I’ve weathered a lot of hurricanes – these are my must-have storm tracking tools

Living in South Florida means that hurricanes are a regular part of my life. Through experience, I’ve learned that preparing for a storm is more than just stocking up on supplies — it’s also about having the right data and tools available. 

As a technology professional who’s weathered multiple hurricanes since moving to the state in 2012, I’ve become passionate about tracking storms. I make it a point to stay 7 to 10 days ahead, closely monitoring every model and update as a storm develops and strengthens. 

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Here’s an overview of the apps and websites that I rely on to stay ahead of the storms.

Essential websites

1. NOAA National Hurricane Center 

I always start with the official source: the NOAA National Hurricane Center. Although the site’s design may look straight out of the 1990s, the NOAA remains the definitive resource for tracking storm paths, wind speeds, and projections. Professionals, government agencies, and even other websites use NOAA data to build their forecasts.

• What I use it for: I rely on the NHC’s real-time updates, satellite imagery, and the all-important cone of uncertainty graphic. This is where I get my first sense of whether a storm is heading my way and how serious it’s likely to be.
• Standout feature: The detailed advisories and discussions break down wind shear, water temperature, and trajectory changes. It’s a deep dive into the science behind storm forecasting.
• Best for: Desktop use. This site works best on a laptop or tablet with a full desktop-class browser like Chrome, Edge, or Safari. The large amount of data and graphics is easier to navigate with a bigger screen.

2. University of Wisconsin’s SSEC and NESDIS’ STAR GOES Imagery 

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The University of Wisconsin’s Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service’s (NESDIS) STAR GOES Imagery are two sites I consider invaluable for anyone wanting detailed satellite imagery and in-depth storm tracking data. Though their designs are outdated, these sites offer professional-grade hurricane data crucial during an active storm.

• What I use them for: I rely on these tools for real-time satellite views of storm systems as they develop. They’re instrumental when storms are far from shore but intensifying, giving me a clear picture of storm movement and structure.
• Standout feature: Both sites offer geostationary satellite imagery that enables you to track the storm over time. The high-resolution animations from the GOES-East and GOES-West satellites on NESDIS STAR GOES and SSEC provide a bird’s-eye view, essential for watching storm development.
• Best for: These sites are best accessed on a desktop or tablet with a full browser. They contain rich imagery and data, and the extra screen space helps navigate the multiple layers of storm information.

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3. Mike’s Weather Page  

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I’m a big fan of Mike’s Weather Page, which has become my go-to for approachable, real-time storm updates. Via his website and YouTube podcast, Mike Boylan distills complex storm data into easy-to-understand live streams and posts, making it accessible to everyone.

• What I use it for: Since 2004, Mike has been doing fantastic live streams on YouTube, where he breaks down the latest storm models, storm paths, and weather patterns. His site, Spaghetti Models, links to all the key tools I use, including NESDIS STAR and Tropical Tidbits.
• Standout feature: Mike’s personal approach to weather tracking keeps me coming back. He’s great at simplifying complex data and pointing out nuances between different models, making understanding storm threats and forecasts easier.
• Best for: Anyone who wants to stay informed without diving too deep into technical jargon. His live streams are great for digesting real-time information, and his website offers easy access to all the key storm-tracking tools.

4. Tropical Tidbits 

Tropical Tidbits, a go-to resource for storm trackers, was created by meteorologist Levi Cowan in 2012. Originally a hurricane forecasting blog, the site has since evolved into a powerful tool for real-time data visualizations used by scientists and weather enthusiasts alike. Levi, who holds a Ph.D. in meteorology and is a certified tropical cyclone forecaster at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, also hosts a popular YouTube podcast that reviews current storm models and discusses tropical weather developments.

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• What I use it for: Tropical Tidbits is my go-to for comparing forecasting models like the GFS, ECMWF, and ICON. The site allows me to track a storm’s potential paths over time, especially when the storm’s trajectory is uncertain.
• Standout feature: The real-time spaghetti plots and ensemble model comparisons are invaluable. Levi’s regular YouTube videos also provide expert analysis, breaking down why models might predict different outcomes.
• Best for: If you’re serious about storm tracking, comparing different models, and understanding the science behind the forecasts, Tropical Tidbits is an essential resource. It’s crowdsource-funded, and its ever-expanding set of features makes it a top tool for storm enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Essential apps

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1. Radarscope

Radarscope  (iOS<!–>, Android–>) is hands down the best app for real-time radar tracking. Whether you’re a serious weather enthusiast or a professional meteorologist, Radarscope gives you high-definition Doppler radar data in real-time. It’s a must-have during storm season.

