Intro
As hurricane season approaches, it's essential to stay informed and prepared for the potential storms that may affect your area. One of the best ways to do this is by tracking hurricanes with printable maps. Here are five ways to use printable maps to track hurricanes and stay safe.
Understanding Hurricane Tracking
Before we dive into the different ways to track hurricanes with printable maps, it's essential to understand the basics of hurricane tracking. Hurricanes are powerful tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters. They are categorized based on their wind speed, with Category 1 being the least severe and Category 5 being the most severe.
Hurricane tracking involves monitoring the storm's movement, intensity, and projected path. This information is crucial for predicting where the storm will make landfall and what areas will be affected.
1. National Hurricane Center (NHC) Maps
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is the primary source for hurricane tracking information. They provide printable maps that show the storm's current location, projected path, and wind speed. These maps are updated regularly and can be downloaded from the NHC website.
To use NHC maps, simply visit their website and click on the "Maps" tab. From there, you can select the storm you want to track and download the corresponding map.
2. NOAA Satellite Imagery
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides satellite imagery of hurricanes that can be used to track the storm's movement and intensity. These images are available on the NOAA website and can be downloaded as printable maps.
To use NOAA satellite imagery, visit their website and click on the "Satellite Imagery" tab. From there, you can select the storm you want to track and download the corresponding image.
3. Weather Underground Maps
Weather Underground is a popular weather website that provides printable maps for hurricane tracking. Their maps show the storm's current location, projected path, and wind speed, as well as other relevant information such as storm surge and rainfall totals.
To use Weather Underground maps, simply visit their website and click on the "Hurricane" tab. From there, you can select the storm you want to track and download the corresponding map.
4. Google Maps
Google Maps is a popular mapping tool that can be used to track hurricanes. By using the Google Maps website or mobile app, you can view the storm's current location and projected path.
To use Google Maps for hurricane tracking, simply visit their website or open the mobile app and search for the storm you want to track. From there, you can view the storm's current location and projected path.
5. Customizable Maps
If you're looking for a more customized approach to hurricane tracking, you can use a mapping tool such as Mapbox or ArcGIS. These tools allow you to create your own printable maps using data from the NHC and other sources.
To use customizable maps, simply visit the website of the mapping tool you want to use and follow their instructions for creating a printable map.
Tips for Using Printable Maps
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using printable maps for hurricane tracking:
- Make sure to update your maps regularly to reflect the latest information from the NHC and other sources.
- Use a map that shows the storm's projected path and wind speed to help you prepare for the storm.
- Consider using a map that shows storm surge and rainfall totals to help you understand the potential impacts of the storm.
- Share your maps with friends and family to help them stay informed and prepared.
Gallery of Hurricane Tracking Maps
Hurricane Tracking Maps
Stay Safe and Informed
By using printable maps to track hurricanes, you can stay safe and informed during hurricane season. Remember to update your maps regularly and share them with friends and family to help them stay prepared. Stay tuned to local news and weather reports for the latest information on the storm, and follow the instructions of local authorities if you are in a affected area.