NHC during the hurricane season. This includes satellite-derived tropical cyclone position and intensity estimates, WSR-88D radar fixes for tropical cyclones, tropical cyclone forecast support, media support, and general operational support.

Unlike NHC which is fully staffed for operations during the hurricane season, the TAFB is staffed and operated 24 hours a day 365 days per year. TAFB has at least three meteorologists working at all times, and usually has five meteorologists working during weekdays and during tropical cyclone landfall events.

TAFB meteorologists are highly trained in marine meteorology, tropical meteorology, satellite imagery interpretation, and tropical weather analysis. TAFB products are generated every six hours (some are updated more frequently as warning responsibility and weather conditions dictate).

The TAFB consists of a branch chief, five lead forecasters, six journeyman forecasters, four forecaster development meteorologists, and two interns.

The TAFB has large forecast/warning areas of responsibility and diverse forecast/analysis problems. Hence, TAFB meteorologists find their forecasting always exciting, diverse, and career broadening.

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SHIFTS, DUTIES, PRODUCTS:

MARINE DESK
- High Seas Forecasts
   Area Map
- Offshore Waters Forecast
   Area Map
- Eastern Pacific Wind/Wave Analysis
- Gulf/Atlantic Wind/Wave Forecasts
- TC/STC Position and Intensity Estimates
- Satellite Rainfall Estimates

GRAPHICS PRODUCTS DESK
- Tropical Weather Discussion
- Tropical Surface Analysis/Forecast
- Atlantic Tropical Surface Analysis/Forecast
- North American Surface Analysis
- Pan-American Temperature and Precipitation Table

- TAFB Products Page
- TAFB Staff
- Technical Support Branch
- National Hurricane Center

Notice: Current TAFB products are found on the TAFB Forecast Products pages.