Amaris en de Kleurrijke Vissen

Part 3: Track Tropical Storms and Hurricanes – Tools and Resources

Introduction

Tracking tropical storms and hurricanes is important for staying safe, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November). Many free online tools let you watch storms in real time, see forecasts, and check how conditions like sea temperatures or Sahara dust might affect storm strength. This guide lists the best storm-tracking tools that open in a new window and are easy to understand for all ages.

1. Real-Time Storm Tracking Maps

• NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC)
  The official source for tropical storm and hurricane forecasts in the Atlantic and Pacific. Includes real-time maps, forecast tracks, cone warnings, and updates.
• Tropical Tidbits – Storm Models and Analysis
  Popular site with expert commentary, model maps, sea temperature overlays, and storm forecast animations. Great for beginners and experts alike.
• Zoom Earth – Live Storm Tracker
  Interactive satellite map that shows active storms, clouds, and wind in real time. Click on storms to see path, intensity, and forecasts.

2. Interactive Global Weather Maps

• Windy – Hurricane Tracker
  Real-time storm tracking with animated wind, rain, and pressure maps. You can turn on overlays for ocean temperature, waves, and dust.
• Earth.nullschool.net – Live Wind & Pressure Maps
  Explore the entire planet’s wind patterns, air pressure, and sea temperatures. Select "Mean Sea Level Pressure" or "Wind" to track storms visually.

3. Best Apps for Storm Tracking

• My Hurricane Tracker (Android / iOS)
  Provides alerts, storm paths, and radar maps. Very easy to use and good for families tracking local threats.
• Windy (Web and App)
  Highly detailed storm visuals, live forecast models, and tracking tools. Also includes dust and sea temperature overlays.
• RadarScope (Advanced)
  Used by weather professionals to view radar and storm data in detail. Paid app but worth it for serious trackers.

4. Storm Forecast Models and Updates

• SpaghettiModels.com
  Combines data from multiple sources like NOAA, NHC, and satellite maps. Shows “spaghetti models” that predict possible storm paths.
• WeatherNerds – Tropical Cyclone Model Guidance
  Great for deeper analysis. It overlays storm tracks, dust models, and sea surface temperatures to see how storms evolve.

5. Sea Surface Temperature and Storm Risk

• NOAA Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly Maps
  Shows which parts of the ocean are hotter or cooler than normal. Warm water helps storms grow stronger.
• NOAA Marine Weather Forecasts
  Includes forecasts for ocean conditions, waves, and tropical weather zones.

Conclusion and Opinion

With storms becoming more intense and unpredictable, these tools are a must-have for anyone living in coastal or tropical areas. They help you stay safe, plan ahead, and understand the science behind hurricanes and tropical storms.

My take: Many people rely only on news headlines or social media posts during storm season, but those often miss important details. These tracking tools offer live, accurate, and visual data that anyone can use. I personally recommend Zoom Earth and Tropical Tidbits for general use, and Windy for visual learners who want to explore storm dynamics.

If you'd like, I can also help you turn this into a plugin review post comparing which tool is best for different user needs — like travelers, weather bloggers, or families.