OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL COORDINATOR FOR

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Washington, DC

May 2007

National Hurricane

Operations Plan

FCM-P12-2007

Hurricane Gordon - 18 September 2006 - GOES 12
 

THE FEDERAL COMMITTEE FOR 

 METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH (FCMSSR) 

VADM CONRAD C. LAUTENBACHER, JR., USN (RET.) 

Chairman, Department of Commerce 

DR. SHARON L. HAYS 

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

DR. RAYMOND MOTHA 

Department of Agriculture 

BRIG GEN DAVID L. JOHNSON, USAF (RET.) 

Department of Commerce 

MR. ALAN SHAFFER 

Department of Defense 

DR. JERRY ELWOOD 

Department of Energy 

MR. KEVIN “SPANKY” KIRSCH 

Science and Technology Directorate 

Department of Homeland Security 

DR. MICHAEL SOUKUP 

Department of the Interior 

MR. RALPH BRAIBANTI 

Department of State 

MR. RANDOLPH LYON 

Office of Management and Budget 

MS. VICTORIA COX 

Department of Transportation 

MR. DAVID MAURSTAD 

Federal Emergency Management Agency 

Department of Homeland Security 

DR. MARY L. CLEAVE 

National Aeronautics and Space 

 Administration 

DR. MARGARET S. LEINEN 

National Science Foundation 

MR. PAUL MISENCIK 

National Transportation Safety Board 

MR. MICHAEL JOHNSON 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

DR. LAWRENCE REITER 

Environmental Protection Agency 

MR. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON 

Federal Coordinator MR. JAMES B. HARRISON, Executive Secretary 

 Office of the Federal Coordinator for 

 Meteorological Services and Supporting Research 

 THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR 

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH (ICMSSR) 

 

MR. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON, Chairman 

Federal Coordinator 

MR. THOMAS PUTERBAUGH 

Department of Agriculture 

MR. JOHN E. JONES, JR. 

Department of Commerce 

RADM FRED BYUS, USN 

United States Navy 

Department of Defense 

BRIG GEN LAWRENCE A. STUTZRIEM, USAF 

United States Air Force 

Department of Defense 

MR. RICKEY PETTY 

Department of Energy 

MR. KEVIN “SPANKY” KIRSCH 

Science and Technology Directorate 

Department of Homeland Security 

MR. JOHN VIMONT 

Department of the Interior 

MR. ANTHONY FURST (Acting) 

Federal Highway Administration 

Department of Transportation 

MR. JAMES H. WILLIAMS 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Department of Transportation 

DR. JONATHAN M. BERKSON 

United States Coast Guard 

Department of Homeland Security 

MR. JEFFREY MACLURE 

Department of State 

DR. S. T. RAO 

Environmental Protection Agency 

MR. JOHN GAMBEL 

Federal Emergency Management Agency 

Department of Homeland Security 

DR. RAMESH KAKAR 

National Aeronautics and Space 

 Administration 

DR. JARVIS MOYERS 

National Science Foundation 

MR. DONALD E. EICK 

National Transportation Safety Board 

MS. LETA A. BROWN 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

MS. MELISSA N. BRANDT 

Office of Management and Budget 

 MR. JAMES B. HARRISON, Executive Secretary 

 Office of the Federal Coordinator for 

 Meteorological Services and Supporting Research 

 
FEDERAL COORDINATOR 

FOR 

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH

8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1500 

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 

301-427-2002 

www.ofcm.gov 

NATIONAL HURRICANE OPERATIONS PLAN

FCM-P12-2007 

Washington, D.C. 

May 2007
ii

CHANGE AND REVIEW LOG

Use this page to record changes and notices of reviews. 

Change 

Number 

Page 

Numbers 

Date 

Posted Initial 

 1 5-16 through 5-23 8/30/2007 RJD 

 2 

 3 

 4 

 5 

 6 

 7 

 8 

 9 

10 

Changes are indicated by a vertical line in the margin next to the 

change or by shading and strikeouts. 

Review Date Comments Initial 

 
iii

FOREWORD

The Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference (IHC) is sponsored annually by the Office of the 

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM) to provide a 

forum for the responsible Federal agencies, together with representatives from the user 

communities like emergency management, to review the Nation’s hurricane forecast and warning 

program and to make recommendations on how to improve the program in the future. The major 

objective is to plan and prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. The 61st IHC was held in 

New Orleans, Louisiana, March 5-9, 2007, and the new procedures, procedural changes, and 

agreements reached at the conference were incorporated into this publication—the 45th edition of 

the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP). 

At the 61st IHC, the Working Group for Hurricane and Winter Storms Operations and Research 

(WG/HWSOR) addressed 15 action items. Of the 15, 11 will be closed through incorporation 

into the 2007 NHOP as approved recommendations and/or changes. One of the items was 

informational in nature, and one was withdrawn following further discussion. Detailed 

descriptions of the action items are available on the OFCM’s web site at 

http://www.ofcm.gov/homepage/text/spc_proj/ihc.html. 

This edition includes a number of minor revisions and changes to Chapter 3, General Operations 

and Procedures of the National Weather Service Hurricane Centers, and Chapter 5, Aircraft 

Reconnaissance. In Chapter 5, the requirement for high-density/high-accuracy (HD/HA) data is 

updated to include surface wind and rain-rate data from the stepped frequency microwave 

radiometer, when available. Detailed information on the new HD/HA data message is contained 

in Appendix G. Additionally, Chapter 6, Satellite Reconnaissance, and Appendix A, Local 

National Weather Service (NWS) Office Products contain some important updates. 

After the historic 2005 Atlantic tropical cyclone season, the 2006 season was rather calm. Ten 

tropical storms formed which was the fewest number since 1997. Of these ten storms, five 

became hurricanes, including two major hurricanes—the fewest since 2002 and close to the longterm averages of 11, 6, and 2. Of particular note, there were no landfalling U.S. hurricanes for 

the first time since 2001. The Northeast Pacific, however, had the most number of tropical 

storms (18) since 1992 and the most hurricanes (10) since 1993. Two hurricanes made landfall 

in Mexico, resulting in 13 deaths. The other tropical cyclone basins supported by the Joint 

Typhoon Warning Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center had average to slightly 

below-average years based on their 25-year average climatology. 

Once again, the civilian and military organizations that make up our multiagency tropical 

cyclone forecast and warning system provided outstanding support to their customers. Due to 

their hard work and dedicated professionalism, the mission was accomplished. 

 Samuel P. Williamson 

 Federal Coordinator for Meteorological 

 Services and Supporting Research 

v

NATIONAL HURRICANE OPERATIONS PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

CHANGE AND REVIEW LOG................................................................................................. ii 

FOREWORD................................................................................................................................ iii 

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................... v 

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1-1 

1.1. General............................................................................................................. 1-1 

1.2. Scope ............................................................................................................. 1-1 

CHAPTER 2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COOPERATING FEDERAL 

 AGENCIES..................................................................................................... 2-1 

2.1. General ................................................................................................. 2-1 

2.2. DOC Responsibilities........................................................................... 2-1 

2.3. DOD Responsibilities........................................................................... 2-4 

2.4. DOT/DHS Responsibilities.................................................................. 2-5 

2.5. Annual Liaison with Other Nations ..................................................... 2-5 

2.6. Air Traffic Control/Flight Operations Coordination............................ 2-5 

CHAPTER 3 GENERAL OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES OF THE NATIONAL 

WEATHER SERVICE HURRICANE CENTERS .................................... 3-1 

3.1. General ................................................................................................. 3-1 

3.2. Products................................................................................................ 3-1 

3.3. Designation of Tropical and Subtropical Cyclones.............................. 3-5 

3.4. Transfer of Warning Responsibility..................................................... 3-7 

3.5. Alternate Warning Responsibilities ..................................................... 3-8 

3.6. Abbreviated Communications Headings............................................ 3-13 

3.7. Hurricane Liaison Team (HLT) ......................................................... 3-14 

CHAPTER 4 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PRODUCTS FOR THE 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE................................................................... 4-1 

4.1. General ................................................................................................. 4-1 

4.2. Observations......................................................................................... 4-1 

4.3. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisories................................................. 4-1 

CHAPTER 5 AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE.............................................................. 5-1 

5.1. General ................................................................................................. 5-1 

5.2. Responsibilities .................................................................................... 5-1 

5.3. Control of Aircraft................................................................................ 5-3 

5.4. Reconnaissance Requirements ............................................................. 5-3 

5.5. Reconnaissance Planning and Flight Notification ............................... 5-6 

5.6. Reconnaissance Effectiveness Criteria............................................... 5-23 
vi

5.7. Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Encoding, Reporting, 

and Coordination................................................................................ 5-24 

5.8. Operational Flight Patterns................................................................. 5-27 

5.9. Aircraft Reconnaissance Communications ........................................ 5-29 

CHAPTER 6 SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL 

CYCLONES ................................................................................................... 6-1 

6.1. Satellites ............................................................................................... 6-1 

6.2. National Weather Service (NWS) Support .......................................... 6-5 

6.3. NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB)........................................... 6-5 

6.4. Air Force Support and the Defense Meteorological 

Satellite Program (DMSP) ................................................................... 6-6 

6.5. Satellites and Satellite Data Availability for the 

Current Hurricane Season .................................................................... 6-7 

6.6. Current Intensity and Tropical Classification Number ...................... 6-11 

CHAPTER 7 SURFACE RADAR REPORTING.............................................................. 7-1 

7.1. General ................................................................................................. 7-1 

7.2. The WSR-88D...................................................................................... 7-1 

7.3. Procedures ............................................................................................ 7-1 

CHAPTER 8 NATIONAL DATA BUOY CAPABILITIES AND 

 REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................... 8-1 

8.1. General ................................................................................................. 8-1 

8.2. Requests for Drifting Buoy Deployment ............................................. 8-2 

8.3. Communications................................................................................... 8-2 

CHAPTER 9 MARINE WEATHER BROADCASTS ...................................................... 9-1 

9.1. General ................................................................................................. 9-1 

9.2. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 

(GMDSS) ............................................................................................. 9-1 

9.3. Coastal Maritime Safety Broadcasts .................................................... 9-2 

9.4. High Seas Broadcasts........................................................................... 9-2 

9.5. Additional Information......................................................................... 9-3 

CHAPTER 10 PUBLICITY ................................................................................................. 10-1 

10.1. News Media Releases......................................................................... 10-1 

10.2. Distribution......................................................................................... 10-1 
vii

APPENDIX A LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) 

 OFFICE PRODUCTS............................................................................................... A-1 

APPENDIX B DEFINING POINTS FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCHES/ 

WARNINGS...................................................................................................B-1 

APPENDIX C JOINT TYPHOON WARNING CENTER (JTWC) BULLETINS..........C-1 

APPENDIX D FORMAT FOR NHOP/NWSOP FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR 

INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC NOTAM ISSUANCE ................ D-1 

APPENDIX E SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE ...............................................E-1 

APPENDIX F OFFICIAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS .........................................F-1 

APPENDIX G RECCO, HDOB, AND TEMP DROP CODES, TABLES, AND 

REGULATIONS........................................................................................... G-1 

APPENDIX H WSR-88D OPERATIONS PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE 

 EVENTS ....................................................................................................... H-1 

APPENDIX I TELEPHONE AND TELETYPE LISTING................................................I-1 

APPENDIX J PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION LISTING................................................J-1 

APPENDIX K ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................. K-1 

APPENDIX L GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................L-1 

APPENDIX M DISTRIBUTION...........................................................................................M-1 
viii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1-1. Tropical Cyclone Forecast Centers' Areas of Responsibility ................................. 1-2 

2-1. Typhoon Durian, November 29, 2006 .................................................................... 2-3 

3-1. HPC Public Advisory Product Format.................................................................... 3-3 

3-2. Aviation Tropical Cyclone Advisory Format ......................................................... 3-5 

4-1. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory Format.......................................................... 4-4 

4-2. Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory Format............................................................. 4-5 

5-1. WC-130J Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft .......................................................... 5-2 

5-2. G-IV Weather Surveillance Aircraft....................................................................... 5-2 

5-3. NOAA P-3 Weather Surveillance Aircraft ............................................................. 5-3 

5-4. Vortex Data Message Worksheet............................................................................ 5-8 

5-5. Example Vortex Data Message (VDM) for the WC-130J.................................... 5-12 

5-6. NHOP Coordinated Request for Aircraft Reconnaissance ................................... 5-13 

5-7. Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day Format ............................................................ 5-14 

5-8. Mission Evaluation Form...................................................................................... 5-25 

5-9. Flight Pattern ALPHA ........................................................................................ 5-27 

5-10. Suggested Patterns for Investigative Missions ..................................................... 5-28 

5-11. Schematic of Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link for NOAA P-3 Aircraft ................. 5-32 

5-12. Schematic of Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link for AFRC WC-130 Aircraft .......... 5-33 

6-1. The GOES Satellite System.................................................................................... 6-3 

8-1. Example Buoy and Float Deployment Pattern........................................................ 8-3 

A-1. Hurricane Local Statement Format........................................................................ A-7 

A-2. Extreme Wind Warning.......................................................................................... A-9 

A-3. Inland NPW Product Format ............................................................................... A-12 

A-4. Post-Tropical Cyclone Report Format .................................................................A-14 

B-1. Tropical Cyclone Break Points for the Northeast...................................................B-3 

B-2. Tropical Cyclone Break Points for the Southeast...................................................B-4 

B-3. Tropical Cyclone Break Points for the Gulf of Mexico..........................................B-4 

G-1. Reconnaissance Code Recording Form ................................................................. G-2 

G-2. HDOB Description and Sample Message.............................................................. G-6 

G-3. Example TEMP DROP Message for Tropical Cyclones..................................... G-15 
ix

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

3-1. Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names........................................................................... 3-9 

3-2. Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names ............................................................. 3-10 

3-3. Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names.............................................................. 3-11 

3-4. International Tropical Cyclone Names for the Western Pacific and 

 South China Sea.................................................................................................... 3-12 

5-1. Requirements for Aircraft Reconnaissance Data.................................................... 5-6 

5-2. Vortex Data Message Entry Explanation................................................................ 5-9 

6-1. Communications Headings for Satellite Tropical Weather 

 Discussion Summaries............................................................................................ 6-6 

6-2. Satellite and Satellite Data Availability for the Current Hurricane Season............ 6-7 

6-3. The Empirical Relationship between the C.I. Number and the Maximum 

 Wind Speed and the Relationship between the T-Number and the Minimum 

 Sea-Level Pressure ............................................................................................... 6-11 

7-1. Participating Radar Stations.................................................................................... 7-2 

A-1. HLS Product Table ................................................................................................ A-3 

G-l. Reconnaissance Code Tables................................................................................. G-3 

G-2. Reconnaissance Code Regulations ........................................................................ G-5 

G-3. Communications Headers for HDOB Messages.................................................... G-7 

G-4. Mission/Ob Identifier Line Format for HDOB Messages...................................... G-7 

G-5 HD/HA Data Line Format for HDOB Messages................................................... G-8 

G-6. TEMP DROP Code.............................................................................................. G-10 

1-1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1. General. The tropical cyclone warning service is an interdepartmental effort to provide 

the United States and designated international recipients with forecasts, warnings, and 

assessments concerning tropical and subtropical weather systems. The National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce (DOC) is responsible for 

providing forecasts and warnings for the Atlantic and Eastern and Central Pacific Oceans while 

the Department of Defense (DOD) provides the same services for the Western Pacific and Indian 

Ocean (see Figure 1-1). NOAA, along with other Federal agencies such as the U.S. Navy and 

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), also conducts supporting research 

efforts to improve tropical cyclone forecast and warning services. The bottom line--this 

interdepartmental cooperation achieves economy and efficiency in the provision of the tropical 

cyclone forecast and warning services to the Nation. The National Hurricane Operations Plan

provides the basis for implementing agreements reached at the Interdepartmental Hurricane 

Conference (IHC), which is sponsored annually by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for 

Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. The goal of the IHC is to bring together the 

responsible Federal agencies to achieve agreement on items of mutual concern related to tropical 

cyclone forecast and warning services for the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 

1.2. Scope. The procedures and agreements contained herein apply to the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf 

of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The plan defines the roles of individual 

agencies, participating in the tropical cyclone forecast and warning program when more than one 

agency is involved in the delivery of service in any specific area. When a single agency is 

involved in any specific area, that agency's procedures should be contained in internal documents 

and, to the extent possible, be consistent with NHOP practices and procedures. Please note that 

under the National Weather Service Modernization Plan, the former National Hurricane Center 

(NHC) was incorporated into the Tropical Prediction Center (TPC), one of the seven serviceoriented centers and two central support activities that comprise the National Centers for 

Environmental Prediction (NCEP)—formerly the National Meteorological Center. The tropical 

cyclone warning mission still resides with the NHC (Hurricane Specialist Unit), which is a major 

component of the TPC. For completeness, the NHC will be referred to as TPC/NHC throughout 

the document. 
1-2

Figure 1-1. Tropical Cyclone Forecast Centers' Areas of Responsibility 

 

Note: While the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has physically moved to Pearl 

Harbor, Hawaii, its area of responsibility remains unchanged. 

 
2-1

CHAPTER 2

RESPONSIBILITIES OF COOPERATING FEDERAL AGENCIES

2.1. General. The Department of Commerce (DOC), through the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is charged with the overall responsibility to implement a 

responsive, effective national tropical cyclone warning service. Many local, state, and Federal 

agencies play a vital role in this system; their cooperative efforts help ensure that necessary 

preparedness actions are taken to minimize loss of life and destruction of property. The joint 

participation by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Transportation (DOT), 

and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with the DOC 

brings to bear those Federal resources considered essential for storm detection and accurate 

forecasting. This cooperative effort has proven to be a cost-effective, highly responsive 

endeavor to meet national requirements for tropical cyclone warning information. 

2.2. DOC Responsibilities. 

2.2.1. Forecast and Warning Services. The DOC will provide timely dissemination of 

forecasts, warnings, and all significant information regarding tropical and subtropical cyclones to 

the appropriate agencies, marine and aviation interests, and the general public. 

2.2.2. Support to DOD. Through NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), the DOC 

will: 

 • Consult, as necessary, with the DOD regarding their day-to-day requirements 

for forecast/advisory services and attempt to meet these requirements within 

the capabilities of the tropical cyclone warning service. 

 • Provide, through the Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center 

(TPC/NHC), the coordinated DOC requirements for weather reconnaissance 

and other meteorological data to be acquired by the DOD on tropical or 

subtropical cyclones and disturbances. 

 • Provide facilities, administrative support, and the means to disseminate 

meteorological data for the Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All 

Hurricanes (CARCAH) as agreed to by the DOC and DOD. 

 • Provide the DOD with basic meteorological information, warnings, forecasts, 

and associated prognostic reasoning concerning location, intensity, and forecast 

movement of tropical and subtropical cyclones in the following maritime areas, 

including the adjacent states and possessions of the United States: 
2-2

  Atlantic Ocean (north of the equator including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf 

of Mexico). Advisories are the responsibility of the Director, TPC/NHC, 

Miami, FL. The TPC/NHC will consult with the Naval Atlantic 

Meteorology and Oceanography Center (NAVLANTMETOCCEN), 

Norfolk, VA, prior to issuing initial and final advisories and prior to 

issuing any advisory that indicates a significant change in forecast of 

intensity or track from the previous advisory. Exchange of information is 

encouraged on subsequent warnings when significant changes are made or 

otherwise required. 

  Eastern Pacific Ocean (north of the equator and east of 140°W). 

Advisories are the responsibility of the Director, TPC/NHC, Miami, FL. 

The TPC/NHC will consult with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center 

(JTWC), Pearl Harbor, HI, prior to issuing initial and final advisories and 

prior to issuing any advisory that indicates a significant change in forecast 

of intensity or track from the previous advisory. Exchange of information 

is encouraged on subsequent warnings when significant changes are made 

or otherwise required. 

  Central Pacific Ocean (north of the equator between 140°W and 180°). 

Advisories are the responsibility of the Director, Central Pacific Hurricane 

Center (CPHC), Honolulu, HI. The CPHC will consult with JTWC prior 

to issuing initial and final advisories and prior to issuing any advisory that 

indicates a significant change in forecast of intensity or track from the 

previous advisory. Exchange of information is encouraged on subsequent 

warnings when significant changes are made or otherwise required. 

  West Pacific Ocean (Guam and Micronesia). Public advisories are 

prepared by the NWS Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Guam, using the 

tropical cyclone forecasts/advisories prepared by JTWC as guidance. 

2.2.3. Post Analysis of Tropical Cyclones. The DOC, through NWS, will conduct an 

annual post analysis for all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and the Pacific regions east of 180° 

and prepare an annual hurricane report for issue to interested agencies. 

2.2.4. Environmental Satellite Systems. The National Environmental Satellite, Data, 

and Information Service (NESDIS) will: 

 • Operate DOC environmental satellite systems capable of providing coverage of 

meteorological conditions in the tropics during the tropical cyclone season, and 

monitor and interpret DOC satellite imagery. 

