Look below for an abundance of tropical weather information. I also write a Tropical Weather Discussion, which highlights potential threat areas and latest advisories. This discussion is available in text form or as a Podcast. All images, forecasts, and documents are courtesy of their respective publishers.

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Western Atlantic Infared Satellite Image

Tropical Atlantic Wide Infared Satellite Image

Other Infared Satellite Images

North Atlantic:	Western Atlantic:
Central Atlantic:	Gulf of Mexico:
Caribbean:	US East Coast:
Northwest Atlantic:

Tropical Atlantic Wide Visible Satellite Image

Other Visible Satellite Images

North Atlantic:	Western Atlantic:
Central Atlantic:	Gulf of Mexico:
Caribbean:	US East Coast:
Northwest Atlantic:

Western Atlantic Water Vapor Satellite Image

Tropical Atlantic Wide Water Vapor Satellite Image

Other Water Vapor Satellite Images

North Atlantic:	Western Atlantic:
Central Atlantic:	Gulf of Mexico:
Caribbean:	US East Coast:
Northwest Atlantic:

Eastern Atlantic Infared Satellite Image

Eastern Atlantic Infared Satellite Image

Current Atlantic Surface Weather Analysis

Current Atlantic Surface Weather Analysis

Current Atlantic Sea State Analysis

Current Atlantic 700-850 mb Mean Wind Analysis (TC Sfc Pressure Range 1000-1010 mbs)

Current Atlantic 500-850 mb Mean Wind Analysis (TC Sfc Pressure Range 990-999 mbs)

Current Atlantic 400-850 mb Mean Wind Analysis (TC Sfc Pressure Range 970-989 mbs)

Current Atlantic 300-850 mb Mean Wind Analysis (TC Sfc Pressure Range 950-969 mbs)

Current Atlantic 250-850 mb Mean Wind Analysis (TC Sfc Pressure Range 940-949 mbs)

Current Atlantic 200-700 mb Mean Wind Analysis (TC Sfc Pressure Range <940 mbs)

Current Atlantic 850 mb Relative Vorticity Analysis

Probability Of Tropical Cyclone Formation Within 24 Hours

Vertical Wind Shear Analysis (850-200 mbs)

Current Atlantic Wind Shear Analysis

Current Eastern Atlantic/African Wind Shear Analysis

12 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

24 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

36 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

48 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

60 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

72 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

96 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

120 Hour Forecast - Favorable Environmental Conditions For Tropical Development

72 Hour Atlantic Wind Shear Forecast

Current Sea Surface Temperature Analysis

Tropical Weather Overview

What Is A Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm Or A Hurricane

Tropical Depression
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained wind speed is 38 mph or less (33 kt or less or 17 m/s or less). Depressions have a closed circulation.

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained wind speed ranges from 39 mph (34 kt or 18 m/s) to 73 mph (63 kt or 33 m/s). The convection in tropical storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall organizing into distinct bands.

Hurricane
When winds in a tropical cyclone equal or exceed 74 mph (64 kt or 34 m/s) it is called a hurricane. Hurricanes are further designated by categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Hurricanes in categories 3, 4, 5 are known as Major Hurricanes or Intense Hurricanes.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane’s present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline, in the landfall region. Note that all winds are using the U.S. 1-minute average.

Category One Hurricane:
Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/hr). No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category Two Hurricane:
Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/hr). Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Category Three Hurricane:
Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 km/hr). Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering from floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.

Category Four Hurricane:
Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 km/hr). More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).

Category Five Hurricane:
Winds greater than 155 mph (greater than 135 kt or 249 km/hr). Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

2008 Tropical Cyclone Tracks

2009 Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Names