New warning for Atlantic storms before they develop

2017 hurricane season will get track updates on "potential tropical cyclones"

Storms can develop quickly and now the National Hurricane Center will issue advisories before a developed tropical system threatens landfall.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – New during this upcoming hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center will react quicker to issuing watches and warnings for tropical systems that have the potential to impact land. 

Hurricane Humberto was an example in 2007 how early warnings would help after it hit Texas the day after forming. It was the fastest developing Atlantic basin storm growing from a depression to storm in 3 hours.

Recommended Videos



There is not always enough time to wait for the typical development cycle when storms are close. Pre-tropical threatening coastal storms did not get the full NHC forecast guidance in the past because disturbances needed to first develop before a track could be broadcast to the public.

This season the Miami forecast center will have the option to issue advisories, watches, and warnings for disturbances that are not yet a tropical cyclone, but which pose tropical storm or hurricane condition threats to land within 48 hours.

Improvements in computer and forecast skill during the past decade play a role in these advanced warnings.

You can expect the Weather Authority to show the full suite of products that the official NHC issues including early track cone and watch/warning products that previously has only been issued for ongoing tropical cyclones.

When a potential tropical cyclone only poses a threat to marine areas it will get no special treatment, otherwise it will be featured as a fully developed tropical cyclone with the prefix "Potential tropical cyclone" before the name in the updates.


About the Author:

After covering the weather from every corner of Florida and doing marine research in the Gulf, Mark Collins settled in Jacksonville to forecast weather for The First Coast.