Storm Data Resource Guide
The internet hosts valuable information that can be used for managing the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. This guide highlights useful weather-related resources organized into the categories of before, during, and after a storm.
Before
Storm Forecasts and Advisories
Current storm condition information is available under "Tropical Cyclone Forecasts and Advisories" from June 1 (May 15 in the eastern North Pacific) to November 30.
HURREVAC
This restricted-use computer program is the primary tool used by emergency managers for tracking and responding to tropical systems.
Winds
Forecast data for wind direction and speed are available in three-hour forecasts.
Storm Surge
Storm surge model data and probabilities are available.
- Real-time data from the Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model
- Probabilistic hurricane storm surge
High-Resolution Topography and Landcover
Elevation and land cover data are used to monitor shoreline erosion and accretion, calculate storm surge levels, conduct flood risk analyses, and complete other tasks.
Tides and Water Levels
Data are used to determine potential storm surge and wave heights.
- NOAA's nowCOAST
- NOAA National Data Buoy Center
- NOAA Tides and Currents
- Extratropical Water Level Forecast
Flood Predictions
Data are used to identify potential flooding in advance of an event.
- River flood forecasts
- River flood data download
- Flash flood guidance
- Significant river flood outlook
- Hydrometeorlogical Prediction Center (HPC)
- Map of flood and high-flow conditions
Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
A process used to identify hazard zones and determine community risk.
During
Satellites
Various satellite sensors provide timely temperature and water vapor measurements throughout the atmosphere.
- NOAA Satellite Services Division Spatial Data Products GIS
- NOAA Geostationary Satellite Server
- NOAA Environmental Visualization
- Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Monterey Marine Meteorological Division's Tropical Cyclone Page
- Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Rapid Response System
Local Radar
NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) gives forecasters detailed information on hurricane wind fields, rain intensity, and storm movement.
C-SIDE
This website provides direct links to local, state, and national information resources pertaining to severe weather preparation and monitoring across the Gulf of Mexico coastal region.
Ocean Observing Systems
Buoys, satellites, and other remote sensing technology provide ocean-related data to forecasters and other coastal officials.
After
Track Analysis - Best Track
Archived tropical cyclone tracks used to develop models and identify areas that may be susceptible to future strikes.
Shoreline Change
Data are used to show how much coastal change can occur during extreme storms and normal weather patterns.
High Resolution Topography and Land Cover
Elevation and land cover data used to monitor shoreline erosion and accretion, calculate storm surge levels, conduct flood risk analyses, and complete other tasks.
Environmental Effects
Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps and software packages identify areas susceptible to chemical spills.
Precipitation and Flood Analysis
Forecasts of flooding or drought magnitude are available.
- Rainfall data for the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico
- River forecasts and real-time river gage information
Damage Assessment and Post-Storm Impact Data
Data and information are used to target areas for damage assessment teams and response activities, testing and assessing model outputs, and identifying geographic areas for future mitigation projects.
- Hurricane planning and impact assessment reports
- Significant event service assessments from the National Weather Service
- Storm reports from the Storm Prediction Center
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory surface wind analysis
- National Geodetic Survey emergency response imagery
Hurricane Climatology
Data and information on coastal weather and climatic influences are available for planning and management.
- Return frequency for hurricane landfall based on ENSO phase
- National Climatic Data Center Atlantic hurricane climatology
- National Climatic Data Center landfalling hurricane maps and reports
- National Climatic Data Center U.S. climate at a glance
- El Nino
Topobathy
Combined high-resolution topography and bathymetry (topobathy) data aid in site characterizations, change analysis, and hydrographic models.
Download the Storm Data Resource Guide (PDF - 30kb)