 • Obtain, as necessary, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 

research and development satellite data and Defense Meteorological Satellite 

Program (DMSP) data for NWS operational use and to comply with TPC/NHC 

and CPHC satellite data requirements. 
2-3

 • Provide surveillance support with fixes and/or intensity estimates to the Joint 

Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), TPC/NHC, and CPHC through analysis of 

all available satellite imagery. 

Figure 2-1. Typhoon Durian, November 29, 2006

 
2-4

2.2.5. Data Buoy Systems. Through the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), the DOC 

will, subject to available funding, develop, deploy, and operate environmental data buoy systems 

and automated coastal stations to support the data requirements of TPC/NHC and CPHC. 

2.2.6. Weather Reconnaissance. Through the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation 

Operations (OMAO), DOC will provide weather reconnaissance flights, including synoptic 

surveillance, as specified in Chapter 5, unless relieved of these responsibilities by the 

Administrator of NOAA. 

2.3. DOD Responsibilities. The DOD will: 

 • Disseminate significant meteorological information on tropical and subtropical 

cyclones to the NWS in a timely manner. 

 • Provide TPC/NHC and CPHC current DOD requirements for tropical and 

subtropical cyclone advisories. 

 • Meet DOC requirements for aircraft reconnaissance and other special 

observations as agreed to by DOD and DOC (see Appendix F). 

 • Provide at TPC/NHC a 24-hour aircraft operations interface—Chief, Aerial 

Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH). 

 • Designate CARCAH as the liaison to TPC/NHC. CARCAH will serve as 

TPC/NHC's point of contact to request special DOD observations in support of 

this plan; i.e., DMSP fixes, additional upper-air observations, etc. 

 • Provide weather reconnaissance data monitor services to evaluate and 

disseminate reconnaissance reports. 

 • Provide surveillance support with fixes and/or intensity estimates to the 

Central Pacific Hurricane Center through analysis of available satellite 

imagery. The support is provided by the 17th Operational Weather Squadron 

Meteorological Satellite Operations (SATOPS) Flight (17 OWS/WXJ), Joint 

Typhoon Warning Center, Pearl Harbor, HI, and is focused on the Indian 

Ocean and the Central, South, and Northwest Pacific Ocean.. 

 • Western Pacific Ocean (north of the equator): Provide NWS with basic 

meteorological information, forecasts, and associated prognostic reasoning, 

concerning location, intensity, wind distribution, and forecast movement of 

tropical cyclones for the Northwest Pacific west of 180o

. JTWC will consult 

with WFO Guam, regarding all tropical cyclones affecting Micronesia and 

Guam. Consultation will occur prior to issuing initial and final advisories and 

prior to issuing any advisory that indicates a significant change in forecast 

intensity or track from the previous advisory. 

 
2-5

 • Initiate, monitor, and update satellite invest areas on the tropical cyclone 

satellite websites provided by the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and 

Oceanography Center (FNMOC) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), 

Monterey, California. TPC/NHC and CPHC will coordinate with JTWC on the 

initiation of desired invest areas and will provide JTWC numbers for invest 

areas as required. 

 • Deploy, through the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), drifting 

data buoys in support of Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet 

(CINCLANTFLT) requirements.

2.4. DOT/DHS Responsibilities. 

2.4.1. Information Dissemination. The DOT will provide NWS with timely 

dissemination of significant information received regarding tropical and subtropical cyclones. 

2.4.2. Flight Assistance. Through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the DOT 

will provide air traffic control, communications, and flight assistance services. 

2.4.3. U. S. Coast Guard. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide 

the following through the U.S. Coast Guard: 

 • Personnel, vessel, and communications support to the NDBC for development, 

deployment, and operation of moored environmental data buoy systems. 

 • Surface observations to NWS from selected coastal facilities and vessels. 

 • Communications circuits for relay of weather observations to NWS in selected 

areas. 

 • Coastal broadcast facilities at selected locations for tropical storm or hurricane 

forecasts and warnings. 

2.5. Annual Liaison with Other Nations. The DOD, DOC, and DOT will cooperate in 

arranging an annual trip to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico area to carry out a continuing 

and effective liaison with the directors of meteorological services, air traffic control agencies, 

and disaster preparedness agencies of nations in those areas, regarding the provision of tropical 

cyclone warning services. The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and TPC/NHC jointly 

have the responsibility to plan and execute this mission. TPC/NHC will coordinate with the 

meteorological services in the countries to be visited. AFRC will fly the mission and will issue 

invitational travel orders (ITO) to the TPC/NHC Director and staff, other U.S. officials, and the 

media on a noninterference, non-reimbursable basis. 

2.6. Air Traffic Control/Flight Operations Coordination. The operations officers of the 

principal flying units, the Assistant Manager, Operations, Air Traffic Control System Command 

Center, Herndon, VA, and the assistant managers for traffic management or assistant manager 
2-6

for military operations, as appropriate, at key Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) will 

maintain a close working relationship on a continuing basis to ensure mission success under 

actual tropical storm conditions. This will involve visits to each other's facilities, familiarization 

flights, and telephone and teletype communications to improve the understanding of each other's 

requirements and capabilities. 

2.6.1. Gulf of Mexico Weather Reconnaissance. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance 

Squadron and the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center operations officers will maintain a close 

working relationship with the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, the ARTCCs, and 

the Fleet Aerial Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) for the coordination of weather 

reconnaissance flights in the Gulf of Mexico and over the Caribbean Sea in particular, and in the 

United States in general. The operations officers will: 

 • Request the assistance of the appropriate ARTCC/FACSFAC in support of the 

National Hurricane Operations Plan. 

 • Provide the current operations officer's name and telephone number to the 

appropriate ARTCC and FACSFAC. 

 • Publish the unit's telephone numbers [Defense Switched Network 

(DSN)/Commercial] and teletype address code for Service B (Appendix I). 

2.6.2. Air Traffic Control Assistance. The Air Traffic Control System Command 

Center, appropriate ARTCCs, and FACSFAC will maintain a close working relationship with the 

weather reconnaissance units and provide airspace and air traffic control assistance to the extent 

possible. Those organizations will: 

 • Provide the current names and telephone numbers of points of contact to the 

flying units. 

 • Publish telephone numbers (DSN/Commercial) and teletype code for Service 

B (Appendix I). 
3-1

CHAPTER 3 

GENERAL OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES OF THE 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HURRICANE CENTERS

3.1. General. This chapter describes the products, procedures, and communications headers 

used by the Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC) and the Central 

Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC). See Appendix A for a description of local National Weather 

Service (NWS) office products which support the tropical cyclone forecast and warning 

program. 

3.2. Products. 

3.2.1. Tropical Weather Outlook (TWO). Tropical weather outlooks are prepared and 

issued by the TPC/NHC and CPHC during their respective hurricane seasons. The TPC/NHC 

writes TWOs for both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Basins. They are transmitted at 0530, 

1130, 1730, and 2230 Eastern Local Time in the Atlantic and at 0400, 1000, 1600, and 2200 

Pacific Local Time. In the Central Pacific, TWOs are transmitted by the CPHC at 0200, 0800, 

1400, and 2000 UTC. The outlook briefly describes significant areas of disturbed weather and 

their potential for tropical cyclone development out to 48 hours. A tropical weather summary of 

Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific tropical cyclone activity will be prepared and 

issued at the end of each month during the hurricane season. 

3.2.2. Tropical Cyclone Discussion. The TPC/NHC and the CPHC will, as appropriate, 

issue tropical cyclone discussions on Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific tropical 

cyclones at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 UTC. Discussions will contain preliminary prognostic 

positions and maximum wind-speed forecasts up to 72 hours; will describe objective techniques, 

synoptic features, and climatology used; and will provide reasons for track changes. 

 3.2.3. Tropical Cyclone Public Advisories. Tropical cyclone public advisories are 

issued at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 UTC, and they will be discontinued when (1) the tropical 

cyclone ceases to be a tropical cyclone (e.g., becomes extratropical, a remnant low, or 

dissipates); (2) the tropical cyclone is centered over land, is below tropical storm strength, and is 

not forecast to move back over water as a tropical cyclone; or (3) there are no coastal tropical 

cyclone watches or warnings in effect. 

 3.2.3.1. Atlantic/Eastern Pacific. Tropical cyclone public advisories are 

issued by the TPC/NHC for all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. In the Eastern Pacific, tropical 

cyclone public advisories are issued by TPC/NHC for tropical cyclones that are expected to 

affect land within 48 hours. Watch and warning break points for the Atlantic are listed in 

Appendix B. 

 3.2.3.2. Central Pacific. In the Central Pacific, tropical cyclone public 

advisories are issued by CPHC for all tropical cyclones within its area of responsibility. In 

addition to the main Hawaiian Islands, CPHC also issues watches and warnings for Johnston 

Atoll, Midway, and the northwest Hawaiian Islands (with designated break points listed in 

Appendix B.). 
3-2

 3.2.3.3. Western Pacific. In the Western Pacific, WFO Guam issues public 

advisories, using the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's (JTWC) forecast products as guidance, for 

all tropical cyclones within the Territory of Guam and Micronesia. Watches and warnings are 

issued for specific, designated sites in the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern 

Marianas, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the 

Marshall Islands. 

[NOTE: To further publicize local products, when a tropical cyclone threatens a land area, the 

following statement shall be included in the advisory...“For storm information specific to your 

area...please monitor products issued by your local weather office.” Tropical cyclone public 

advisories use statute miles for distance and miles per hour for speed. Nautical miles and knots 

may be added at the discretion of the centers. Atlantic advisories should include the metric units 

in kilometers and kilometers per hour following the equivalent English units except when the 

United States is the only country threatened.] 

 3.2.4. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisories. Tropical cyclone forecast/advisories are 

issued by the TPC/NHC and the CPHC. See Section 4.3 for content and format of the advisories. 

In both the Atlantic and Pacific, the advisories are scheduled for 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 

UTC. Pacific advisories should be transmitted 15 minutes before the effective time. In the 

Western Pacific, tropical cyclone forecasts/advisories are issued by the JTWC; Appendix C 

provides a listing of the abbreviated communications headings and titles for JTWC products. 

Information on the broadcast of tropical cyclone information to coastal and high-seas shipping 

can be found in Chapter 9, Marine Weather Broadcasts. 

3.2.5. Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Speed Probabilities. This product will be 

issued for all named tropical and subtropical cyclones in the Atlantic, East Pacific and Central 

Pacific basins and will be available no earlier than 15 minutes following the issuance deadlines 

for routine advisories (03, 09, 15, and 21 UTC) and after special advisories. Probabilities are 

statistically based on track, intensity, and wind structure uncertainties during recent years in the 

official tropical cyclone forecasts. They are computed for coastal and inland cities as well as 

offshore locations (e.g., buoys). The product provides probabilities for sustained wind speeds 

equal to or exceeding three wind speed thresholds: 34, 50 and 64 knots. Two types of 

probability values are produced: individual period and cumulative. Individual period 

probabilities are provided for each of the following time intervals: 0-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-

36 hours, 36-48 hours, 48-72 hours, 72-96 hours, and 96-120 hours. These individual period 

probabilities indicate the chance the particular wind speed will start during each interval at each 

location. Cumulative probabilities are also produced for the following time periods: 0-12 hours, 

0-24 hours, 0-36 hours, 0-48 hours, 0-72 hours, 0-96 hours, and 0-120 hours. These cumulative 

probabilities indicate the overall chance the particular wind speed will occur at each location 

during the period between hour 0 and the forecast hour. 

3.2.6. Tropical Cyclone Updates. Tropical cyclone updates (TCU) are issued by NHC 

and CPHC in lieu of or preceding special advisories to inform users of unexpected changes in 

tropical cyclones. The TCU may also be used to announce changes to international watches or 

warnings made by other countries, and to cancel U.S. watches or warnings. 

 
3-3

 3.2.7. Tropical Cyclone Position Estimates. The hurricane centers and WFO Guam 

may issue a position estimate between 2-hourly intermediate public advisories whenever 

sufficient, reliable radar center fix information is available. Position estimates disseminated to 

the public, DOD, and other Federal agencies will provide geographical positions in two ways: 

by latitude and longitude and by distance and direction from a well-known point. 

3.2.8. Special Tropical Disturbance Statement. Special tropical disturbance statements 

may be issued to furnish information on strong formative, non-depression systems. 

3.2.9. HPC Public Advisories (TCP). The National Centers for Environmental 

Prediction’s Hydrological Prediction Center (HPC) will issue public advisories after TPC/NHC 

discontinues its on subtropical and tropical cyclones that have moved inland in the United States 

or Mexico, but still pose a threat of heavy rain and flash floods in the conterminous United States 

or Mexico. The last NHC advisory will normally be issued when winds in an inland tropical 

cyclone drop below tropical storm strength, and the tropical depression is not forecast to regain 

tropical storm intensity or reemerge over water. The TCP is an alphanumeric product, and 

advisories are issued at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 UTC. TCPs will continue to be numbered in 

sequence with tropical cyclone advisories by TPC/NHC and will reference the former storm’s 

name in the text. Content will refer to the decaying system’s position, intensity, general forecast 

trends, highlight impacts which occurred and are expected to occur (usually in relation to heavy 

rain/flooding and tornadoes), and indicate when the next summary will be issued. Advisories 

will terminate when the threat of flash flooding has ended or when the remnants of these storms 

can no longer be distinguished from other synoptic features capable of producing flash floods. 

WTNT3i KWNH DDHHMM 

TCPATc 

PUBLIC ADVISORY NUMBER XX FOR (TROPICAL CYCLONE TYPE) (NAME) 

NWS HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PREDICTION CENTER CAMP SPRINGS MD BBCCYYYY

time am/pm time_zone day of week month DD YYYY 

TEXT 

SZATANEK/BANN 

FORECAST POSITIONS 

 

INITIAL 25/2100Z 29.0N 77.4W 

12HR VT 26/0600Z 33.1N 72.6W 

24HR VT 26/1800Z 39.4N 65.2W 

36HR VT 27/0600Z 43.1N 58.2W 

48HR VT 27/1800Z...DISSIPATED 

$$ 

Figure 3-1. HPC Public Advisory Product Format 
3-4

3.2.10. Tropical Disturbance Rainfall Estimates. As required, the TPC/NHC/CPHC 

will issue satellite-based rainfall estimates for tropical disturbances and tropical cyclones within 

36 hours of forecasted landfall. 

3.2.11. Tropical Weather Summary (Monthly). NHC and CPHC will prepare and issue 

these products each month during the hurricane season. The product will summarize the 

previous month’s tropical cyclone activity. The last product issued at the end of the hurricane 

season will summarize November’s activity plus the activity for the whole season. 

3.2.12. Tropical Cyclone Summary - Fixes. CPHC will issue these products when a 

tropical cyclone is classifiable using the Dvorak technique. Fixes will be issued for the north 

central Pacific from 140oW to 180o and for the south central Pacific from 120oW to 160oE. After 

the initial tropical cyclone fix, succeeding fixes will be done at approximately 0000, 0600, 1200, 

and 1800 UTC as long as the system is classifiable using the Dvorak technique.

3.2.13. Tropical Cyclone Danger Area Graphic. The Tropical Cyclone Danger Area is 

a graphical marine product depicting a tropical cyclone’s track (out to 72 hours) and shades in a 

danger area determined by adding 100, 200, and 300 nautical miles plus the 34-knot wind radii to 

the 24-, 48-, and 72- hour forecast position respectively in the Atlantic and east Pacific. For the 

central Pacific, the shaded danger area will vary in width dependent upon the hurricane 

specialist’s confidence in the track and the length of the 34-knot wind radii. In addition, areas of 

possible tropical cyclone genesis (out to 36 hours) are included and depicted as either a circular, 

rectangle, oval, or polygon shaped area. The product is prepared by the TPC and covers the 

entire Atlantic north of the equator and the Pacific north of the equator from the Mexican and 

Central America coast west to 140oW. CPHC prepares a separate chart for 140oW to the 

International Dateline north of the equator. The product is disseminated four times per day 

during the hurricane season within 1 hour after the advisory package issuance. This would be at 

0400, 1000, 1600 and 2200 UTC.

3.2.14. Aviation Tropical Cyclone Advisory (TCA). The TCA is intended to provide 

short-term tropical cyclone forecast guidance for international aviation safety and routing 

purposes. The product is prepared by TPC/NHC and CPHC for all ongoing tropical cyclone 

activity in their respective areas of responsibility. This requirement is stated in the World 

Meteorological Organization Region IV hurricane plan. TCAs list the current TC position, 

motion and intensity, and 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-hour forecast positions and intensities. It is an 

alphanumeric text product produced by hurricane forecasters and consists of information 

extracted from the official forecasts. This forecast is produced from subjective evaluation of 

current meteorological and oceanographic data as well as output from numerical weather 

prediction models, and is coordinated with affected WFOs, the National Centers, and the 

Department of Defense. It is prepared four times daily and issued at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 

UTC. 
3-5

FKaa2i CCCC DDHHMM 

TCAxxx 

(TROPICAL CYCLONE TYPE) ICAO ADVISORY NUMBER ## 

ISSUING OFFICE CITY STATE BBCCYYYY 

time am/pm time_zone day mon DD YYYY 

TEXT 

$$ 

Figure 3-2. Aviation Tropical Cyclone Advisory Format 

3.3. Designation of Tropical and Subtropical Cyclones. 

3.3.1. Numbering of Tropical and Subtropical Depressions. The hurricane centers are 

responsible for numbering tropical and subtropical depressions in their areas of responsibility. 

Tropical depressions shall be numbered consecutively beginning each season with the spelled out 

number "ONE." For ease in differentiation, tropical depression numbers shall include the suffix 

"E" for Eastern Pacific, "C" for Central Pacific, or "W" for Western Pacific, after the number. In 

both the Atlantic and Pacific, once the depression has reached tropical storm intensity, it shall be 

named and the depression number dropped. The depression number will not be used again until 

the following year. Give tropical cyclones a name in the first advisory after intensifying to 34 

knots (39 mph) or greater. In the Western Pacific, WFO Guam will use the JTWC cyclone 

number for all non-named systems. For Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) 

Tokyo named systems, WFO Guam will use the RSMC Tokyo name with the associated JTWC 

number in parentheses. 

 The following rules apply for tropical cyclones passing from one basin to another: Retain 

the name if a tropical cyclone passes from one basin into another basin as a tropical cyclone; i.e., 

advisories are continuous. An unnamed tropical depression will also retain its number (e.g. 

Tropical Depression Six-E remains Tropical Depression Six-E) if it crosses into another area of 

responsibility. For unnamed tropical depressions moving from west to east across 180°, CPHC 

will use the associated Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s (JTWC) number and indicate JTWC in 

parentheses following the number. For named systems, CPHC will use the associated (RSMC) 

Tokyo name and provide the associated JTWC number in parentheses. 

 Within a basin, if the remnant of a tropical cyclone redevelops into a tropical cyclone, it is 

assigned its original number or name. If the remnants of a former tropical cyclone regenerate in 

a new basin, the regenerated tropical cyclone will be given a new designation. 

 3.3.1.1. Atlantic Basin. Depression numbers, ONE, TWO, THREE, will be 

assigned by the TPC/NHC after advising the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography 

Center (NAVLANTMETOCCEN) Norfolk. 
3-6

 3.3.1.2. Pacific East of 140oW. Depression numbers, with the suffix E, e.g., 

ONE-E, TWO-E, THREE-E, will be assigned by the TPC/NHC after advising JTWC, Pearl 

Harbor, HI. The assigned identifier shall be retained even if the depression passes into another 

warning area.

 3.3.1.3. Pacific West of 140oW and East of 180o. Depression numbers, with 

suffix C; e.g., ONE-C, TWO-C, THREE-C, will be assigned by the CPHC after advising JTWC. 

 3.3.1.4. Pacific West of 180o and North of 0o. Depression numbers, with suffix 

W; e.g., ONE-W, TWO-W, THREE-W, are assigned by JTWC. 

 3.3.1.5. Subtropical Depressions. A single list of numbers and names will be 

used for all tropical and subtropical cyclones. Therefore, numbering of subtropical depressions 

will follow the same procedure as tropical depressions. For example, if the first subtropical 

depression follows the first tropical depression, the subtropical depression will be given the 

designation SUBTROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO. If a subtropical depression becomes a 

subtropical storm, it receives the next available name in the tropical cyclone naming sequence. 

 

3.3.2. Numbering and Naming of Tropical and Subtropical Cyclones.

 3.3.2.1. Numbering and Naming Tropical Cyclones. Tropical cyclone centers 

will number tropical depressions in their areas of responsibility. Number tropical depressions 

consecutively beginning each season with the spelled out number “ONE.” In the north Pacific, 

for ease in differentiation, tropical depression numbers, assigned by NHC or CPHC, will include 

the suffix “E” for eastern (east of 140°W longitude) or “C,” for central (180° to 140°W 

longitude) respectively, after the number. In both the Atlantic and Pacific, once the depression 

reaches tropical storm intensity, name it and drop the depression number. The depression 

number will not be used again until the following year. Give tropical cyclones a name in the first 

advisory after intensifying to 34 knots (39 mph) or greater. In the Western Pacific, WFO Guam 

will use the JTWC cyclone number for all non-named systems. For RSMC Tokyo named 

systems, WFO Guam will use the RSMC Tokyo name with the associated JTWC number in 

parentheses. 