• What I use it for: Radarscope is my main tool during a storm, especially for tracking severe weather like tornadoes. The app provides radar data from over 200 NEXRAD radar stations, and the velocity radar feature helps me detect potential tornado formations by identifying areas of cloud rotation.
• Standout feature: The dual-polarization radar is a game-changer. It allows me to see different types of precipitation — rain, hail, or snow — and assess their intensity. The detailed severe weather alerts are another essential feature, especially when tornadoes are a concern.
• Pro tip: I run Radarscope on my iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a larger-screen view, which makes it easier to analyze storm data in detail. 

Subscription: The base app (iOS<!–>, Android–>) is $9.99, but I subscribe to Pro Tier 1 ($9.99/year) for real-time lightning data and extended radar loops. Pro Tier 2 ($14.99/year) adds dual-polarization radar and access to archived radar data, which I use to review past storm events.

2. MyRadar NOAA Weather Radar 

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MyRadar–> (iOS<!–>, Android–>) is one of the most popular weather apps, and for good reason. It’s fast, easy to use, and packed with features for tracking storms and other severe weather. Whether you need a quick overview or detailed storm tracking, MyRadar has you covered.

• What I use it for: MyRadar gives me a quick snapshot of what’s happening with real-time Doppler radar images. I also use the Hurricane Tracker Add-On ($2.99) to track storm paths and pressure changes.
• Standout feature: The Professional Radar Pack ($6.99) is a worthwhile upgrade if you want more advanced radar data, such as storm velocity and rain intensity. I also like the push notifications for severe weather alerts, which help me avoid dangerous conditions.
• Additional features: You can disable ads for $1.99 or add Apple Watch integration for $0.99, handy for quick wrist checks during a storm.

3. Windy 

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Windy is one of the most comprehensive weather apps (iOS–>,Android<!–>) and websites, offering various weather forecasting models and tools. It integrates global models like ECMWF, GFS, and ICON and local models for regions like the US, Europe, and Australia. The app provides 51 weather maps – including wind, rain, temperature, pressure, swell, and CAPE index maps – giving you detailed insights into weather conditions worldwide.

Windy also features global satellite composites from NOAA, EUMETSAT, and Himawari, and a Radar+ layer for real-time storm and precipitation tracking. Users can add points of interest such as weather stations, airports, and webcams, making it highly versatile for both casual users and professionals.

Customization is a key strength – users can adjust color palettes, save favorite maps to a quick menu, and access advanced settings. For those who need more detailed data, the premium subscription ($18.99/year) offers a one-hour forecast step, a 10-day forecast outlook, and frequent forecast updates.

• What I use it for: Windy is my go-to for tracking wind speeds, storm surges, and other weather elements during hurricane season. Combining global models and customizable maps helps me get a complete picture of storm activity.
• Standout feature: The app’s customizability, paired with features like Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) for flight planning and detailed satellite and radar imagery, makes it invaluable during fast-changing weather events.

4. FEMA app 

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The free FEMA App (iOS<!–>, Android–>) is a must-have for anyone living in hurricane-prone areas. It provides real-time alerts and emergency preparedness information, helping you stay informed before, during, and after a storm.

• What I use it for: FEMA alerts me to nearby shelters, disaster recovery centers, and other emergency services. I also use the app’s emergency guides to ensure I’m prepared for power outages, floods, and evacuation scenarios.
• Standout feature: The disaster recovery resources are crucial if you’ve been affected by a storm. FEMA’s step-by-step guides on what to do before and after a hurricane make it easy to stay prepared and find help if needed.
• Best for: It’s an essential app for disaster preparedness and recovery. Whether you need shelter information or tips on creating an emergency plan, the FEMA app has you covered.

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Why these tools?

I depend on these apps and websites because they provide a comprehensive view of storm tracking. From real-time radar to predictive models, each tool offers something unique. As someone who’s been through my share of hurricanes, I know how crucial it is to have reliable data and visuals at your fingertips. With storms becoming more unpredictable, having multiple sources of information helps me make better decisions about whether to stay or evacuate.

Source: Robotics - zdnet.com