NWS/NOAA National Hurricane Center - Hurricane and tropical storm warnings, watches, information and resources.

NOAAWatch - NOAA's All Hazards Monitor. Maps depicting hazard-related themes and links to hazards info.

   Hurricanes, also known as typhoons or cyclones, are powerful low pressure storm systems. Hurricanes cause damage with high winds, heavy rains, and with a storm surge which raises sea level and inundates low lying coastal areas. Hurricane damage is not limited to coastal areas as extreme weather, tornadoes, and flooding can occur hundreds of miles inland.

Mapping of areas subject to hurricane hazard is important to preventing hurricane losses. Tracking of hurricanes and issuing forecast and warnings is often map based. Maps of evacuation routes help with planning for hurricane events. Mapping and modeling areas likely to be inundated as a result of storms surges is important to help insure safe construction practices and restrict building where necessary. 

   In the United States NOAA/NWS as the National Hurricane Center is the primary federal agency responsible for monitoring tropical storm and hurricane activity and issuing hurricane watches, warnings and alerts. FEMA, and other federal, state, or local agencies may be involved as well. Some useful resources are listed below. 

  To learn more about hurricane hazards in your area, contact the appropriate local, state or federal agency. If you plan to build, develop, or inhabit areas subject to hurricane hazards, consult a qualified professional regarding the hazard, your risk, and options for mitigation. The information on this site is only intended as an educational tool to help you get started. By using it you are subject to our terms of use.