 

 The following rules apply for tropical cyclones passing from one basin to another: Retain 

the name if a tropical cyclone passes from one basin into another basin as a tropical cyclone; i.e. 

advisories are continuous. An unnamed tropical depression will also retain its number (e.g. 

Tropical Depression Six-E remains Tropical Depression Six-E) if it crosses into another area of 

responsibility. For unnamed tropical depressions moving from west to east across 180°, CPHC 

will use the associated Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s (JTWC) number and indicate JTWC in 

parentheses following the number. For named systems, CPHC will use the RSMC Tokyo name 

and provide the associated JTWC number in parentheses. 

 Within a basin, if the remnant of a tropical cyclone redevelops into a tropical cyclone, it is 

assigned its original number or name. If the remnants of a former tropical cyclone regenerate in 

a new basin, the regenerated tropical cyclone will be given a new designation. 

 
3-7

 3.3.2.2. Numbering and Naming Subtropical Storms. A single list of numbers 

and names will be used for all tropical and subtropical cyclones. Therefore, numbering of 

subtropical depressions will follow the same procedure as tropical depressions. For example, if 

the first subtropical depression follows the first tropical depression, the subtropical depression 

will be given the designation SUBTROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO. If a subtropical depression 

becomes a subtropical storm, it receives the next available name in the tropical cyclone naming 

sequence. 

 3.3.2.3. Numbering Advisories and Tropical/Subtropical Cyclone 

Discussions. Tropical and subtropical cyclone advisories and discussions in the Atlantic and the 

Pacific will be numbered similarly. Number scheduled and special advisories and TCDs 

consecutively beginning with the number 1 (not spelled out) for each new tropical or subtropical 

cyclone, and continue through the duration of the cyclone. In situations where only TCMs and 

TCDs are being written (tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific not threatening land) and at a 

later time a public advisory is required, the public advisory number will match the corresponding 

TCM. In both the Atlantic and the Pacific, intermediate advisories and TCDs will retain the 

advisory number of the scheduled or special advisory they update and append an alphabetic 

designator (e.g., “HURRICANE ALLISON INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 20A”). 

3.4. Transfer of Warning Responsibility.

3.4.1. TPC/NHC to CPHC. When a tropical or subtropical cyclone approaches 140oW, 

the coordinated transfer of warning responsibility from TPC/NHC to CPHC will be made and the 

appropriate advisory issued. 

3.4.2. CPHC to JTWC/(RSMC, Tokyo)/WFO Guam. When a tropical or subtropical 

cyclone crosses 180o from east to west, the coordinated transfer of warning responsibility from 

CPHC to JTWC will be made and the appropriate advisory issued. At the same time, the CPHC 

will coordinate with the RSMC, Tokyo and WFO Guam so that they are aware that CPHC will 

be suspending the issuance of advisories. 

3.4.3. JTWC/RSMC, Tokyo to CPHC. When a tropical or subtropical cyclone crosses 

180o from west to east, the coordinated transfer of warning responsibility from JTWC to CPHC 

will be made. JTWC will append the statement, "Next advisory by CPHC-HNL" to their last 

advisory. At the same time, the CPHC will coordinate with RSMC, Tokyo so that they are aware 

that CPHC will be assuming the issuance of advisories. 
3-8

3.5. Alternate Warning Responsibilities. 

3.5.1. Transfer to Alternate. In the event of impending or actual operational failure of a 

hurricane forecast center, tropical warning responsibilities will be transferred to an alternate 

facility in accordance with existing directives and retained there until resumption of 

responsibility can be made. Alternate facilities are as follows: 

PRIMARY ALTERNATE

 TPC/NHC National Centers for Environmental Prediction 

 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) 

 Camp Springs, MD 

 CPHC TPC/NHC 

 CARCAH 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS) 

 JTWC Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

(FLENUMETOCCEN), Monterey, CA 

 WFO Guam CPHC

3.5.2. Notification. The NAVLANTMETOCCEN, Norfolk, and JTWC, Pearl Harbor, 

will be advised by TPC/NHC, CARCAH, and CPHC, as appropriate, of impending or actual 

transfer of responsibility by the most rapid means available. JTWC will advise CPHC, 

TPC/NHC, and WFO Guam of impending or actual transfer of JTWC responsibilities. In the 

event of a CARCAH operational failure, direct communication is authorized between the 53 

WRS and the forecast facility. Contact 53 WRS at DSN 597-2409/601-377-2409 or through the 

Keesler AFB Command Post at DSN 597-4330/601-377-4330 (ask for the 53 WRS). 
3-9

Table 3-1. Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names

2007

ANDREA 

BARRY 

CHANTAL shan-TAHL 

DEAN 

ERIN AIR-in 

FELIX FEEL-ix 

GABRIELLE ga-bree-EL 

HUMBERTO oom-BAIR-to 

INGRID 

JERRY 

KAREN 

LORENZO 

MELISSA 

NOEL 

OLGA 

PABLO PA-blow 

REBEKAH 

SEBASTIEN say-BAS-tyan 

TANYA TAHN-ya 

VAN 

WENDY 

2010 

ALEX 

BONNIE 

COLIN 

DANIELLE dan-YELL 

EARL 

FIONA 

GASTON 

HERMINE her-MEEN 

IGOR e-GOR 

JULIA 

KARL 

LISA LEE-sa 

MATTHEW 

NICOLE ni-COLE 

OTTO 

PAULA 

RICHARD RICH-erd 

SHARY SHA-ree 

TOMAS to-MAS 

VIRGINIE vir-JIN-ee 

WALTER

2008 

ARTHUR 

BERTHA BUR-tha 

CRISTOBAL 

DOLLY 

EDOUARD eh-DWARD 

FAY 

GUSTAV 

HANNA 

IKE 

JOSEPHINE JO-ze-feen 

KYLE 

LAURA 

MARCO 

NANA 

OMAR 

PALOMA pa-LOW-ma 

RENE re-NAY 

SALLY 

TEDDY 

VICKY 

WILFRED 

2011

ARLENE 

BRET 

CINDY 

DON 

EMILY 

FRANKLIN 

GERT 

HARVEY 

IRENE 

JOSE ho-ZAY 

KATIA ka-TEE-ah 

LEE 

MARIA ma-REE-ah 

NATE 

OPHELIA o-FEEL-ya 

PHILIPPE fe-leep 

RINA 

STAN 

TAMMY 

VINCE 

WHITNEY 

2009

ANA 

BILL 

CLAUDETTE claw-DET 

DANNY 

ERIKA ERR-ree-ka 

FRED 

GRACE 

HENRI ahn-REE 

IDA 

JOAQUIN 

KATE 

LARRY 

MINDY 

NICHOLAS NIK-o-las 

ODETTE o-DET 

PETER 

ROSE 

SAM 

TERESA te-REE-sa 

VICTOR VIC-ter 

WANDA 

2012

ALBERTO al-BAIR-toe 

BERYL BER-ril 

CHRIS 

DEBBY 

ERNESTO er-NES-toe 

FLORENCE 

GORDON 

HELENE he-LEEN 

ISAAC EYE-zak 

JOYCE 

KIRK 

LESLIE 

MICHAEL MIKE-el 

NADINE nay-DEEN 

OSCAR 

PATTY 

RAFAEL ra-fa-EL 

SANDY 

TONY 

VALERIE 

WILLIAM 

If over 21 tropical cyclones occur in a year, the Greek alphabet will be used following the Wnamed cyclone. 
3-10

Table 3-2. Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names

2007

ALVIN 

BARBARA 

COSME COS may 

DALILA 

ERICK 

FLOSSIE 

GIL 

HENRIETTE hen ree ETT 

IVO 

JULIETTE 

KIKO KEE ko 

LORENA low RAY na 

MANUEL mahn WELL 

NARDA 

OCTAVE AHK tave 

PRISCILLA 

RAYMOND 

SONIA SONE yah 

TICO TEE koh 

VELMA 

WALLIS 

XINA ZEE nah 

YORK 

 ZELDA ZEL dah 

 

2010

AGATHA 

BLAS 

CELIA 

DARBY 

ESTELLE 

FRANK 

GEORGETTE 

HOWARD 

ISIS 

JAVIER 

KAY 

LESTER 

MADELINE 

NEWTON 

ORLENE 

PAINE 

ROSLYN 

SEYMOUR 

TINA 

VIRGIL 

WINIFRED 

XAVIER 

YOLANDA yo LAHN da 

ZEKE 

2008

ALMA AL mah 

BORIS 

CRISTINA 

DOUGLAS 

ELIDA ELL ee dah 

FAUSTO FOW sto 

GENEVIEVE 

HERNAN her NAHN 

ISELLE ee SELL 

JULIO HOO lee o 

KARINA 

LOWELL 

MARIE 

NORBERT 

ODILE oh DEAL 

POLO 

RACHEL 

SIMON 

TRUDY 

VANCE 

WINNIE 

XAVIER ZAY vier 

YOLANDA yo LAHN da 

ZEKE 

2011 

ADRIAN 

BEATRIZ BEE a triz 

CALVIN 

DORA 

EUGENE 

FERNANDA fer NAN dah 

GREG 

HILARY 

IRWIN 

JOVA Ho vah 

KENNETH 

LIDIA 

MAX 

NORMA 

OTIS 

PILAR 

RAMON rah MONE 

SELMA 

TODD 

VERONICA 

WILEY 

XINA ZEE nah 

YORK 

ZELDA ZEL dah 

2009

ANDRES ahn DRASE 

BLANCA BLAHN kah 

CARLOS 

DOLORES 

ENRIQUE anh REE kay 

FELICIA fa LEE sha 

GUILLERMO gee YER mo 

HILDA 

IGNACIO eeg NAH cio 

JIMENA he MAY na 

KEVIN 

LINDA 

MARTY 

NORA 

OLAF OH lahf 

PATRICIA 

RICK 

SANDRA 

TERRY 

VIVIAN 

WALDO 

XINA ZEE nah 

YORK 

ZELDA ZEL dah 

2012 

ALETTA a LET ah 

BUD 

CARLOTTA 

DANIEL 

EMILIA ee MILL ya 

FABIO FAH bee o 

GILMA GIL mah 

HECTOR 

ILEANA ill ay AH nah 

JOHN 

KRISTY 

LANE 

MIRIAM 

NORMAN 

OLIVIA 

PAUL 

ROSA 

SERGIO SIR gee oh 

TARA 

VICENTE vee CEN tay 

WILLA 

XAVIER ZAY vier 

YOLANDA yo LAHN da 

ZEKE 
3-11

Table 3-3. Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names

COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 

Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation

AKONI ah-KOH-nee AKA AH-kah

EMA EH-mah EKEKA eh-KEH-kak

HONE HOH-neh HENE HEH-neh 

IONA ee-OH-nah IOLANA ee-OH-lah-nah

KELI KEH-lee KEONI keh-ON-nee

LALA LAH-lah LINO LEE-noh

MOKE MOH-keh MELE MEH-leh

NOLO NOH-loh NONA NOH-nah

OLANA Oh-LAH-nah OLIWA oh-LEE-vah

PENA PEH-nah PAMA PAH-mah

ULANA oo-LAH-nah UPANA oo-PAH-nah

WALE WAH-leh WENE WEH-neh

 

 COLUMN 3 COLUMN 4

Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation

ALIKA ah-LEE-kah ANA AH-nah

ELE EH-leh ELA EH-lah 

HUKO HOO-koh HALOLA hah-LOH-lah

IOPA ee-OH-pah IUNE ee-OO-neh

KIKA KEE-kah KILO KEE-lo

LANA LAH-nah LOKE LOH-keh

MAKA MAH-kah MALIA mah-LEE-ah

NEKI NEH-kee NIALA nee-AH-lah

OMEKA oh-MEH-kah OHO OH-hoh

PEWA PEH-vah PALI PAH-lee

UNALA oo-NAH-lah ULIKA oo-LEE-kah

WALI WAH-lee WALAKA wah-LAH-kah

NOTE: Use Column 1 list of names until exhausted before going to Column 2, etc. All 

letters in the Hawaiian language are pronounced, including double or triple vowels. 
3-12

Table 3-4. International Tropical Cyclone Names 

for the Western Pacific and South China Sea

I II III IV V

Contributor NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME

Cambodia Damrey Kong-rey Nakri Krovanh Sarika 

China Longwang Yutu Fengshen Dujuan Haima 

DPR Korea Kirogi Toraji Kalmaegi Maemi Meari 

HK, China Kai-tak Man-yi Fung-wong Choi-wan Ma-on 

Japan Tembin Usagi Kammuri Koppu Tokage 

Lao PDR Bolaven Pabuk Phanfone Ketsana Nock-ten 

Macau Chanchu Wutip Vongfong Parma Muifa 

Malaysia Jelawat Sepat Rusa Melor Merbok 

Micronesia Ewiniar Fitow Sinlaku Nepartak Nanmadol 

Philippines Bilis Danas Hagupit Lupit Talas 

RO Korea Kaemi Nari Changmi Sudal Noru 

Thailand Prapiroon Wipha Mekkhala Nida Kulap 

U.S.A. Maria Francisco Higos Omais Roke 

Viet Nam Saomai Lekima Bavi Conson Sonca 

Cambodia Bopha Krosa Maysak Chanthu Nesat 

China Wukong Haiyan Haishen Dianmu Haitang 

DPR Korea Sonamu Podul Pongsona Mindulle Nalgae 

HK, China Shanshan Lingling Yanyan Tingting Banyan 

Japan Yagi Kajiki Kujira Kompasu Washi 

Lao PDR Xangsane Faxai Chan-hom Namtheun Pakbar 

Macau Bebinca Vamei Linfa Malou Sanvu 

Malaysia Rumbia Tapah Nangka Meranti Mawar 

Micronesia Soulik Mitag Soudelor Rananim Guchol 

Philippines Cimaron Hagibis Imbudo Malakas Talim 

RO Korea Chebi Noguri Koni Megi Doksuri 

Thailand Haikui Rammasun Morakot Chaba Khanun 

U.S.A. Utor Chataan Etau Aere Vicente 

Viet Nam Trami Halong Vamco Songda Saola 

NOTE: The official international name list was effective January 1, 2000. Names will be assigned in rotation starting 

with Damrey for the first tropical cyclone of the year 2000 which is of tropical storm strength or greater. When the last 

name in column 5 (Saola) is used, the sequence will begin again with the first name in column 1 (Damrey).

 
3-13

3.6. Abbreviated Communications Headings. Abbreviated communications headings are 

assigned to advisories on tropical and subtropical cyclones and other advisories based on 

depression numbers or storm name and standard communications procedures. An abbreviated 

heading consists of three groups with ONE space between each of the groups. The first group 

contains a data type indicator (e.g., WT for hurricane), a geographical indicator (e.g. NT for 

Atlantic Basin), and a number. The second group contains a location identifier of the message 

originator (e.g., KNHC for TPC/NHC). The third group is a date-time group in UTC. An 

example of a complete header is: WTNT61 KNHC 180400. 

3.6.1. Atlantic Headings (see paragraph 3.6.3 also).

 ABNT20 KNHC Tropical Weather Outlook 

 ABNT30 KNHC Tropical Weather Summary (monthly) 

 WTNT31 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (Atlantic) 

 WTNT51 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate 

 WTNT61 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Update 

 WONT41 KNHC Special Tropical Disturbance Statement 

 FXUS01 KWBC 1-2 Day Discussion 

 FXUS02 KWBC 3-7 Day Discussion 

 FXUS04 KWBC Precipitation Discussion 

3.6.2. Pacific Headings (see paragraph 3.6.3 also). 

 

 ABPZ20 KNHC Tropical Weather Outlook (Eastern Pacific) 

 ABPZ30 KNHC Tropical Weather Summary (monthly) 

 ACPN50 PHFO Tropical Weather Outlook (Central Pacific) 

 ACPN60 PHFO Tropical Weather Summary (monthly) 

 TXPN40 PHFO Northern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclone Summary (Fixes) 

 TXPS40 PHFO Southern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclone Summary (Fixes) 

 WTPZ51 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPA51 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Central Pacific) 

 WTPQ51 PGUM Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Western Pacific) 

 WTPZ61 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Update (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPA61 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Update (Central Pacific) 

 WOPZ41 KNHC Special Tropical Disturbance Statement (Eastern Pacific) 

 ACPA80 PHFO Special Tropical Disturbance Statement (Central Pacific) 

3.6.3. Numbering. Depressions are numbered internally and storms are named 

internally, but the number in the abbreviated headings does not relate to either the internal 

number of the depression or the name of the storm. The first cyclone would have 21 and 31 in 

the abbreviated headings, the second cyclone would have 22 and 32, the sixth cyclone would 

have 21 and 31, etc. The abbreviated heading would not change when a depression was 

upgraded to storm status. 

 WTNT21-25 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory (Atlantic) 

 WTNT31-35 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (Atlantic) 

 WTNT31-35 KWNH HPC Public Advisory (Atlantic) 

 WTNT41-45 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Discussion (Atlantic) 
3-14

 WTNT51-55 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Atlantic) 

 WTNT61-65 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Update (Atlantic) 

 WTNT71-75 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Strike Probabilities (Atlantic) 

 WTPZ 21-25 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPZ 31-35 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPZ41-45 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Discussion (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPZ51-55 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPZ61-65 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Update (Eastern Pacific) 

 WTPA21-25 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory (Central Pacific) 

 WTPA31-35 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (Central Pacific) 

 WTPA41-45 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Discussion (Central Pacific) 

 WTPA51-55 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Central Pacific) 

 WTPA61-65 PHFO Tropical Cyclone Update (Central Pacific) 

 WTPQ31-35 PGUM Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (Western Pacific) 

 WTPQ51-55 PGUM Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate (Western Pacific) 

3.7. Hurricane Liaison Team (HLT).

 

3.7.1. National Weather Service (NWS) Responsibilities. The NWS supports the HLT 

through use of Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) meteorologists, Weather Forecast Office 

(WFO) personnel (typically warning coordination meteorologists and service hydrologists), and 

River Forecast Center (RFC) hydrologists. Eastern and Southern Region Headquarters will 

maintain a list of their available HLT candidates. 

 

 After HLT deactivation, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) will assume the 

briefing duties provided the remnants of the tropical cyclone remain a threat to inland areas. 

TPC and HPC will coordinate prior to the transfer. During the inland event HPC will coordinate 

with the appropriate WFOs and RFCs and when needed, hydrologists from the RFCs will 

provide hydrological briefings. 

3.7.2. Activation. The HLT may be activated when a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic, 

Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean or eastern Pacific threatens the United States or its territories, and the 

Director or Deputy Director of TPC deems HLT assistance is required. TPC makes the request 

for activation by contacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Operations 

Center (FOC). Upon FEMA’s approval, the FOC will activate the HLT. The TPC Director or 

Deputy Director will contact the appropriate NWS Regional Director requesting meteorologic 

and/or hydrologic support. NWS personnel should arrive at TPC within 24 hours. The HLT will 

remain active until the hurricane threat has passed, at which time HLT operations will be 

terminated by FEMA. However, if the storm moves inland and if significant rainfall is expected, 

the HLT may remain activated. 

 If the HLT is deactivated, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) will assume 

the briefing duties provided the remnants of the tropical cyclone remain a threat to inland areas. 

TPC and HPC will coordinate prior to the transfer. During the inland event, HPC will coordinate 

with the appropriate WFOs and RFCs and, when needed, hydrologists from the RFCs will 

provide hydrological briefings. 

 
3-15

3.7.3. Training. Completing NWS/FEMA’s distance learning training module, 

Community Hurricane Preparedness, is required by HLT members. The module can be taken via 

the Internet at: http://meted.ucar.edu/hurrican/chp/index.htm. Other training opportunities are 

strongly encouraged. They are: FEMA’s “Introduction to Hurricane Preparedness” conducted at 

TPC for emergency mangers and NWS personnel, and FEMA’s annual HLT training session 

held at TPC. 

3.7.4. Meteorologic Duties. The HLT meteorologist will: 

• Establish and maintain contact with the impacted WFOs, RFCs, and the HPC. 

• Facilitate participation of the impacted NWS offices in conference calls, 

briefings, and in preparation and distribution of graphics.

• Provide meteorological interpretations on National Hurricane Center advisories 

(NHC), WFO hurricane local statements, HURREVAC products, and storm 

surge forecasts for federal, state and local agencies on request. 

• Provide storm briefings via video/audio teleconferences for federal, state and 

local organizations. 

• Respond to meteorology-related incoming calls from federal, state, and local 

emergency managers, and as appropriate, refer meteorologic inquires to the 

local WFO. 

3.7.5. Hydrologic Duties. The HLT hydrologist will: 

• Establish and maintain contact with the impacted local WFOs, RFCs, and the 

HPC. 

• Facilitate participation of the impacted NWS offices in conference calls, 

briefings, and in preparation and distribution of graphics. 

• Provide hydrologic interpretation on NHC advisories, WFO hurricane local 

statements, and WFO and RFC hydrologic products for federal, state and local 

agencies on request. 

• Provide technical support for RFC lead during hydrologic portion of video 

teleconference. In absence of the RFC, lead the hydrologic portion of the 

video teleconference. 

• Respond to hydrology-related incoming calls from federal, state, and local 

emergency managers and as appropriate, refer hydrologic inquires to the local 

WFO. 

4-1

CHAPTER 4 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 

PRODUCTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

4.1. General. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) 

weather forecasting, reconnaissance, and distribution agencies share technical information and 

some responsibilities. Mutually supportive relationships have developed over the years and have 

resulted in a mutual dependency. Due to the nature and distribution of DOD resources and 

operations, the DOD requires certain meteorological information beyond that available to the 

general public. Accordingly, the DOC provides DOD with special observations and advisories 

on tropical and subtropical storms threatening DOD resources or operations. 

4.2. Observations. The Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC) 

and Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) will make available to DOD all significant tropical 

and subtropical cyclone observations that they receive. 

4.3. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisories.

4.3.1. General. The TPC/NHC and CPHC will provide to DOD forecasts and related 

information for tropical and subtropical weather disturbances of depression intensity or greater. 

Forecasts will include location, movement, intensity, and dimension of the disturbances. 

Tropical cyclone forecast/advisories will be disseminated through the National Weather Service 

(NWS) communications facility at Suitland, MD, to the Weather Product Management and 

Distribution System (WPMDS) at the Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt AFB, NE, for further 

relay to DOD agencies. The DOD forecasters, who must give advice concerning an imminent 

operational decision, may contact the appropriate hurricane center forecaster (see Chapter 2) 

when published tropical cyclone forecast/advisories require elaboration. Telephone numbers for 

the hurricane centers are in Appendix I. 

4.3.2. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory Issue Frequency. The first tropical 

cyclone forecast/advisory will normally be issued when meteorological data indicate that a 

tropical or subtropical cyclone has formed. Subsequent advisories will be issued at 0300, 0900, 

1500, and 2100 UTC from TPC/NHC and CPHC. The public advisories issued by the NWS 

Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Guam, are issued 1 hour after the JTWC guidance. Advisories 

will continue to be issued until the system is classified below the depression intensity level. In 

addition, special forecasts will be issued whenever the following criteria are met: 

o A significant change has occurred, requiring the issuance of a revised forecast 

package. 

o Conditions require a hurricane or tropical storm watch or warning to be issued. 

Remarks stating the reason for the special forecast or the relocation will be mandatory in all 

special forecasts or advisories that include a relocated position. 

[NOTE: Tropical cyclone updates are permitted without the requirement of a special forecast, 

including when coastal warnings are cancelled. However, in some cases, a special forecast may 

follow.] 
4-2

4.3.3. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory Content. Tropical cyclone forecast/ 

advisories issued by the TPC/NHC and CPHC will contain appropriate information as shown in 

Figure 4-1. The forecast will contain 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour forecast positions. A 

code string called the storm identifier (<Storm ID>) is appended at the end of the line "NWS 

TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL." This is the Automated Tropical 

Cyclone Forecasting (ATCF) System Storm Identification Character String recognized by the 

WMO for tracking and verification of tropical cyclones. The ATCF <Storm ID> is three spaces 

after "FL" and uses the following format: 

NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL BBCCYYYY 

where: 

BB = Ocean Basin 

AL - North Atlantic basin...north of the Equator 

SL - South Atlantic basin...south of the Equator 

EP - North East Pacific basin...eastward of 140oW 

CP - North Central Pacific basin between the Dateline and 140oW 

WP - North West Pacific basin...westward of the Dateline 

IO - North Indian Ocean basin...north of the Equator between 40oE and 100oE 

SH - South Pacific Ocean Basin and South Indian Ocean basin 

CC = Cyclone Number 

Numbers 01 through 49 are reserved for tropical and subtropical cyclones. A 

cyclone number is assigned to each tropical or subtropical cyclone in each basin 

as it develops. The numbers are assigned in chronological order. 

Numbers 50 through 79 are reserved for internal use by operational forecast 

centers. 

Numbers 80 through 89 are reserved for training, exercises and testing. 

Numbers 90 through 99 are reserved for tropical disturbances which have the 

potential to become tropical or subtropical cyclones. Although not required, the 

90’s should be assigned sequentially and reused throughout the calendar year. 

 YYYY = Four-digit year 

This is the calendar year for the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern 

Hemisphere, the year begins July 1, with calendar year plus one. 

 Note: The <Storm ID> is also being added to the following Atlantic, East Pacific, 

and Central Pacific products for 2006: 

o Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory 

o Tropical Cyclone Discussion 

o Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate 

o Tropical Cyclone Update 

o Tropical Cyclone Wind Probabilities 

o Aviation Tropical Cyclone Advisory 
4-3

 Tropical cyclone public advisories issued by the WFO Guam, will contain appropriate 

information as shown in Figure 4-2. 

 4.3.3.1. Definition of Wind Radii by Quadrant. The working definition of the 

wind radius for a quadrant is: use the largest radius of that wind speed found in the quadrant. 

Example: TPC/NHC's quadrants are defined as NE (0°-90°), SE (90°-180°), SW (180°-270°), 

and NW (270°-360°). Given a maximum 34-knot radius of 150 nm at 0°, 90 nm at 120°, and 40 

nm at 260°, the following line would be carried in the forecast/advisory: 150NE 90SE 40SW 

150NW. 

 4.3.3.2 Numbering of Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisories. All tropical 

cyclone forecast/advisories will be numbered sequentially; for example, 

 Tropical Depression ONE Forecast/Advisory Number 1 

 Tropical Depression ONE Forecast/Advisory Number 2 

 Tropical Storm Anita Forecast/Advisory Number 3 

 Hurricane (Typhoon) Anita Forecast/Advisory Number 4 

 Tropical Depression Anita Forecast/Advisory Number 5 
4-4

Figure 4-1. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory Format 

WTNT25 KNHC 230300 

TCMAT5 

HURRICANE ISIDORE FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 28 

NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL102002 

0300Z MON SEP 23 2002 

 

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT ALONG THE GULF OF MEXICO AND 

CARIBBEAN COASTS OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA FROM CAMPECHE NORTH AND 

EASTWARD TO TULUM...INCLUDING THE ISLAND OF COZUMEL. 

 

HURRICANE CENTER LOCATED NEAR 20.8N 89.5W AT 23/0300Z 

POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN 20 NM 

 

PRESENT MOVEMENT TOWARD THE SOUTHWEST OR 220 DEGREES AT 4 KT 

 

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 950 MB 

MAX SUSTAINED WINDS 90 KT WITH GUSTS TO 110 KT. 

64 KT....... 45NE 25SE 25SW 45NW. 

50 KT....... 75NE 50SE 50SW 75NW. 

34 KT.......200NE 130SE 100SW 150NW. 

12 FT SEAS..300NE 200SE 150SW 300NW. 

WINDS AND SEAS VARY GREATLY IN EACH QUADRANT. RADII IN NAUTICAL 

MILES ARE THE LARGEST RADII EXPECTED ANYWHERE IN THAT QUADRANT. 

 

REPEAT...CENTER LOCATED NEAR 20.8N 89.5W AT 23/0300Z 

AT 23/0000Z CENTER WAS LOCATED NEAR 21.0N 89.4W 

 

FORECAST VALID 23/1200Z 20.7N 90.3W 

MAX WIND 80 KT...GUSTS 100 KT. 

64 KT... 40NE 20SE 25SW 40NW. 

50 KT... 60NE 40SE 40SW 60NW. 

34 KT...180NE 60SE 60SW 150NW. 

 

FORECAST VALID 24/0000Z 21.0N 91.0W 

MAX WIND 95 KT...GUSTS 115 KT. 

64 KT... 45NE 25SE 25SW 45NW. 

50 KT... 75NE 50SE 50SW 75NW. 

34 KT...200NE 150SE 100SW 150NW. 

 

FORECAST VALID 24/1200Z 21.8N 92.0W 

MAX WIND 115 KT...GUSTS 140 KT. 

64 KT... 60NE 45SE 45SW 60NW. 

50 KT...100NE 75SE 75SW 100NW. 

34 KT...200NE 150SE 125SW 180NW. 

 

FORECAST VALID 25/0000Z 22.8N 92.5W 

MAX WIND 125 KT...GUSTS 155 KT. 

50 KT...100NE 100SE 75SW 100NW. 

34 KT...200NE 200SE 150SW 200NW. 

 

FORECAST VALID 26/0000Z 25.0N 93.0W 

MAX WIND 125 KT...GUSTS 155 KT. 

50 KT...100NE 100SE 75SW 100NW. 

34 KT...200NE 200SE 150SW 200NW. 

 

EXTENDED OUTLOOK. NOTE...ERRORS FOR TRACK HAVE AVERAGED NEAR 275 NM 

ON DAY 4 AND 375 NM ON DAY 5...AND FOR INTENSITY NEAR 20 KT EACH DAY 

 

OUTLOOK VALID 27/0000Z 22.8N 92.5W 

MAX WIND 100 KT...GUSTS 120 KT. 

 

OUTLOOK VALID 28/0000Z 25.0N 93.0W 

MAX WIND 90 KT...GUSTS 110 KT. 

REQUEST FOR 3 HOURLY SHIP REPORTS WITHIN 300 MILES OF 20.8N 89.5W 

 

NEXT ADVISORY AT 23/0900Z 

 

FORECASTER PASCH 

$$ 

NNNN 
4-5

Figure 4-2. Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory Format

WTPQ31 PGUM 210931 

TCPPQ1 

BULLETIN 

TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W ADVISORY NUMBER 4 

8 PM GUAM LST THU APR 21 2005 

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W CONTINUES MOVING SLOWLY TOWARD YAP... 

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR YAP...FAIS...ULITHI AND 

NGULU. 

TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DAMAGING WINDS OF 39 MPH TO 

73 MPH...ARE POSSIBLE. IF TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W STRENGTHENS MORE 

THAN FORECAST...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING COULD BE REQUIRED WITH 

LITTLE ADVANCE NOTICE. 

RESIDENTS OF YAP STATE SHOULD CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THIS 

TROPICAL DEPRESSION FOR ANY CHANGES OVER-NIGHT. 

AT 7 PM GUAM LST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W 

WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 8.4 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 140.3 

DEGREES EAST. THIS IS ABOUT 95 MILES SOUTH OF FAIS 

 115 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF ULITHI 

 170 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF YAP 

 190 MILES EAST OF NGULU 

TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W IS MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST AT 5 MPH. OVER THE 

NEXT 12 HOURS...TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE ITS 

FORWARD SPEED OF MOTION. THE TROPICAL DEPRESSION IS STILL ORGANIZING 

AND ERRATIC MOVEMENT OF THE CENTER IS POSSIBLE UNTIL THE SYSTEM 

BECOMES BETTER ORGANIZED. IF TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W MAINTAINS THE 

CURRENT FORECAST TRACK...WARNINGS WILL NOT BE NEEDED AND THE 

TROPICAL STORM WATCH WILL LIKELY BE DROPPED TOMORROW. 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE 30 MPH. TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W IS 

EXPECTED TO SLOWLY INTENSIFY...BUT WILL LIKELY REMAIN A TROPICAL 

DEPRESSION OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS. 

REPEATING THE 7 PM POSITION...8.4 DEGREES NORTH AND 140.3 DEGREES 

EAST...MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST AT 5 MPH WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS 

OF 30 MPH. 

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR LOCAL AREA...REFER TO 

TROPICAL DEPRESSION 03W LOCAL STATEMENT /WTPQ81 PGUM/ AND OTHER 

PRODUCTS FROM YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE. 

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED AT 11 PM TONIGHT...FOLLOWED 

BY THE NEXT SCHEDULED ADVISORY AT 2 AM FRIDAY MORNING. 

$$ 

GUARD/AHN 

5-1

CHAPTER 5 

AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE

5.1. General. All Department of Commerce (DOC) tropical and subtropical cyclone aircraft 

reconnaissance needs will be requested and provided in accordance with the procedures of this 

chapter. As outlined in the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)/National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Memorandum of Agreement (see Appendix F), DOC has 

identified a requirement for, and the Department of Defense (DOD) maintains aircraft to support, 

up to five sorties per day. Requirements exceeding five sorties will be accomplished on a 

"resources-permitting" basis. In times of national emergency or war, some or all DOD 

reconnaissance resources may not be available to fulfill DOC needs. The Global Decision 

Support System (GDSS) JCS Priority Code for tasked, operational weather reconnaissance is 

1A3 (IAW DOD Regulation 4500.9-R and Joint Publications 4-01 and 4-04). The Force Activity 

Designator (FAD)/Urgency of Need Designator (UND) Supply Priority Designator 

Determination code is IIA2 (IAW Joint Publication 4-01 and Air Force Manual 23-110, Volume 

2, Part 13, Attachment 3A-2.) 

5.2. Responsibilities. The DOD, through the AFRC's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 

(53 WRS), and DOC, through NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), operate a 

complementary fleet of aircraft to conduct hurricane/tropical cyclone reconnaissance, synoptic 

surveillance, and research missions. 

5.2.1. DOD. The DOD is responsible for: 

 • Providing operational aircraft for vortex fixes and data, synoptic surveillance 

missions, and investigative flights in response to DOC needs (see Figure 5-1). 

 • Developing operational procedures and deploying data buoys to satisfy DOC 

needs. 

5.2.2. DOC. The DOC is responsible for aircraft operations that may be requested to: 

 • Provide synoptic surveillance soundings (see Figure 5-2). 

 • Augment AFRC aircraft reconnaissance when DOC needs exceed the 

capabilities of DOD resources (see Figure 5-3). 

 • Assume responsibility for hurricane reconnaissance over foreign airspace that 

may be restricted for military operations. 

 • Conduct research flights. 
5-2

Figure 5-1. WC-130J Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft 

Figure 5-2. G-IV Weather Surveillance Aircraft 
5-3

Figure 5-3. NOAA P-3 Weather Surveillance Aircraft 

5.2.3. DOT. The DOT is responsible for providing air traffic control services to aircraft 

when within airspace controlled by the FAA. This includes offshore oceanic airspace. 

Procedures for the expeditious handling of reconnaissance aircraft are documented in paragraph 

5.5.4, Aircraft Operations—Pre-mission Coordination and paragraph 5.5.5, Aircraft 

Operations—Mission Execution..

5.3. Control of Aircraft. Operational control of aircraft flying tropical and subtropical 

cyclone reconnaissance will remain with the operating agencies which own the aircraft. 

5.4. Reconnaissance Requirements.

5.4.1. Meteorological Parameters. Data needs in priority order are as follows: 

 • Geographical position of the flight level vortex center (vortex fix) and relative 

position of the surface center, if known. 

 • Center sea-level pressure determined by dropsonde or extrapolation from 

within 1,500 ft of the sea surface or from the computed 925 hPa or 850 hPa 

height. 
5-4

 • Minimum 700, 850 or 925 hPa height, if available. 

 • Wind data (continuous observations along the flight track) for surface and 

flight level. 

 • High density three-dimensional Doppler radial velocities of the tropical 

cyclone core circulation 

 • Temperature at flight level. 

 • Sea-surface temperature. 

 • Dew-point temperature at flight level. 

5.4.2. Accuracy.

 5.4.2.1. Geographic Position.

 • Aircraft position: within 3 nm. 

 • Storm surface center (wind/pressure): within 6 nm. 

 • Flight level storm center (wind/pressure): within 6 nm. 

 5.4.2.2. Wind Direction.

 • Surface: within 10 deg. 

 • Flight level for winds greater than 20 kt: within 5 deg. 

 5.4.2.3. Wind Speed.

 • Surface: within 10 kt. 

 • Flight level: within 4 kt. 

 5.4.2.4. Pressure Height.

 • Surface: within 2 hPa. 

 • Flight level at or below 500 hPa: within 10 m. 

 • Flight level above 500 hPa: within 20 m. 

 5.4.2.5. Temperature.

 • Sea surface: within loC.

 • Flight level: within loC. 

 5.4.2.6. Dew-Point Temperature.

 • From -20oC to +40°C: within loC. 

 • Less than -20oC: within 3oC. 

 5.4.2.7. Absolute Altitude: Within 10 m. 
5-5

 5.4.2.8. Vertical Sounding.

 • Pressure: within 2 hPa. 

 • Temperature: within 1oC. 

 • Dew-point temperature: 

 From -20oC to +40oC: within loC. 

 Less than -20oC: within 3oC. 

 • Wind direction: within 10 deg. 

 Wind speed: within 5 kt. 

 

 5.4.2.9. Core Doppler Radar. 

 • Horizontal resolution along aircraft track: 1.5 km 

 • Radar beam width: 3 degrees. 

 • Radar radial resolution (gate length): 150 m. 

 • Error in radar radial velocity: 1 m/s. 

 • Range: 50 km.

[NOTE: Present weather reconnaissance capabilities do not completely satisfy these 

requirements; data will be collected as close to stated requirements as possible.] 

5.4.3. High-Density/High-Accuracy (HD/HA) Data Requirements. The HD/HA data 

include UTC time, aircraft latitude, longitude, static pressure, geopotential height, extrapolated 

sea level pressure, air temperature, dew point temperature, flight-level (FL) wind direction, FL 

wind speed, peak 10-second average FL wind speed, peak 10-second average surface wind speed 

from the stepped frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR), SFMR-derived rain rate, and 

quality control flags. Except for the peak values noted above, all data provided in HDOB 

messages are 30-second averages, regardless of the interval at which the HDOB messages are 

reported. See Appendix G for HDOB message formats. The DOC requires rapid acquisition and 

transmission of tropical cyclone data, especially within the 24-hour period prior to landfall. If 

HD/HA capability is lost on an operational mission, the airborne meteorologist will immediately 

contact Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) to determine 

data requirements for the remainder of the mission. 

5.4.4. Synoptic Surveillance Data Requirements. When required, TPC/NHC will 

request mid- and/or upper-tropospheric sounding data on the periphery of systems approaching 

the United States. TPC/NHC and NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division (HRD) will coordinate 

to provide specific tracks including control points, control times and dropwindsonde frequency 

allocations to CARCAH for coordination with the reconnaissance units. 

5.4.5. Core Doppler Radar Requirements. When required, TPC/NHC and the 

Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) will coordinate to request high-density threedimensional Doppler radial velocities in the tropical cyclone core for potential storms impacting 

the United States. EMC, TPC/NHC, and HRD will coordinate to provide specific flight plans to 

CARCAH for coordination with the reconnaissance units. 
5-6

Table 5-1. Requirements for Aircraft Reconnaissance Data 

RECCO Section 1 

plus 4ddff and 9VTTT 

as applicable

Vortex Data 

Message 

(VDM)

Vertical Data 

WMO Temp 

Drop Code 

(FM37-VII)

High Density 

Observation 

(HDOB)

En route Approx. every 30 

minutes over water not 

to exceed 200 nm

NA Every 400 nm over 

water

30-sec interval 

Invest 

area

Every 15 minutes and at 

major turn points

After closing a 

circulation

NA 30-sec interval 

Fix 

pattern

End points of Alpha 

pattern legs. 

 When necessary with 

radar fix information.

Each fix. Each tasked fix at 

or above 850 mb. 

Intermediate fixes 

and eyewall 

modules as 

requested.

30-sec interval 

5.4.6. Required Frequency and Content of Observations. Observation requirements 

are summarized in Table 5-1. Deviations to these requirements will be coordinated through 

CARCAH. The Vortex message format and information are shown in Figure 5-4, Figure 5-5, 

Figure 5-6, and Table 5-2. Other data message formats and code breakdowns can be found in 

Appendix G. 

5.4.7. WP-3D Configuration. The minimum operational configuration of the WP-3D 

will include the stepped frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR) and the advanced vertical 

atmospheric profiling system (AVAPS).

5.5. Reconnaissance Planning and Flight Notification.

5.5.1. DOC Requests for Aircraft Reconnaissance Data.

 5.5.1.1. Coordination. The Tropical Prediction/National Hurricane Center 

(TPC/NHC) will coordinate with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) to determine a 

list of the total DOC requirements for data on tropical and subtropical cyclones or disturbances 

for the next 24-hour period (1100 to 1100 UTC) and an outlook for the succeeding 24-hour 

period. This coordinated request will be provided to CARCAH as soon as possible, but not later 

than 1630 UTC each day in the format of Figure 5-7. Amendments will be provided as required. 

 5.5.1.2. Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day. From the coordinated DOC request, 

CARCAH will publish the Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day (TCPOD). The format for the 

TCPOD is shown in Figure 5-8. When DOC reconnaissance needs exceed DOD and DOC 

resources, CARCAH will coordinate with the TPC/NHC to establish priorities of requirements. 
5-7

 5.5.1.3. Anticipated Reconnaissance Requests. Reconnaissance requests can be 

anticipated for a forecast or actual storm location. 

 • For the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Central Pacific areas, 

the requests can be: 

< Up to four 6-hourly fixes per day when a storm is within 500 nm of 

landfall and west of 55oW in the Atlantic. 

< Up to eight 3-hourly fixes per day when a storm is forecast to be 

within 300 nm of the U.S. coast, Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico, 

Virgin Islands, DOD installations, and other DOD assets when 

specified. 

< Up to two synoptic surveillance missions per 24-hour period for 

potentially landfalling storms. 

 • In the Eastern Pacific, reconnaissance missions may be tasked 

when necessary to carry out warning responsibilities. 

 • Investigative flights may be requested for disturbances in areas 

defined above, i.e., one or two flights per day dependent upon 

proximity of landfall and upon known or suspected stage of 

development. 

 • Exceptions may be made when additional reconnaissance is 

essential to carry out warning responsibilities. 
5-8

DATE SCHEDULED FIX TIME AIRCRAFT NUMBER ARWO

WX MISSION IDENTIFICATION STORM NUMBER IDENTIFIER OB

VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

A DATE AND TIME OF FIX

 DEG MIN N S LATITUDE OF VORTEX FIX

B DEG MIN E W LONGITUDE OF VORTEX FIX

C MINIMUM HEIGHT AT STANDARD LEVEL

D ESTIMATE OF MAXIMUM SURFACE WIND OBSERVED

E BEARING AND RANGE FROM CENTER OF MAXIMUM SURFACE WIND

F MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL WIND NEAR CENTER

G BEARING AND RANGE FROM CENTER OF MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL WIND

H MINIMUM SEA LEVEL PRESSURE COMPUTED FROM DROPSONDE OR EXTRAPOLATED 

FROM FLIGHT LEVEL. IF EXTRAPOLATED, CLARIFY IN REMARKS.

I MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL TEMP/PRESSURE ALTITUDE OUTSIDE EYE

J MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL TEMP/PRESSURE ALTITUDE INSIDE EYE

K DEWPOINT TEMP/SEA SURFACE TEMP INSIDE EYE

L EYE CHARACTER: Closed wall, poorly defined, open SW, etc.

M 

EYE SHAPE/ORIENTATION/DIAMETER. Code eye shape as: C -Circular; CO - Concentric; EElliptical. Transmit orientation of major axis in tens of degree, i.e., 01-010 to 190; 17-170 to 350. 

Transmit diameter in nautical miles. Examples: C8 - Circular eye 8 miles in diameter. EO9/15/5 

- Elliptical eye, major axis 090-270, length of major axis 15 NM, length of minor axis 5NM. CO8-

14 - Concentric eye, diameter inner eye 8 NM, outer eye 14 NM.

N

 

 ↑

FIX DETERMINED BY/FIX LEVEL. FIX DETERMINED BY: 1 - Penetration; 2 - Radar; 3 - Wind; 

4 - Pressure; 5 - Temperature. FIX LEVEL (Indicate surface center if visible; indicate both 

surface and flight level centers only when same): 0 - Surface; 1 - 1500ft; 9-925mb; 8 - 850 mb; 7 

- 700 mb; 5 - 500 mb; 4 - 400 mb; 3 - 300 mb; 2 - 200 mb; NA - Other.

O ↔ NAVIGATION FIX ACCURACY/METEOROLOGICAL ACCURACY

p REMARKS 

 MAX FL WIND_________________KT_________QUAD_____________________________Z 

 MAX OUTBOUND FL WIND_________________KT_________QUAD_____________________________Z 

 SLP EXTRAP FROM (Below 1500 FT/ 925 MB/ 850 MB/ DROPSONDE) 

 SFC CNTR__________________________/______________NM FROM FL CNTR 

 MAX FL TEMP _________C___________/___________NM FROM FL CNTR 

INSTRUCTIONS: Items A through G (and H when extrapolated) are transmitted from the aircraft 

immediately following the fix. The remainder of the message is transmitted as soon as available.

Figure 5-4. Vortex Data Message Worksheet 
 5-9

Table 5-2. Vortex Data Message Entry Explanation

 

 DATA ITEM ENTRY

MISSION IDENTIFIER As determined in Chapter 5, paragraph 5.7.6. 

STORM IDENTIFIER As determined in Chapter 4, paragraph 4.3.3. 

OBSERVATION NUMBER A two digit number determined by the sequential order in which the 

observation is transmitted from the aircraft. 

A (ALPHA) Date and time (UTC) of the flight level center fix. If the flight level 

center cannot be fixed and the surface center is visible, enter the time 

of the surface center fix. 

B (BRAVO) The latitude and longitude of the center fix associated with item 

ALPHA. NOTE: If the surface center is fixable, enter bearing and 

range from the FL center in Remarks; e.g., SFC CNTR 270/15 nm, if 

the centers are separated by over 5 nm. 

C (CHARLIE) Indicate the standard atmospheric surface e.g. 925, 850 or 700 hPa. 

The minimum height of the standard surface observed inside the 

center. If at 1,500 ft or below or not within 1,500 ft of a standard 

surface, enter NA. 

D (DELTA) The maximum surface wind observed during the inbound leg 

associated with this fix. 

E (ECHO) Bearing and range of the maximum surface wind observed (item 

DELTA) from the coordinates reported in item BRAVO. 

F (FOXTROT) The maximum flight level wind observed during the inbound leg 

associated with this fix. If a significant secondary maximum wind is 

observed, report it in remarks. 
 5-10

Table 5-2. Vortex Data Message Entry Explanation (continued)

G (GOLF) Bearing and range of the maximum flight level wind observed (item 

FOXTROT) from the coordinates reported in item BRAVO. 

H (HOTEL) The minimum sea level pressure (SLP) to the nearest hectopascal 

observed at the coordinates reported in item BRAVO. Preface the 

SLP with "EXTRAP" (extrapolated) when the data are not derived 

from dropsonde or when the SLP is extrapolated from a dropsonde 

that terminated early. Clarify the difference in remarks (e.g., SLP 

EXTRAPOLATED FROM BELOW 1500 FEET/850 

HPA/DROPSONDE). 

I (INDIA) MAX FLT LVL TEMP--This temperature is taken just outside the 

central region of a cyclone (i.e., just outside the eyewall or just 

beyond the maximum wind band). This temperature may not be the 

highest recorded on the inbound leg but is representative of the 

environmental temperature just outside the central region of the 

storm. 

PRESSURE ALT--Pressure altitude data (meters) are taken at the 

same location as the maximum temperature data reported in item 

INDIA. 

J (JULIET) MAX FLT LVL TEMP--The maximum temperature observed within 

5 nm of the center fix coordinates. If a higher temperature is 

observed at a location more than 5 nm away from the flight level 

center (item BRAVO), it is reported in Remarks, including bearing 

and distance from the flight level center. 

PRESSURE ALT--Pressure altitude data (meters) are taken at the 

same location as the maximum temperature data reported in item 

JULIET. 

K (KILO) Dewpoint temperature/sea surface temperature are collected at the 

same location as the maximum temperature reported in item JULIET. 

Enter NA if not observed. 
 5-11

Table 5-2. Vortex Data Message Entry Explanation (continued) 

L (LIMA) Only report if at least 50 percent of the center has an eyewall, 

otherwise enter NA. 

Closed wall--if the center has 100 percent coverage with no eyewall 

weakness. 

Open XX--if the center has 50 percent or more but less than 100 

percent coverage. State the direction of the eyewall weakness. 

M (MIKE) Self explanatory. Report only if item LIMA is reported, otherwise 

enter NA. 

N (NOVEMBER) Fix determined by: Always report 1. Report 2 if radar indicates 

curvature or banding consistent with fix location. Report 3 if 

recorded or observed winds indicate a closed center. Report 4 if the 

fix pressure is lower than all reported on the inbound leg. Report 5 if 

the fix temperature is at least higher than any reported on the inbound 

leg. 

Fix level: Report 0 alone if fix is made solely on surface winds. 

Report 0 and the flight-level code if the centers are within 5 nm of 

each other. 

O (OSCAR) Navigational and meteorological accuracy are reported as the upper 

limit of probable error. Meteorological accuracy is normally reported 

as one-half of the diameter of the light and variable wind center. 

P (PAPA) Remarks to enhance the data reported above. Required remarks 

include: (1) mission identifier and observation number; (2) the 

maximum flight level wind observed, time of observation, and the 

relative quadrant of the storm of the observed wind on the latest pass 

through any portion of the storm; (3) the maximum flight-level wind 

observed on the outbound leg following the center fix just obtained, if 

it is higher than the inbound maximum reported in item F. Include 

time of observation and the relative quadrant of the storm of the 

qualifying outbound max wind. If, after the transmission of the 

vortex message but prior to the aircraft reaching the cross-leg turn 

point, a higher qualifying outbound wind is observed, then the vortex 

message will be amended with the higher outbound wind reported; 

(4) the method of deriving the central SLP when extrapolated; and (5) 

the bearing and range of the surface center and/or maximum flight 

level temperature if not within 5 nm of the flight level center. 
 5-12

______________________________________________________________________________

 URNT12 KNHC 162129 

 VORTEX DATA MESSAGE <Storm ID> 

 A. 16/21:16:20Z 

 B. 15 DEG 41 MIN N 

 068 DEG 07 MIN W 

 C. NA MB 2743 M 

 D. NA KT 

 E. NA DEG NM 

 F. 121 DEG 087 KT 

 G. 034 DEG 010 NM 

 H. EXTRAP 957 MB 

 I. 7 C/ 3056 M 

 J. 16 C/ 3040 M 

 K. 10 C/ NA 

 L. OPEN W 

 M. E270/30/20 

 N. 12345/07 

 O. 0.02 / 3 NM 

 P. AF301 WXWXA LENNYTEST1 OB 05 

 MAX FL WIND 87 KT NE QUAD 21:13:30Z 

 SLP EXTRAP FROM 700 MB 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Figure 5-5. Example Vortex Data Message (VDM) for the WC-130J 
 5-13

NHOP NHOP COORDINATED REQUEST FOR AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE COORDINATED REQUEST FOR AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE

__ Original

__ Amendment

 (Check One)

 I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS

 STORM NAME

 DEPRESSION #

 SUSPECT AREA

FIX OR ON

STATION

TIME COORDINATES

FLIGHT

PATTERN

FCST

MVMT

NHC

PRIORITY

GULFSTREAM 

SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK 

REMARKS 

 

 II. PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS

 STORM NAME

 DEPRESSION #

 SUSPECT AREA

FIX OR ON

STATION

TIME COORDINATES

FLIGHT

PATTERN

FCST

MVMT

NHC

PRIORITY

SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK 

REMARKS 

 III. DISTRIBUTION

 A. TO CARCAH BY 1630Z OR AMEND AT ANY TIME

 B. Date__________ Time__________ FCSTR INITIAL__________

 C. 53 WRS_______AOC___________Other________

Figure 5-6. NHOP Coordinated Request for Aircraft Reconnaissance
 5-14

TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY FORMAT 

--ATLANTIC AND CENTRAL PACIFIC OCEANS-- 

FM: CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL 

TO: (AFRC-APPROVED ADDRESSEES)/(NOAA-APPROVED ADDRESSEES) 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

SUBJECT: THE TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY 

 VALID ______Z (MONTH) TO ______Z (MONTH) (YEAR) 

 TCPOD NUMBER.........(YR)-__________ 

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS 

1. (STORM NAME, DEPRESSION, SUSPECT AREA) or (NEGATIVE RECON REQUIREMENTS) 

 

 FLIGHT ONE (NHC PRIORITY, if applicable) 

 

A. __________________________Z FIX/INVEST TIME 

 

 __________________________Z 

 

B. __________________________ MISSION IDENTIFIER 

C. __________________________Z DEPARTURE TIME 

D. __________________________ FORECAST POSITION 

E. __________________________Z TIME ON STATION 

 F. __________________________ ALTITUDE(S) ON STATION 

 G. __________________________ REMARKS (if needed) 

 FLIGHT TWO (if applicable, same as FLIGHT ONE) 

 

2. (SECOND SYSTEM, if applicable, same as in 1. above) 

3. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY (NHC PRIORITY, if applicable) 

A. POSSIBLE (Unit) ON STATION REQUIREMENT NEAR (Location) 

 AT (Time) Z. 

II. PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS (Same as in ATLANTIC) 

Figure 5-7. Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day Format
5-15

5.5.2. DOD and DOC Reconnaissance Aircraft Responsiveness.

 5.5.2.1. Requirement Notification. Notification of requirements must precede 

tasked-on-station time by at least 16 hours plus en route time to the area of concern. 

 5.5.2.2. Prepositioning. The "Succeeding Day Outlook" portion of the TCPOD 

provides advance notification of requirements and authorizes units to preposition aircraft to 

forward operating locations. For missions requiring prepositioning, the "Succeeding Day 

Outlook" may not provide adequate advance notification. In this situation, an "Additional Day 

Outlook" may be included in the TCPOD to authorize units to preposition aircraft. 

 5.5.2.3. Resources Permitting. When circumstances preclude the appropriate 

notification lead time, the requirement will be levied as "resources permitting." When a 

"resources permitting" requirement is levied in an amendment, the TPC/NHC will indicate the 

priority of all existing or remaining requirements. 

 5.5.2.4. Emergency Requirement. If a storm develops unexpectedly and could 

cause a serious threat to lives and property within a shorter time than provided for in the 

paragraphs above, CARCAH will contact the reconnaissance units, or higher headquarters, as 

appropriate, and request assistance in implementing emergency procedures not covered in this 

plan. The TPC/NHC and CPHC directors have authority to declare an emergency. 

 5.5.2.5. NOAA WP-3D Availability. At least one WP-3D will be operationally 

configured (per paragraph 5.4.6) and available to respond to requirements within 24 hours from 

June 1st through November 30th annually. 

5.5.3. Reconnaissance Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day.

 5.5.3.1. Preparation. CARCAH will coordinate the TCPOD (Figure 5-8) daily 

during the period from June 1 to November 30 and at other times during the year as required. 

Transmitted TCPODs will be serially numbered each season. 

 

• CARCAH will coordinate the TCPOD with TPC/NHC, the 53 WRS, 

and NOAA AOC before publication. 

• The TCPOD will list all DOC and DOD required tropical and 

subtropical cyclone operational reconnaissance. Research missions 

will be listed in remarks when available by transmission time. 

• The DOD-required tropical or subtropical cyclone reconnaissance 

missions in the Atlantic or the Pacific west to 180o will be identified in 

the TCPOD as USN or USAF requirements. 

• Amendments to the TCPOD will be published only when requirements 

change. When amended, the impact on each listed flight will be 

identified; i.e., No Change, Change Added, or Cancel. 

 
5-16

 5.5.3.2. Dissemination. The TCPOD will be made available to appropriate 

agencies, such as FAA, DOD, and NOAA, that provide support to or control of reconnaissance 

aircraft or are a part of the tropical cyclone warning service. Under normal circumstances, the 

TCPOD will be disseminated by 1900 UTC each day including weekends and holidays. If there 

are no current day or succeeding-day reconnaissance requirements, a negative report, which 

covers the appropriate time frame, will be disseminated. Amendments will be disseminated as 

required. 

[NOTE: The TCPOD is disseminated under the header “MIAREPRPD” for AWIPS users and 

“NOUS42 KNHC” for AWDS users. The TCPOD can be accessed via the Internet at 

www.hurricanehunters.com/wxdata.htm, then click on Plan of the Day or via the Tropical 

Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center homepage at www.nhc.noaa.gov, then click on 

aircraft reconnaissance and then on Plan of the Day.] 

5.5.4. Aircraft Operations—Pre-mission Coordination. 

 5.5.4.1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Coordination. 

 5.5.4.1.1. Responsibilities. The Air Traffic Control System Command 

Center (ATCSCC) and Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) are responsible for 

coordination in support of the NHOP. 

 5.5.4.1.2. ATCSCC Procedures. 

 

 a. Review the NOAA/National Hurricane Center Aircraft 

Reconnaissance TCPOD at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/reconlist.shtml, by 1200 Eastern Time. 

 b. Activate the Hurricane Desk or the Crisis Management Center, 

when required. 

 c. Prepare a public Flow Evaluation Area (FEA) based on the 

latitude/longitude points specified in the TCPOD when a mission is scheduled to be flown. The 

FEA naming convention is the three-letter identifier of the primary ARTCC and the two (2) digits 

of the mission aircraft call sign (ex. ZNY71 or with multiple aircraft in the same FEA ZNY71/42). 

Modify the FEA when requested by the primary ARTCC. 

 d. Designate a primary ARTCC when the Operations Area includes 

multiple ARTCCs. 

 e. Coordinate, as necessary, with the Air Force Reserve 

Command’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS), the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration Aircraft Operations Center (NOAA AOC), the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration (NASA), the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), and the affected 

ARTCCs. 

 f. Discuss the mission profile with the unit’s operations center or 

aircraft commander approximately two (2) hours prior to the flight departure time. The unit’s 

operations center or aircraft commander will initiate the discussion. This discussion will 

include, at a minimum, the flight time, geographic location, flight track, and altitudes (AGL). 

Modify the FEA as required and coordinate with the impacted ARTCCs. 
5-17

 g. Assist ARTCCs with traffic flow priorities if the hurricane 

reconnaissance flight will impact air traffic. If required, ensure the hurricane reconnaissance 

flight receives priority for the specified period of time. 

 h. Conduct hurricane and customer conferences, as required. 

 5.5.4.1.3. ARTCC Procedures. 

 a. Coordinate with all impacted military facilities (ex. FACSFAC) 

and entities within their area of operations and responsibility to ensure all offshore airspace that 

is released to the military is protected for NHOP flights, when required. 

 b. Coordinate with all impacted terminal facilities. 

 c. If mission profile changes, coordinate with ATCSCC for FEA 

modifications. 

 d. Prepare a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) based on the 

latitude/longitude points specified in the TCPOD and update as required. 

 e. Assign each aircraft the designated reserved NORAD 

transponder code associated with that call sign. 

 

 5.5.4.2. Flight Operations Coordination (Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial 

Systems (UAS)). Normally notification to the ATCSCC of planned reconnaissance or buoy 

deployment flights by the 53 WRS and NOAA aircraft is accomplished through the TCPOD (1 

June through 30 November). If for any reason a flight is planned that was not included in the 

TCPOD, then these units operations centers will notify the ATCSCC National Operations 

Manager (NOM) or International Operations Manager (IOM) directly at (703) 904-4525 prior to 

the scheduled time of departure. 

 When flights are scheduled on the TCPOD, the operations centers for the units flying 

those missions will contact the NOM for coordination. This call should happen as soon as 

practical after the TCPOD is published to enable the NOM to coordinate and activate their 

hurricane operations. NASA, NRL, or any other agency planning operations into or around the 

forecast or actual storm location will notify the ATCSCC NOM at (703) 904-4525 and the Chief, 

Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) at (305) 229-4474, as soon as 

possible prior to an NHOP reconnaissance, surveillance, or research mission. 

All missions must provide the following information: 

 

• Mission call sign. 

• Departure point and estimated time of departure. 

• Approximate route to be flown. 

• Requested AGL or MSL altitude(s). 

• Any special requests. 

 
5-18

 The following aircraft call signs will be used: 

• 53 WRS – “TEAL 70 through 79” 

• NOAA AOC – “NOAA 42 through 44” 

• NASA – “NASA ##” 

• NRL – “WARLOCK 587” 

 

 Each aircraft will have a designated reserved NORAD transponder code associated with 

that call sign. This code is assigned by ARTCC. 

 5.5.4.3. Flight Plan Filing Procedures. Flight plans for reconnaissance and 

research flights must be filed with the FAA as soon as practicable before departure time. Include 

delay time in the Route portion of the International Flight Plan. This will keep the IFR flight 

plan active throughout the delay. Due to limited information that is displayed on controller 

screens, it is recommended that only the following remarks be included in the “Other 

Information” block: “EET” to FIR boundaries, “STS” with storm delay information, and 

“RMK/MDCN” diplomatic clearance information. 

 

 5.5.4.4. Mission Coordination. The aircraft commander or operations center

must contact the NOM at (703) 904-4525 or (703) 708-5140/5144 approximately 2 hours prior to 

scheduled takeoff time, or as soon as possible. If required, the NOM or the IOM initiates a 

conference call with all ATC and military facilities affected by the flight operations area to 

ensure flight information and proposed operations area information is up to date. 

 5.5.4.5. Mission Cancellation. When a mission is cancelled or delayed, the unit 

flying the mission must notify the NOM/IOM as soon as possible. 

5.5.5. Aircraft Operations—Mission Execution 

 5.5.5.1. NHOP Missions (Surface to FL150). 

 5.5.5.1.1. Priority Handling. When requested by the aircrew, ATC will 

provide TEAL and NOAA aircraft priority handling. The aircraft commander will only ask for 

priority handling when necessary to accomplish the mission. 

5.5.5.1.2. Operations Area. Missions will be flown 100 percent under 

IFR criteria, and the IFR clearance will remain active throughout the flight. Even though rules for 

flying in Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace are different, aircrews will not differentiate 

between these two while in the Operations Area and will follow normal Controlled Airspace 

procedures or procedures specified in this section. Regardless of the Designated Class of airspace 

(A through G), the following rules apply. 

 5.5.5.1.3. IFR Procedures and Clearance. ATC facilities will provide 

Air Traffic Control Services to all participating aircraft in the area of operations. All aircraft 

operating in this area will file their flight plan and fly according to IFR procedures. 53WRS 

crews will not conduct flight operations under the military provisions of "Due Regard" or declare 
5-19

“Operational” in FAA controlled or uncontrolled airspace. However, this does not preclude the 

aircraft commander from exercising their authority in the interest of safety or during an aircraft 

emergency. 

 5.5.5.1.4. Altitude Assignment (AGL). Authorized aircraft may request 

to operate at a single altitude or within a block of altitudes defined by radar altitude (AGL). 

Multiple aircraft may operate in the same vicinity but at different altitudes at the same time. 

 5.5.5.1.4.1. Operations in Controlled Airspace. ATC will 

assign an altitude or a block of altitudes and provide standard vertical separation between all 

participating and all other known aircraft. ATC will use the following phraseology; “Teal 70 

maintain block (altitude) through (altitude).” 

 5.5.5.1.4.2. Operations in Uncontrolled Airspace. ATC can 

neither assign altitudes in, nor provide separation between aircraft in uncontrolled airspace, but 

will issue safety alerts. While in uncontrolled airspace, aircrews will advise ATC of their 

planned altitudes. Aircrews are responsible for maintaining their own separation from the 

surface of the sea, obstacles, and oil platforms while operating below the Minimum IFR Altitude 

(MIA). 

NOTE: When an aircrew requests a block altitude that includes altitudes outside of 

controlled airspace, ATC will assign the altitudes that are in controlled airspace and 

clear the aircraft to exit controlled airspace. 

EXAMPLE: Teal 70 requests the block altitude surface to FL100. The airspace below 

FL055 is uncontrolled. ATC will clear Teal 70, “Teal 70, maintain block flight level 055 

through flight level 100, cleared to exit controlled airspace.” 

 

 5.5.5.1.5. Delay Area. This area is defined as an area of airspace at and 

below FL150 with a radius of 150 nm around a set of center coordinates. This airspace excludes 

the terminal areas (as shown on the NHOP operational maps) until radio contact is established 

with the ATC facility controlling the terminal airspace. If not in radar contact within the area as 

shown on the NHOP Operational Maps, the aircrew will make position reports in relation to 

designated navigational aids as requested by ATC along the coast, and will be allowed flight up 

to the coast, traffic permitting. When several aircraft are participating in NHOP missions they 

may have different center coordinates or delay areas. Any changes to the operating area will be 

coordinated with ATC. 

 5.5.5.1.6. Communications. The aircrew maintains communications 

with only the primary ARTCC. Normally UHF or VHF radios will be used for communications 

with ATC, when within range. When out of UHF or VHF range, use Satellite Phone to 

communicate directly to ATC Centers. IFR aircraft flying in airspace under the control of FAA 

facilities are required to maintain continuous two-way communications with ATC even while 

flying in class F or G designated airspace. Due to quick ATC clearance approvals needed by the 

aircrew to maintain safety and execute the mission, direct contact with the ARTCC is required. 

Crews will make hourly “ops normal” calls to the primary ARTCC if not in radar contact, and 
5-20

no radio transmissions have been made within the previous hour. Relaying clearance requests 

through AIRINC, other aircraft, or SATCOM Data Link is not desired as this will delay 

receiving updated clearances or requests. 

NOTE: At this time, TEAL aircraft do not have satellite phone capability although the 

FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Operations Center (TSOC) 

have identified a security, tracking, communications, and search and rescue requirement 

for their use on TEAL aircraft whenever a mission is flown.

 5.5.5.1.7. Interim Procedures. The following procedure is implemented 

as a short-term interim measure through May 2008. TEAL aircraft will send their requests by 

SATCOM data link to the 53 WRS operations center. The operations center will print this 

message and fax it directly to the primary ARTCC Missions Desk providing mission clearance. 

The operations center will also phone the Mission Desk. The ARTCC will issue a revised 

clearance. The 53 WRS operations center will transmit the approval via SATCOM back to the 

aircraft. 

 a. When 53 WRS or NOAA flights are unable to contact ATC 

to request a revised or en route clearance, a clearance request may also be relayed through 

CARCAH. 

 b. The 53WRS, CARCAH, NOAA, NASA, and NRL 

operation centers are responsible for ensuring that air traffic clearances and messages relayed by 

them to/from the FAA are relayed in an accurate manner. 

 

 5.5.5.1.8. Air Traffic Control (ATC). The FAA will provide ATC 

services between Participating Aircraft, Non-Participating instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft 

and known Visual Flight Rule (VFR) aircraft to the 53 WRS, NOAA, NASA, and NRL aircraft 

operating in the area of interest. Aircraft not following IFR or operating in Class G airspace may 

be operating near or in the storm environment; therefore, adherence to ATC clearances is 

mandatory for safety. 

 a. It is understood by the FAA, the 53 WRS, and NOAA 

AOC that there is no practical method at this time to provide separation from any 

nonparticipating aircraft that is flying VFR, flying in Class G airspace, not in radar contact, not 

squawking, and/or not in communication with ATC. Aircrews must use “see and avoid” and 

TCAS to avoid these aircraft when possible. 

 b. If Air Traffic Advisory Service knows that an aircraft is 

operating VFR or is operating in uncontrolled airspace in the Area of Operations, then ATC will 

inform all Participating Aircraft so the Participating Aircraft can contact the Non-Participating 

Aircraft to de-conflict routing.

 c. Coordination for aircraft operations will be at the ARTCC 

level. The ATC Military Operations desk will coordinate with all agencies for flight operations 

in Warning Areas, Special Use Airspace (SUA), and Approach Control airspace. 

 5.5.5.1.9. Participating Aircraft. During the aircraft commander’s or 

UAS operator’s mission call to the NOM, the NOM or the IOM will advise them whenever more 

than one Participating Aircraft will be in the area of interest at the same time and must brief the 
5-21

other aircraft’s call sign and mission information. If CARCAH is aware that there will be 

another aircraft or UAS in the operations area then they must also advise the affected flight crew. 

The following actions will be taken by the aircrews to de-conflict operations and enhance 

situational awareness with the other Participating Aircraft: 

 

 a. Set 29.92 (inches Hg) in at least one pressure altimeter. 

 b. Contact the other Participating Aircraft and confirm (as a 

minimum) the other aircraft’s pressure altitude, geographic position, true heading, and operating 

Altitude or Block Altitude (AGL). 

 c. Crews will not fly within 2,000 feet (vertical) of other 

participants operating in the same area of interest without concurrence of the other Participating 

Aircraft. 

 d. While in uncontrolled airspace TEAL and NOAA aircraft 

may use the same block altitudes and will provide separation from each other and any weather 

instrument being released. To maintain separation, these aircraft use separate altitudes and 

airplane-to-airplane communication to maintain situational awareness of the other aircraft’s 

location in addition to using air-to-air TACAN, and TCAS. 

 e. The following frequencies will be used for airplane-toairplane communications and coordination unless otherwise directed by ATC: 

o Primary: VHF 123.05 MHZ 

o Secondary: UHF 304.8 MHZ 

o Back-up: HF 4701 KHz USB 

 5.5.5.1.10. UAS Operations. When a UAS requires a block altitude 

conflicting with a Participating Aircraft then the Participating Aircraft will coordinate with each 

other and then coordinate with ATC for altitude changes. If both aircraft require the same block 

altitude then contact CARCAH to determine which mission has priority. 

 5.5.5.1.11. Weather Dropsonde Instrument Release. The aircraft 

commander is the sole responsible party for all dropsonde releases or sensor activations. Aircraft 

commanders will ensure coordination with other Participating Aircraft prior to release or 

activation. (Examples of weather instruments are dropwindsondes and Airborne Expendable 

Bathythermographs (AXBT)). 

 5.5.5.2. Buoy Deployment Mission (Surface to FL050). Regardless of the 

Designated Class of airspace (A through G) the following rules apply. 

 5.5.5.2.1. Flight Plan. A normal IFR flight plan will be filed for this 

mission. The coordinates for some of the planned deployments may need to be changed while en 

route to adjust to the forecast track of the storm. The aircraft routing will not be altered by ATC 

because the buoys must exit the aircraft in a specified order and they cannot be rearranged in 

flight. 

 5.5.5.2.2. IFR Procedures and Clearance. It is preferred that these 

missions be filed and flown using IFR procedures in either controlled or uncontrolled airspace. 
5-22

However, with the concurrence of the aircraft commander, they may be flown VFR. If this 

change is made en route, then ATC flight following and traffic advisories will be requested by 

the aircrew, and any changes to the route of flight must be relayed to ATC by the aircrew. 

 5.5.5.2.3. Altitude. These missions will be flown from 1000’ AGL up 

to FL050. Aircrews are responsible for maintaining their own clearance from the surface of the 

sea, obstacles, and oil platforms while operating below the Minimum IFR Altitude (MIA). 

 5.5.5.2.4. Communications. Normally use UHF or VHF radios for 

communications with ATC when within range. If out of range, then use the procedures for 

SATCOM relay through TEAL operations (ref. Communications paragraph under 5.5.5.1.6.

above). 

 5.5.5.2.5. Participating Aircraft. If there are two or more TEAL 

aircraft deploying buoys in the same area at the same time, then they can accept MARSA 

operations with each other and must relay that to ATC. This will not cancel their IFR clearance 

but will allow ATC to no longer be responsible for providing aircraft separation between TEAL 

aircraft. The TEAL aircraft must be in communication with each other and have operating 

TCAS on at least one of the aircraft. At least one of these aircraft will have SATCOM data relay 

capability on board. 

 5.5.5.2.6. Priority Handling. ATC will provide TEAL aircraft priority 

handling to and from the deployment area only when specifically requested by the aircrew. The 

aircraft commander will only ask for priority handling when necessary to accomplish the 

mission. 

 

 5.5.5.3. High Altitude Synoptic Track Missions. 

 5.5.5.3.1. Flight Plan. A normal IFR flight plan will be filed for this 

mission. An Altitude Reservation (ALTRAV) request is not required. 

 5.5.5.3.2. NOTAM. A NOTAM will be submitted by the 53 WRS, 

NOAA AOC, NASA, or NRL for any High Altitude Synoptic Track mission that will be 

releasing weather instruments. The NOTAM must contain coordinates for all releases. Submit 

NOTAM request per Appendix D procedures. 

 5.5.5.3.3. Priority Handling. ATC must provide priority handling 

during Synoptic Track Missions only when specifically requested by the aircrew. TEAL aircraft 

are not certified for RVSM operations but must be allowed to operate in RVSM designated 

airspace, if traffic permits. 

 5.5.5.3.4. Release of Dropsondes. During NHOP missions and when 

operationally feasible, dropsonde instrument releases from FL 190 or higher and sensor 

activation must be coordinated with the appropriate ARTCC/CERAP (Center En Route 

Approach Control) by advising of a pending drop or sensor activation at least 10 minutes prior to 

the event when in direct radio contact with ATC. When ATC has radar contact with the aircraft, 
5-23

they will notify the aircrew of any traffic below them that might be affected. The aircraft 

commander is solely responsible for release of the instrument after clearing the area by all means 

available. 

 a. When contact with ATC is via ARINC, event coordination 

must be included with the position report prior to the point where the action will take place, 

unless all instrument release points have been previously relayed to the affected ATC center(s). 

Example: “TEAL 100, SLATN at 1215, FL290 block 310, estimating FLANN at 1250, CHAMP 

next; Weather instrument release at FLANN.” Contact between participating aircraft must be 

made using the frequencies listed in paragraph 5.5.5.1.9.e. 

 b. During NHOP missions, commencing five (5) minutes 

prior to release from FL190 or higher, the aircrew will broadcast in the blind on radio 

frequencies 121.5 MHZ and 243.0 MHZ to advise any traffic in the area of the impending drop. 

Pilots must not make these broadcasts if they will interfere with routine ATC communications, 

such as in the vicinity of an ATC facility. The aircraft commander is responsible for determining 

the content and duration of a broadcast, concerning the release or sensor activation. 

5.6. Reconnaissance Effectiveness Criteria. 

5.6.1. General. Specified reconnaissance times are established to allow sufficient time 

for the forecaster to analyze the data before issuing an advisory. Every effort should be made to 

obtain data at scheduled times. The following criteria will be used to assess reconnaissance 

mission effectiveness: 

 5.6.1.1. Tropical Cyclone Fix Mission.

• ON-TIME. The fix is made not earlier than 1 hour before nor later 

than 1⁄2 hour after scheduled fix time. 

• EARLY. The fix is made from 1 hour before scheduled fix time to 

one-half of the time interval to the preceding scheduled fix, not to 

exceed 3 hours. 

• LATE. The fix is made within the interval from 1⁄2 hour after 

scheduled fix time to one-half of the time interval to the succeeding 

scheduled fix, not to exceed 3 hours. 

• MISSED. Data are not obtained within the parameters specified for 

on-time, early, or late. 

[NOTE: Appropriate credit will be given when the aircraft arrives in the requested area but is 

unable to locate a center due to storm dissipation or rapid movement. Credit will also be given 

for radar fixes if penetration is not possible due to geographic or other flight restrictions.] 

 
5-24

 5.6.1.2. Tropical Cyclone Investigative Missions. 

• ON-TIME. An observation must be taken within 250 nm of the 

specified coordinates by the scheduled time. 

• LATE. An observation is taken within 250 nm of the specified 

coordinates after the scheduled time but not later than the scheduled 

time plus 2 hours. 

• MISSED. When the aircraft fails to be within the 250 nm of the 

specific coordinates by the scheduled time plus 2 hours or is unable to 

provide meaningful data. 

 5.6.1.3. Synoptic Surveillance Missions. 

• SATISFIED. Requirements are considered satisfied upon completion 

of the assigned track and the acquired dropwindsonde data are 

transmitted from the aircraft prior to the HPC/MPC deadline for 

synoptic analysis. 

• MISSED. When the requirements listed above are not satisfied. 

5.6.2. Mission Assessment. The TPC/NHC or CPHC will provide CARCAH a written 

assessment of the reconnaissance mission anytime its timeliness or quality is outstanding or 

substandard (see Figure 5-9). Mission requirements levied as "resources permitting" will not be 

assessed for timeliness but may be assessed for quality of data gathered. 

5.6.3. Summaries. CARCAH will maintain monthly and seasonal reconnaissance 

summaries, detailing requirements tasked by TPC/NHC and CPHC and missions accomplished. 

5.7. Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Encoding, Reporting, and Coordination. 

5.7.1. Vortex Data. A vortex data message (Figure 5-4) will be prepared for all fixes, 

using all observed vortex fix information, each time the aircraft penetrates the center. 

5.7.2. Center Fix Data. When proximity to land, air traffic control restriction, or other 

factors prevent actual penetration of the vortex by the reconnaissance aircraft, it is permissible to 

fix the cyclone by radar. Radar fixes may be reported in a vortex data message using available 

observed information or as a remark appended to a RECCO observation taken at fix time. The 

remark stating the type of radar fix and quality of the radar presentation is in accordance with 

Chapter 7, paragraph 7.3.2; e.g., RADAR CENTER FIX 21.5N 83.0W, POOR RADAR 

PRESENTATION, NAV ACCURACY 5NM. 

 5.7.3. Peripheral Data. Storm penetration and collection of peripheral data will 

normally begin at the operational altitude approximately 105 nm from the center as determined 

by the flight meteorologist. The Supplementary Vortex Data Message (Figure 5-5) will be 
5-25

encoded and reported as specified in Table 5-1. 

 5.7.4. Mission Coordination. Mission coordination for all missions will be 

accomplished through CARCAH. Meteorological discussions for Central Pacific missions may 

be accomplished directly with the CPHC; however, any changes to tasking will be accomplished 

through CARCAH. 

MISSION EVALUATION FORM 

MEMORANDUM FOR: OL-A, 53WRS/CARCAH 

FROM: (Director, NHC, CPHC) . 

SUBJECT: Mission Evaluation 

 (Mission Identifier) 

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS: 

 Premission Coordinates (As Updated Prior to TKO)_____________________N___________________W 

 Flight Pattern __________________________________________________________________________ 

 Mission Requirements Times ______________________________________________________________ 

RECONNAISSANCE MISSION PERFORMANCE: 

 Flight Flown: _____Completely _____Partially _____Other 

 Horizontal Data Coverage: _____Complete _____Timely _____Accurate 

 _____Incomplete _____Untimely _____Inaccurate 

 Vertical Data Coverage: _____Complete _____Timely _____Accurate 

 _____Incomplete _____Untimely _____Inaccurate 

 Requirements Accomplished: _____On Time _____Early _____Late 

 _____Missed 

OVERALL MISSION EVALUATION: 

 OUTSTANDING____________ 

 UNSATISFACTORY____________ FOR: 

 COMPLETENESS____________ TIMELINESS____________ ACCURACY____________ 

 EQUIPMENT_______________ PROCEDURES____________ OTHER_______________ 

REMARKS: (Brief but specific) 

________________________ 

FORECASTER's SIGNATURE 

Figure 5-8. Mission Evaluation Form 

5.7.5. Post-flight Debriefing. Unless otherwise directed, the flight meteorologist will 

provide either an airborne or post-flight debriefing to the appropriate hurricane center through 

CARCAH to ensure all observations were received and understood. 
5-26

5.7.6. Mission Identifier. Regular weather and hurricane reconnaissance messages will 

include the five-digit agency/aircraft indicator followed by the CARCAH-assigned 

mission/storm-system indicator. Elements of the mission identifier follow: 

Agency/Aircraft Mission Storm System Indicator 

Agency + Aircraft Sequential Two-digit depression Location Storm name 

 Number1,2 number of number or two-letter A,E,C,or W4

 or mission type 

 mission in identifier if not a (i.e., CYCLONE

 this storm depression or greater3 or INVEST) 

 

 For non-tasked missions, WXWX, or for a 

 numbered depression or stronger, WX+ 

 depression number. 

 -EXAMPLESAF966 0201C CYCLONE (USAF aircraft 966 on the second mission on tropical 

depression number 1 in the Central Pacific. Invest or 

fix as specified in the TCPOD.) 

AF984 0403E CARLOS (USAF aircraft 984 on the fourth mission on tropical 

depression 3 which formed in the Eastern Pacific and 

acquired the name Carlos.) 

NOAA2 01BBA INVEST (NOAA aircraft 42RF on the first mission to 

investigate the second suspect area in the Atlantic, 

Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean.) 

NOAA3 WX01A AGNES (NOAA aircraft 43RF on a non-tasked mission into 

 AGNES.) 

5.7.7. Storm Identifier <Storm ID>. To facilitate the automatic ingest into the 

TPC/NHC, CPHC, and DOD tropical cyclone forecast computing systems, the storm identifier 

will be added 3 spaces after the Vortex Data Message title (see Figure 5-5) in the following 

format: Vortex Data Message BBCCYYYY. For the definition of BBCCYYYY, see Chapter 

4, paragraph 4.3.3., page 4-2. 

5.7.8. Observation Numbering and Content. Air Force aircraft movement information 

(i.e., departure time and location, and ETA’s to locations) will not be included in observation 

remarks. That information should be passed to CARCAH via SATCOM administrative 

messages. The mission identifier will be the first mandatory remark followed by the observation 

number. All observations (RECCO, vortex, supplemental, and dropsonde) from the first to the 

last will be numbered sequentially. HDOBs will be automatically numbered sequentially but 

separately from other observations. When an aircraft is diverted from its original mission to 

fulfill TPC/NHC requirements, conclude the original mission by using the last report remark. 

 

1

 AF plus last 3 digits of tail number

2

 NOAA, plus last digit of aircraft registration number 

3 The letters CC should not be used in an invest identifier 4 A=Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico, E=Eastern Pacific, C=Central Pacific, W=Western Pacific 
5-27

The next observation from the diverted aircraft will use the CARCAH-assigned mission 

identifier, will be numbered OB 01, and will include the time of diversion. 

-EXAMPLERMK AF987 0lBBA INVEST OB 01 DPTD AF987 WXWXA AT 05/1235Z 

5.8. Operational Flight Patterns. This section details the operational flight patterns that 

provide vortex and peripheral data on tropical and subtropical cyclones. 

5.8.1. Flight Pattern ALPHA Operational Details.

 5.8.1.1. Flight Levels and Sequence. Flight levels will normally be 1,500 ft, 

925 hPa, 850 hPa, or 700 hPa, depending on data requirements and flight safety. Legs will 

normally be 105 nm long and flown on intercardinal tracks (45 degrees off cardinal tracks). The 

flight sequence is shown in Figure 5-10. The pattern can be started at any intercardinal point and 

then repeated throughout the mission. Prior to starting an inbound or outbound track the aircrew 

should evaluate all available data, e.g., radar presentation, satellite photo, for flight safety. Once 

started on course, every effort should be made to maintain a straight track and the tasked altitude. 

A horizontal observation is required at each leg end point. This data is transmitted immediately. 

The ALPHA pattern may be modified to satisfy unique customer requirements (such as 

extending legs to examine the wind profile of a strong storm) or because of proximity of land or 

warning areas. 

 

Figure 5-9. Flight Pattern ALPHA 

 5.8.1.2. Vortex fix data. On each transit of the center a fix will be made and a 

vortex data message completed, using data gathered on the inbound track since the previous fix 

and will be transmitted immediately. Center dropsonde data will also be provided for scheduled 

fixes made at 850 hPa or above. The dropsonde will be released at the flight-level center 

coordinates (item BRAVO of the vortex data message). For fixes when dropsonde-measured 

SLP is not available, an extrapolated SLP will be computed and reported. 
5-28

5.8.2. Investigative Missions. An investigative mission is tasked on tropical 

disturbances to determine the existence or non-existence of a closed circulation, supply 

reconnaissance observations in required areas, and locate the vortex center, if any. 

 5.8.2.1. Flight Levels. Flight level will normally be at or below 1,500 ft absolute 

altitude but may be adjusted as dictated by data requirements, meteorological conditions, or 

flying safety factors. 

 5.8.2.2. Vortex Fix. A vortex data message is required if a vortex fix is made. 

 5.8.2.3. Closed Circulation. A closed circulation is supported by at least one 

sustained wind reported in each quadrant of the cyclone. Surface winds are preferred. 

 5.8.2.4. Flight Pattern. The preferred approach is to fly to the tasked coordinates 

of the forecasted center and then execute a pattern as observed conditions dictate. Suggested 

patterns are the X, Box, or Delta patterns, but the flight meteorologist may choose any approach. 

See Figure 5-11. Turns are usually made to take advantage of tailwinds whenever possible. 

Note: The depicted pattern may be converted to a mirror image if entry is made from a different 

direction. 

Figure 5-10. Suggested Patterns for Investigative Missions 

 

 On the X pattern, the aircraft is turned to head directly towards the center, as 

indicated by the surface or flight level winds. The aircraft is flown through the calm 

center until winds from the opposite direction occur (second quadrant). The aircraft 

is then turned to a cardinal heading until a wind shift occurs (third quadrant). Finally, 

the aircraft is turned towards the center and flown straight through the center to the 

last quadrant. 

 On the Box pattern, the aircraft is flown on cardinal headings around the suspected 

center. The track resembles three sides of a square. 

 On the Delta pattern, the aircraft is flown on a cardinal heading to pass 60 nm from 

the forecasted center. After observing a wind shift (second quadrant) the aircraft is 
5-29

turned to pass through the center until winds from the opposite direction occur (third 

quadrant). Finally, the aircraft is turned on a cardinal heading (parallel to the initial 

heading) to pick up the fourth quadrant winds. If data indicate that the aircraft is far 

north of any existing circulation, the pattern is extended as shown by the dashed lines. 

 5.8.3. Synoptic Surveillance Missions. A synoptic surveillance mission is tasked to 

measure the large-scale wind and thermodynamic fields within approximately 800 nautical miles 

of tropical cyclones. Specific flight tracks will vary depending on storm location and synoptic 

situation, and multiple aircraft may be required to satisfy surveillance mission requirements. 

5.8.4. Eyewall and Outer-Wind Field Sampling Modules. These are patterns of 

dropwindsonde releases designed to measure the maximum surface wind, as well as the extent of 

hurricane and tropical storm force surface winds. They are meant to be flown using the 

operational alpha pattern. Dropwindsonde releases in these modules are in addition to any other 

releases required by Table 5-1. 

 5.8.4.1. Eyewall Module. While executing a standard alpha pattern to satisfy a 

fix requirement, one sounding will be taken during each inbound and outbound passage through 

the eyewall (except as noted below), for a total of four soundings. The releases should be made 

at or just inward (within 1-2 km) of the flight-level radius of maximum wind (RMW). If the 

radar presentation is suitable, the inner edge of the radar eyewall may be used to identify the 

release point. If possible, and when resources and safety permit, two dropwindsondes, spaced 

less than 30 seconds apart, should be deployed on the inbound leg on the side of the storm 

believed to have the highest surface winds (normally the right-hand side). In this case, the outer 

of the two releases should be made at the RMW, with the second release following as soon as 

possible. Typically, the eyewall module will be tasked within 48 hours of a forecasted hurricane 

landfall. 

 5.8.4.2 Outer-Wind Field Module. On an alpha pattern, deploy 

dropwindsondes at 50 nm intervals from the center on each of two successive inbound and 

outbound legs, outward to 200 nm. A release should also be made at the midpoint of the cross 

(downwind) leg, for a total of 17 soundings. The length of the legs and the sounding interval 

may be adjusted, depending on the size of the storm. 

5.9. Aircraft Reconnaissance Communications. 

5.9.1. General. The 53 WRS WC-130 and NOAA WP-3D aircraft will normally 

transmit reconnaissance observations via the Air Force Satellite Communications System 

(AFSATCOM), commercial SATCOM or high frequency (HF) radio phone patch. Figures 5-12 

and 5-13 depict the ASDL and AFSATCOM communications links. The NOAA G-IV will 

normally transmit WMO Temp Drop messages via commercial SATCOM. Flight meteorologists 

should contact CARCAH following the first fix, and periodically throughout the mission. 

5.9.2. Air-to-Ground Communications (HF Radio). The weather reconnaissance crew 

may relay weather data via direct telephone patch to the weather data monitor. Monitors will 

evaluate these reports and disseminate them through the Air Force's Automated Weather 
5-30

Network (AWN) or to the weather communications facility at Suitland, Maryland. When 

requested, aeronautical stations will provide a discrete frequency for mission use, if possible. 

Specific radio procedures and terminology will comply with Allied Communications Publication 

125, Standard Telephone and Radio Procedures. The use of IMMEDIATE precedence for 

transmission of hurricane reconnaissance data is authorized because of the perishable nature and 

potential operational impact of weather data. Data will be routed by direct phone patch between 

the aircraft and CARCAH. 

5.9.3. Air-to-Air Communications. When more than one aircraft is known to be 

operating in a particular area of interest, the following frequencies will be used for 

airplane-to-airplane communications and coordination unless otherwise directed by air traffic 

control: 

 • Primary: VHF 123.05 MHZ 

 • Secondary: UHF 304.8 MHZ 

 • Back-up: HF 4701 KHz USB 

5.9.4. Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link (ASDL) Equipped Aircraft. Aircraft equipped 

with ASDL have the option to utilize the ASDL system. Prior to the beginning of the hurricane 

season, each ASDL-equipped aircraft will perform a ground or airborne test of the equipment 

and data ground handling procedures to determine the equipment reliability, transmission errors, 

and time lapse between transmission of the data from the aircraft and receipt of the data by the 

hurricane forecaster. Test data will be forwarded to the Chairman, Working Group for Hurricane 

and Winter Storms Operations and Research. 

5.9.5 Backup CARCAH Procedures. Satellite ground stations, which are used to 

receive and process data from AFRC reconnaissance aircraft, are installed at CARCAH and the 

53 WRS. The 53 WRS ground station has a similar configuration and communications capability 

as the satellite ground station installed a CARCAH (located within TPC/NHC), except that the 

CARCAH ground station has additional capability to stream data using serial RS-232 

communications to TPC/NHC local servers. The ground station at the 53 WRS can fully transmit 

data using SATCOM and land line to the CARCAH ground station. Both ground stations can 

send data to AFWA’s Weather Product Management and Distribution System (WPMDS)—

WPMDS then relays all AFRC/53 WRS reconnaissance data to the NWS Gateway for world-wide 

distribution. In the event that backup procedures are required due to severe communications 

failures, severe weather conditions, or other extreme events affecting TPC/NHC, all CARCAH 

responsibility will be transferred to the 53 WRS to ensure reconnaissance service is 

uninterrupted. 

• Satellite antenna communications failure at NHC: CARCAH will coordinate 

with the 53 WRS to have a temporary operator man the ground station located 

at the backup site. The backup site ground station will be configured to relay 

aircraft data to the CARCAH ground station. If the outage at CARCAH is 

expected to be temporary, the 53WRS will provide operators to man the ground 
5-31

station. For long-term outages, CARCAH will send operators to the 53 WRS, 

and those operators will ensure the aircraft data are transmitted to the 

WPMDS and transmitted to the NWS servers and external users via the NWS 

Gateway. 

• In the event communications lines between the 53 WRS and NHC are severed, 

the ground station at the 53 WRS will be configured to transmit data directly to 

the WPMDS at AFWA. The current version of ground station software does 

not have the capability to directly send data to HPC (NHC's COOP backup 

site); consequently, all data or observations will need to be accessed from the 

WPMDS or obtained from the NWS Gateway. 

• TPC/NHC emergency backup plan: In the event that TPC/NHC activates the 

HPC COOP backup plan, the designated CARCAH individual will deploy to 

the 53WRS to operate the ground station system. The HPC COOP site will 

obtain the reconnaissance data through either the WPMDS or the NWS 

Gateway. 
5-32

 Figure 5-11. Schematic of Aircraft-To-Satellite Data Link for NOAA P-3 Aircraft
5-33

Figure 5-12. Schematic of Aircraft-To-Satellite Data Link for AFRC WC-130 Aircraft

6-1 

 CHAPTER 6 

 

 SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL CYCLONES 

6.1. Satellites. 

6.1.1. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). Using modern 3-

axis stabilization for orbit control, GOES-12 at 75°W and GOES-11 at 135°W support the 

operational two-GOES constellation. Independent imager and sounder instruments eliminate the 

need to time share, yielding an increase in spatial coverage of image and sounder data at more 

frequent scanning intervals. The GOES also provides higher resolution and additional spectral 

channels than its predecessor, affording the hydrometeorological community improvements in 

detection, monitoring, and analysis of developing tropical cyclones. From 135°W and 75°W, 

routine GOES satellite data coverage is extensive, stretching from the central Pacific through the 

Americas to the eastern Atlantic, including the vital breeding grounds for tropical cyclones. 

Routinely, each GOES schedule provides two views of the CONUS (GOES-11 view is 

termed PACUS) every 15 minutes. More frequent interval scans can be employed to support 

NOAA's warning programs, including the tracking of tropical and subtropical cyclones. 

Government agencies and the private sector have access to digital data transmissions directly 

from NOAAPORT or directly from GOES. 

The current series of GOES satellites provide satellite data generated from full resolution, 

and imager and sounder data. Imagery at 1, 4, and 8 km resolution is available for daytime and 

nighttime applications. The increased resolution of the satellite imagery is a vast improvement 

from previous satellites. Visible data are available at 1 km, “shortwave” infrared (channel 2 

data) as well as the infrared channels 4 and 5 are available at 4 km resolution, and water vapor 

(channel 3) is available at 8 km resolution on GOES-11 and 4 km resolution on GOES-12. 

Channel 2 data are valuable for the detection of low clouds, fog, stratus, and surface hot spots; 

channel 5 data, available on GOES-11, in combination with data from channels 2 and/or 4 are 

useful for detecting volcanic ash in the atmosphere. On GOES-12, channel 6 is a 13.3 μm band 

that detects the presence of CO2. Channel 6 improves the measurement of the height of clouds 

and volcanic ash, thus improving computer model forecasts and ash warnings to the aviation 

community. The digital data may be enhanced to emphasize different features as desired. A 

suite of digital data and products is available to users in the National Weather Service (NWS), 

the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), other Federal 

agencies, the academic community, and many private agencies, both national and international. 

These data are made available through NOAAPORT, RAMSDIS, the Internet, and other means 

such as local networks. 

6.1.1.1. GOES-12. GOES-12, launched July 23, 2001, supports the GOES-East 

station at 75°W and serves NOAA operations, to include the TPC/NHC, other Federal agencies, 

and the private sector. Various imager channels at higher resolutions are being utilized to 

monitor the intensification and movement of tropical cyclones over the Atlantic Ocean and a 
6-2 

portion of the East Pacific. In particular, greater detail in the imagery facilitates tropical cyclone 

monitoring and analysis, and the use of the GOES imager channel 2 has vastly improved the 

detection of low-level circulation centers at night to assist in storm positioning. Retrievals from 

the GOES sounder are now being incorporated into NCEP's numerical models to improve model 

output. In addition, sounder data are being exploited to generate derived product imagery such 

as total precipitable water, atmospheric stability indices, surface temperatures and cloud heights. 

During the 1996 hurricane season, NESDIS instituted a specialized GOES-East sounder 

schedule consisting of four sectors covering distinct areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Of the four 

sounder sectors, the CONUS sector is scanned every hour and covers the northern Gulf of 

Mexico and the east coast of the United States. During routine scanning operations, of the other 

3 sounder sectors (the Gulf of Mexico, North Atlantic, and the East Caribbean) the Gulf of 

Mexico sector is designated as the “primary OCONUS” (off CONUS) sector and is scanned 4 

times in a 6 hour period, while the other two sectors are only scanned once in every 6 hour 

period. Event driven, this “primary OCONUS” sounder sector can be changed by the TPC/NHC. 

The "primary" OCONUS sector provides frequent scans over the area of interest to generate 

experimental sounder winds (identifies steering currents) and provide moisture and temperature 

retrievals. Sounder winds are made available to TPC/NHC as a forecasting tool by the 

Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), University of Wisconsin. 

6.1.1.2. GOES-11. GOES-11 was launched on May 3, 2000, and supports the 

GOES-West station at 135°W. The routine scanning mode of GOES-11 provides coverage of 

the Northern and Southern Hemisphere eastern Pacific Ocean as well as the western United 

States. The GOES-West satellite also supports the missions of both the TPC/NHC and the 

CPHC, and provides coverage of developing tropical cyclones over the East and Central Pacific. 

The DOD and other Federal agencies are also supported. 

6.1.1.3. GOES-13. GOES-13 was launched on May 24, 2006. GOES-13 carries 

the same imager and instrumentation capabilities as GOES-12. GOES-13 is stored on orbit at 

105°W until required to replace either of the older operational satellites.

(NOTE: For GOES imager/sounding schedules go to http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/SATS/) 
6-3 

 

Figure 6-1. The GOES Satellite System
6-4 

6.1.2. EUMETSAT Meteosat Geostationary Satellites. Meteosat-9, launched 

December 21, 2005, replaced Meteosat-8 on April 11, 2007, and provides vital coverage of 

developing tropical waves off the African Coast and eastern Atlantic Ocean. Conventionally, the 

full disk IR, visible (VIS), and water vapor imagery have a 3 km resolution whereas a specialized 

VIS sector provides a maximum 1 km resolution. This visible sector has a limited scan, and will 

shift from the West Indian Ocean to the East Atlantic Ocean from 14:00 UTC to 01:00 UTC 

every day during hurricane season. This shift will ensure interests monitoring for tropical 

activity in the North Indian Ocean (Meteo-France) as well as the East Atlantic (TPC) will be 

satisfied. The digital data are transmitted to NESDIS and NCEP at the NOAA Science Center 

(NSC) in Camp Springs, MD, every 15 minutes. They are also available to the TPC and the 

Storm Prediction Center (SPC) through central processing at the NSC. Meteosat WEFAX data 

are also available and distributed via the GOES WEFAX system and through NOAAPORT as 

part of a northern hemisphere composite image. 

 In December 1995, EUMETSAT, the program administrator, began encrypting digital 

Meteosat data 24 hours per day to regulate use within Europe. Based on international data policy 

agreements, U.S. non-government users are allowed access via a domestic satellite to nonencrypted Meteosat data 8 times per day at synoptic times; at other times, the data are encrypted. 

Hence, if half-hourly transmissions are required to support operational requirements, it is 

necessary for users to register with EUMETSAT to acquire decryption devices for installation at 

their local site (NOAA/DOD and other U.S. government agencies are registered). 

 6.1.3. MTSAT-1R. The Multifunctional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement (MTSAT1R) was launched for the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) on February 26, 2005. 

MTSAT-1R is located at 140° East, covering the West Pacific Ocean, East Asia, and the East 

Indian Ocean. MTSAT-1R is similar to GOES as it carries a 5-channel imager (one visible 

channel at 1 km plus four IR channels at 5 km, to include a new low-light IR channel). MTSAT1R provides imagery for the Northern Hemisphere every 30 minutes, and JMA makes the data 

available to 27 countries and territories in the region. Data from MTSAT-1R is available to 

CONUS users via the DOMestic SATellite (DOMSAT) or from the NOAA Science Center and 

available to Pacifiic OCONUS users directly via downlinks in Hawaii and Guam.

6.1.4. Initial Joint Polar System (IJPS). Two primary operational polar orbiting 

satellites, NOAA’s NOAA-18 and EUMETSAT’s MetOp-A, provide image coverage four times a 

day over a respective area in 6 spectral channels (however only 5 channels can be supported at 

one time; channel switching is used to support the 6th channel). These satellites cross the U.S. 

twice per day at 12-hour intervals for each geographical area near the Equatorial crossing times 

listed in Table 6-1. NOAA-18 and MetOp-A provide the same capabilities as previous NOAA 

satellites, except that the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit–B (AMSU-B) sensor flown 

aboard NOAA-17 and previous polar orbiters has been replaced by the Microwave Humidity 

Sounder (MHS) on NOAA-18. Data are available via direct readout—high-resolution picture 

transmission (HRPT) or automatic picture transmission (APT)—or via central processing. Data 

from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) on NOAA-18 and the 

corresponding Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer (VIIRS) on board MetOp-A are available on 

a limited basis through the GOES distribution system (Figure 6-1). The Air Force Weather 
6-5 

Agency (AFWA), Offutt AFB, NE, receives global NOAA imagery data direct from central 

readout sites on a pass-by-pass basis. The Command and Data Acquisition (CDA) stations at 

Fairbanks, AK, and Wallops, VA, acquire recorded global area coverage data sub-sampled to a 4 

km spatial resolution, and then route the data to NESDIS computer facilities in Suitland, MD, 

where the data are processed and distributed to the NOAA, the DOD, and private communities. 

Ground equipment installed at various NWS regions including Kansas City, Miami (TPC), and 

Monterey enable direct readout and data processing of 1.1 km resolution AVHRR and VIIRS 

data from NOAA-18 and MetOp-A. The high resolution polar data and products generated at 

TPC complement other satellite data sources to support tropical mission objectives. 

6.2. National Weather Service (NWS) Support.

6.2.1. Station Contacts. The GOES imagery is available in support of the surveillance 

of tropical and subtropical cyclones at specific NWS offices. Satellite meteorologists can be 

contacted at these offices; telephone numbers are in Appendix I. 

6.2.2. Products. In addition to the satellite-related products listed in paragraphs 3.6.1, 

3.6.2, and 3.6.3, there are two additional satellite products issued by the centers and their 

alternates. 

6.2.2.1. Satellite Tropical Weather Discussions. TPC/NHC issues these 

discussions four times a day. They describe significant features from the latest surface analysis 

and significant weather areas for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and between the equator 

and 32°N in both the Atlantic and eastern Pacific east of 140°W. 

6.2.2.2. Satellite Interpretation Messages. CPHC issues these messages four 

times a day to describe synoptic features and significant weather areas in the vicinity of the 

Hawaiian Islands. FAA contractions are used. WFO Guam issues these messages two times a 

day to describe synoptic features and significant weather over the Micronesian waters. 

6.3. NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB). The SAB operates 24 hours a day to provide 

satellite support to the HPC/OPC, TPC, CPHC, JTWC, and other worldwide users. In addition 

to providing high quality imagery from geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites and 

coordinating the execution of GOES Rapid Scan Operations (RSO) requests, SAB provides 

pertinent information on global tropical cyclone development, including location and intensity 

analysis based on the Dvorak technique. For numerical model input and forecasting 

applications, data from high density cloud motion wind vectors, high density water vapor wind 

vectors, four layers of derived precipitable water from sounder moisture retrievals, and tropical 

rainfall estimates are provided to HPC and TPC. In addition, estimates of cumulative rainfall 

expected over coastal areas derived using the Tropical Rainfall Potential (TRaP) methodology 

are provided for tropical storms within 24 hours of landfall and posted to a web site in support of 

CPHC, HPC, TPC, forecast offices in U.S. territories, and international customers. Telephone 

numbers for the SAB are located in Appendix H. 
6-6 

6.4. Air Force Support and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). Data 

covering the National Hurricane Operations Plan areas of interest are received centrally at the 

Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) and distributed to the Air Force’s Operational Weather 

Squadrons (OWS) and the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

(FNMOC) at Monterey, CA. Satellite data covering the Central Pacific area are received at or 

shipped to the 17th OWS Meteorological Satellite Operations (SATOPS) Flight (17 OWS/WXJ), 

Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Pearl Harbor, HI. The 17 OWS/WXJ uses all available 

meteorological satellite data when providing fix and or intensity information to Central Pacific 

Hurricane Center forecasters. 

6.4.1. Central Pacific Surveillance. The 17 OWS/WXJ (JTWC Satellite Operations) 

will provide, resources permitting, fix and intensity information to the CPHC on systems upon 

request. 

Table 6-1. Communications Headings for Satellite Tropical Weather Discussion 

 Summaries

WMO HEADING TIME ISSUED OCEANIC AREA TYPE OF DATA 

ATHW40 PHFO 0030, 0530, Vicinity of the VIS/IR 

 1230, 1830 UTC Hawaiian Islands 

ATPQ40 PGUM 0300, 1500 UTC Over Micronesia, VIS/IR 

 West North Pacific 

 Equator to 25°N from 

 130°E to 180 

 

AXNT20 KNHC 0000, 0600, Atlantic Ocean VIS/IR 

 1200, 1800 UTC South of 32°N to 

 Equator.... 

 Caribbean, Gulf 

 of Mexico 

AXPZ20 KNHC 0135, 0735 Eastern Pacific VIS/IR 

 1335, 1935 UTC South of 32°N 

 to the Equator.... 

 east of 140° W 
6-7 

6.5. Satellites and Satellite Data Availability for the Current Hurricane 

Season. Table 6-2 lists satellite capabilities for the current hurricane season. 

Table 6-2. Satellite and Satellite Data Availability for the Current Hurricane 

Season

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS 

GOES-11 

at 135°W 

GOES-13 

(on-orbit storage 

at 105°W)

GOES-12 

at 75°W 

Multispectral 

Imager and 

Sounder 

5 Channels for 

Imager 

19 Channels for 

Sounder 

GOES-12 and GOES10: Every 30 min, in 

Routine Scan Mode, 

provides 3 sectors 

with prescribed 

coverages: Northern 

Hemisphere (NH) or 

Extended NH; 

CONUS or PACUS; 

and Southern 

Hemisphere. 

Exception is 

transmission of full 

disk every 3 hours. 

(Available Rapid Scan 

Operations yield 

increased 

transmissions to 7.5 

minute intervals to 

capture rapidly 

changing, dynamic 

weather events). 

1. 1, 2, 4, and 8 km resolution 

visible standard sectors. 

2. 4 km equivalent resolution IR 

sectors. 

3. Equivalent and full resolution 

IR enhanced imagery. 

4. Full disk IR every 3 hours. 

5. 8 km water vapor sectors.(4 km 

on GOES-12) 

6. Quantitative precipitation 

estimates; high density cloud and 

water vapor motion wind vectors; 

and experimental visible and 

sounder winds. 

7. Operational moisture sounder 

data (precipitable water) in four 

levels for inclusion in NCEP 

numerical models. Other sounder 

products including gradient winds, 

vertical temperature and moisture 

profiles, mid-level winds, and 

derived product imagery 

(precipitable water, lifted index, 

and surface skin temperature). 

8. Tropical storm monitoring and 

derivation of intensity analysis. 

9. Volcanic ash monitoring and 

dissemination of Volcanic Ash 

Advisory Statements. 

10. Daily northern hemisphere 

snow cover analysis. 

11. Twice daily fire and smoke 

analysis over specific areas within 

CONUS. 
6-8 

Table 6-2. Satellite and Satellite Data Availability for the Current Hurricane Season

(continued) 

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS 

METEOSAT-9 

(replaced 

METEOSAT-8 

on April 11, 

2007)

Multi-spectral 

Spin-Scan 

Radiometer 

(SEVIRI) and 

High Resolution 

Visible (HRV) 

SEVIRI: Full disk 

image every 15 

minutes. 

HRV: Sector scan to 

move with local noon. 

1. 1 km resolution digital VIS 

imagery (HRV); 3 km resolution 

digital IR imagery (SEVIRI. 

2. 3 km resolution VIS and IR 

WEFAX imagery. 

3. 3 km water vapor imagery. 

4. Tropical storm monitoring and 

derivation of intensity analysis. 

5. Volcanic ash detection and 

analysis. 

MTSAT-1R Multi-band imager 

(Visible plus 4 IR 

channels)

Hourly Full disk and 

two Northern 

Hemisphere scans per 

hour, with special 

“quadrant” scans four 

per hour.

1. 1 km resolution digital VIS 

imagery 

2. 5 km resolution digital IR 

imagery and water vapor 

4. Tropical storm monitoring 

and derivation of intensity 

analysis. 

5. Volcanic ash detection and 

analysis 
6-9 

Table 6-2. Satellite and Satellite Data Availability for the Current Hurricane Season

(continued) 

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS 

TRMM (NASA 

Tropical Rainfall 

Measuring 

Mission)

85 and 37 GHz 

Microwave

Fluctuates from 30°N 

to 30°S

1. 15 km resolution microwave 

coverage of the tropics from 

30°S to 30°N. 

2. Microwave analysis of 85 

and 37 GHz radiance 

composited passes. 

3. Brightness temperature 

products of the 85 and 37 GHz 

horizontal and vertical 

polarization. Derived rain-rate 

products.

MetOp-A

NOAA-18 

AVHRR; GAC 

and LAC 

(recorded); 

HRPT (direct); 

AMSU-A; 

AMSU-B (N-17); 

MHS (N-18);

HIRS 

VIIRS 1 km 

global, 

0931D1

/2131A2

0138D/1338A 

1. 1 km resolution HRPT and 

Local Area Coverage (LAC) data. 

2. 4 km resolution APT and 

Global Area Coverage (GAC) 

data. 

3. Mapped imagery. 

4. Unmapped imagery (all data 

types) at DMSP sites. 

5. Sea-surface temperature 

analysis. 

6. Soundings. 

7. Moisture profiles. 

8. Remapped GAC sectors. 

9. Sounding-derived products--

total precipitable water, rain rate, 

and surface winds under sounding 

10. Daily northern hemisphere 

snow cover analysis. 

11. Twice daily fire and smoke 

analysis over specific areas within 

CONUS.

 1

 D - descending 

2

 A - ascending 
6-10 

Table 6-2. Satellite and Satellite Data Availability for the Current Hurricane Season

(continued) 

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS 

DMSP F-12 

DMSP F-13 

DMSP F-14 

DMSP F-15 

DMSP F-16 

DMSP F-17 

OLS Imagery 

(direct only), 

SSM/I (nonfunctional), 

SSM/T-1 (nonfunctional), 

SSM/T-2 (direct 

only) 

OLS Imagery 

(recorded and 

direct), SSM/I, 

SSM/T-1 

OLS Imagery 

(recorded and 

direct), SSM/I, 

SSM/T-1 (inop), 

SSM/T-2 

OLS Imagery 

(recorded and 

direct), SSM/I, 

SSM/T-1, 

SSM/T-2 

OLS Imagery 

(recorded and 

direct), SSM/IS 

OLS Imagery 

(recorded and 

direct), SSM/IS 

0349D/1549A 

0633D/1833A 

0543D/1743A 

0756D/1956A 

0809D/2009A 

0534D/1734A 

Note: Times are 

accurate to +/- 5 

minutes 

1. 0.3 nm (regional) and 1.5 nm 

(global) resolution (visual and 

infrared) imagery available via 

stored data recovery through 

AFWA. 

2. Regional coverage at 0.3 nm 

and 1.5 nm resolution (visual and 

infrared) imagery available from 

numerous DOD tactical terminals. 

3. SSM/T-1, SSM/T-2, SSM/I, 

and SSM/IS data transmitted to 

NESDIS and FNMOC from 

AFWA. 

 
6-11 

6.6. Current Intensity and Tropical Classification Number. The current intensity (C.I.) 

number relates directly to the intensity of the storm. The empirical relationship between the C.I. 

number and a storm's wind speed is shown in Table 6-3. The C.I. number is same as the tropical 

classification number (T-number) during the development stages of a tropical cyclone but is held 

higher than the T-number while a cyclone is weakening. This is done because a lag is often 

observed between the time a storm pattern indicates weakening has begun and the time when the 

storm's intensity decreases. An added benefit of this rule is the stability it adds to the analysis 

when short-period fluctuations in the cloud pattern occur. In practice, the C.I. number is not 

lowered until the T-number has shown weakening for 12 hours or more. 

Table 6-3. The Empirical Relationship* between the C.I. Number and the Maximum Wind 

Speed and the Relationship between the T-Number and the Minimum Sea-Level Pressure 

 

C.I. NUMBER MAXIMUM T-NUMBER MINIMUM SEA-LEVEL PRESSURE 

 WIND SPEED (Atlantic) (NW Pacific) 

 

 1 25 kt 1 

 1.5 25 1.5 

 2 30 2 1009 hPa 1000 hPa 

 2.5 35 2.5 1005 997 

 3 45 3 1000 991 

 3.5 55 3.5 994 984 

 4 65 4 987 976 

 4.5 77 4.5 979 966 

 5 90 5 970 954 

 5.5 102 5.5 960 941 

 6 115 6 948 927 

 6.5 127 6.5 935 914 

 7 140 7 921 898 

 7.5 155 7.5 906 879 

 8 170 8 890 858 

*Dvorak, V, 1984: Tropical Cyclone Intensity Analysis Using Satellite Data. 

 NOAA Tech Report NESDIS 11, Washington, D.C. 

7-1

CHAPTER 7 

SURFACE RADAR REPORTING

7.1. General. Radar observations of tropical cyclones will be made at Department of Defense 

(DOD), National Weather Service (NWS), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Weather 

Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) facilities. Participating radar sites are listed in 

Table 7-1. 

7.2. The WSR-88D. The WSR-88D is a computerized radar data collection and processing 

system. The design and implementation of the WSR-88D was a joint effort of the DOD, NWS, 

and FAA, and the utilization of the radar continues to be governed by tri-agency agreement. The 

WSR-88D is an S-band (10-cm), coherent radar, with a nominal beam width of 1 degree. The 

maximum data ranges are 248 nm (reflectivity) and 124 nm (velocity). Radar scanning strategies 

are selectable, using predetermined volume coverage patterns (VCP). The VCP in use depends 

upon which weather phenomena are under surveillance. Once the radar data has been collected, 

it is processed automatically at the radar site by a suite of algorithms which provide graphical 

products for forecaster use. TPC/NHC, as an external user, obtains these products through a 

network connection. CPHC controls and operates four WSR-88Ds in Hawaii and obtains 

products directly. 

7.3. Procedures. As a tropical cyclone approaches, TPC/NHC uses the WSR-88D to perform 

radar center-fixing and to obtain other diagnostic information. Therefore, it is important to 

optimize WSR-88D performance for tropical cyclones and to allow other users, especially the 

TPC/NHC, access to radar products in the area of landfall. Most of the changes must be issued 

through the Master System Control Function (MSCF), Human Computer Interface (HCI). To 

facilitate this process, TPC/NHC in cooperation with the Radar Operations Center (ROC) has 

developed an operations plan for use during tropical cyclone events. The current tropical 

cyclone operations plan is available as a sub-link to the National Hurricane Operations Plan on 

the OFCM web site at http://www.ofcm.gov/homepage/text/pubs.htm. It is also available via fax 

from the ROC Hotline (1-800-643-3363). 

7.3.1. Radar Observation Requirements, WSR-88D. Chief among the requirements is 

the appropriate display of hurricane-force winds. Changes must be made at the radar site, guided 

by the WSR-88D Tropical Cyclone Operations Plan, in order to deal effectively with hurricane 

conditions. The physical characteristics of the tropical cyclone are best represented by use of the 

precipitation mode, usually VCP 11, 21 or 121, depending upon range (see tropical cyclone 

operations plan for further information). Radar characteristics of hurricanes are given in Federal 

Meteorological Handbook Number 11 (FMH-11), Part B, Chapter 9. Further discussion of 

product usage appears in FMH-11, Part D, Unit Description and Operational Applications. A 

recommended product list appears in FMH-11 Part D, Application versus Product Table 4-1. 

 
7-2

Table 7-1. Participating Radar Stations 1

LOCATION RADAR TYPE LATITUDE LONGITUDE 

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADARS 

U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coast

Albany, NY WSR-88D 42°35' N 74°04' W 

Atlanta, GA WSR-88D 33°22' N 84°34' W 

Binghamton, NY WSR-88D 42°12' N 75°59' W 

Birmingham, AL WSR-88D 33°10' N 86°46' W 

Boston, MA WSR-88D 41°57' N 71°08' W 

Brandon/Jackson, MS WSR-88D 32°17' N 89°59' W 

Brownsville, TX WSR-88D 25°55' N 97°25' W 

Caribou, ME WSR-88D 46°02' N 67°48' W 

Charleston, SC WSR-88D 32°33' N 80°47' W 

Columbia, SC WSR-88D 32°39' N 81°03' W 

Corpus Christi, TX WSR-88D 27°47' N 97°31' W 

Ft. Worth, TX WSR-88D 32°34' N 97°18' W 

Greer, SC WSR-88D 34°53' N 82°13' W 

Houston, TX WSR-88D 29°28' N 95°05' W 

Huntsville/Hytop, AL WSR-88D 34°56' N 86°05' W 

Jacksonville, FL WSR-88D 30°29' N 81°42' W 

Key West, FL WSR-88D 24°36' N 81°42' W 

Lake Charles, LA WSR-88D 30°07' N 93°13' W 

Melbourne, FL WSR-88D 28°07' N 80°39' W 

Miami, FL WSR-88D 25°37' N 80°25' W 

Mobile, AL WSR-88D 30°41' N 88°15' W 

Morehead City, NC WSR-88D 34°46' N 76°53' W 

New Orleans/Baton Rouge LA WSR-88D 30°20' N 89°50' W 

New York City, NY WSR-88D 40°52' N 72°52' W 

Philadelphia, PA WSR-88D 39°57' N 74°25' W 

Portland, ME WSR-88D 43°53' N 70°15' W 

Raleigh/Durham, NC WSR-88D 35°40' N 78°29' W 

Roanoke, VA WSR-88D 37°01' N 80°16' W 

San Antonio, TX WSR-88D 30°43' N 97°23' W 

Shreveport, LA WSR-88D 32°27' N 93°50' W 

State College, PA WSR-88D 40°55' N 78°00' W 

Sterling, VA WSR-88D 38°58' N 77°29' W 

Tallahassee, FL WSR-88D 30°24' N 84°20' W 

Tampa, FL WSR-88D 27°42' N 82°24' W 

Wakefield, VA WSR-88D 36°59' N 77°00' W 

Wilmington, NC WSR-88D 33°59' N 78°26' W 

 

1

The criterion for selection is that the radar site is located within approximately 124 n mi 

(maximum velocity range) of the coastline. 
7-3

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADARS 

U.S. Southwest

Phoenix, AZ WSR-88D 33°17' N 111°40' W 

San Diego, CA WSR-88D 33°49' N 117°38' W 

Tucson, AZ WSR-88D 31°57' N 110°54' W 

Yuma, AZ WSR-88D 32°40' N 114°37' W 

FAA RADARS 

Molokai, HI WSR-88D 21°08'N 157°11'W 

Kohala, HI WSR-88D 20°06'N 155°45'W 

San Juan, PR WSR-88D 18°07'N 66°05'W 

South Hawaii, HI WSR-88D 19°06'N 155°34'W 

South Kauai, HI WSR-88D 21°54'N 159°33'W 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Andersen AFB, Guam WSR-88D 13°27'N 144°49'E 

Columbus AFB, MS WSR-88D 33°54'N 88°20'W 

Dover AFB, DE WSR-88D 38°50'N 75°26'W 

Eglin AFB, FL WSR-88D 30°34'N 85°55'W 

Fort Hood, TX WSR-88D 30°43'N 97°23'W 

Fort Polk, LA WSR-88D 31°09'N 92°58'W 

Fort Rucker, AL WSR-88D 31°28'N 85°28'W 

Maxwell AFB, AL WSR-88D 32°32'N 85°47'W 

Moody AFB, GA WSR-88D 30°33'N 83°00'W 

Robins AFB, GA WSR-88D 32°40'N 83°21'W 

 (NHC has network access to the above DOD sites.) 

7.3.2. Central Region Report. The following fix definitions and criteria are used in 

reporting WSR-88D tropical cyclone radar observations: 

• If the central region of a storm is defined by an identifiable circular, or nearly 

circular, wall cloud with an echo-free center, the fix (the geometric center) is 

reported as an "EYE". 

 

• If the central region is recognizable, but not well-defined by a wall cloud (as in 

the case of a tropical storm), it is reported as a “CENTER." 

• When the eye or center is only occasionally recognizable or some other central 

region uncertainty exists, the eye or center is reported as "PSBL EYE" or 

"PSBL CENTER."

• Remarks stating the degree of confidence will be included and will be classified 

as either "good," "fair," or "poor." If an eye is present, a "good" fix is reported 
7-4

when the eye is symmetrical--virtually surrounded by wall cloud; a "poor" fix is 

reported when the eye is asymmetrical--less than 50 percent surrounded by wall 

cloud; a "fair" fix is reported to express a degree of confidence between "good" 

and "poor." Note that a partial eyewall may be the result of excessive range 

from the radar, or represent the true structure of the system. Doppler velocities 

will, in general, increase confidence in the center position and, if available, 

should always be examined prior to establishing a fix. 

 7.3.3. Transmission of Radar Reports. When the tropical cyclone is within 200 n mi of a 

WSR-88D, and the center fix is considered reliable, the appropriate tropical cyclone warning 

center (TPC/NHC or CPHC) may issue a tropical cyclone position estimate (AFOS category 

TCE) between 2-hourly intermediate advisories. Note that although the issuance of this product 

depends upon the quality of the radar fix, other data sources such as aircraft reconnaissance may 

be blended with the radar estimate to obtain a position. Thus, a radar position based on a 

particular radar may appear to disagree with the TCE position, but has in fact been taken into 

consideration. 

 In the case of communications failure, and the event that TPC/NHC cannot obtain the 

necessary radar data, the local NWS Weather Forecast Office may be called upon to estimate the 

radar position and render qualitative assessment of the circulation. 

 Other radar facilities not having weather transmission capability but wishing to provide 

information deemed important, should call the nearest NWS Weather Forecast Office or the 

TPC/NHC. 
8-1

CHAPTER 8 

NATIONAL DATA BUOY CAPABILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS 

8.1. General.

8.1.1. Automated Reporting Stations. The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) 

maintains automated reporting stations in the coastal and deep ocean areas of the Gulf of 

Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and in the Great Lakes. These data acquisition systems 

collect real-time meteorological and oceanographic measurements for operational and research 

purposes. Moored buoys are deployed in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the 

Atlantic Ocean east of the Lesser Antilles for the primary purpose of supporting National 

Hurricane Center operations. NDBC also quality controls and releases meteorological data from 

the National Ocean Service Water Level Observing Network and from moorings and coastal 

stations operated by cooperating Regional Ocean Observing Systems. The NDBC website at 

www.ndbc.noaa.gov provides locations, latest operating status, and site-specific information for 

NDBC stations and provides links to details on partner organization stations. Specific questions 

may be addressed to NDBC Data Management and Communications Branch, Stennis Space 

Center, Mississippi 39529-6000, phone 228-688-2835. 

8.1.2. Data Acquisition. Moored buoy and C-MAN stations routinely acquire, store, and 

transmit data every hour; a few selected stations report more frequently. Data obtained 

operationally include sea level pressure, wind speed and direction, peak wind, and air 

temperature. Sea surface temperature and wave spectra data are measured by all moored buoys 

and a limited number of C-MAN stations. Relative humidity is measured at several stations. 

Ocean currents and salinity are measured at a few coastal stations. 

 NDBC acquires, encodes, and distributes data from partner organizations via NWS 

dissemination systems. Data from partner organizations pass through NDBC data quality control 

procedures prior to NWS dissemination. Frequency and timeliness of transmissions from these 

stations varies by organization. 

8.1.3. Drifting Buoys. 

 8.1.3.1. NDBC. NDBC is capable of acquiring, preparing, and deploying 

drifting buoys; however, an operational drifting buoy requirement has not been identified or 

funded. 

 8.1.3.2. Navy. Since 1998, the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) 

has deployed meteorological drifting buoys to report surface meteorological and oceanographic 

measurements, for operational purposes, as tropical systems move through data sparse regions 

tracking toward the U.S. East Coast. Additionally, Navy drifting buoys have been deployed in 

the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The drifting buoy measurements, which are 

available to tropical forecasters, provide invaluable input for defining tropical storm movement 

and intensity, improve forecast model initialization, and give tropical forecasters a much better 

sense of storm characteristics and track as they approach the fleet concentration areas of 
8-2

Jacksonville, FL, and Norfolk, VA. Drifting buoys typically have a life span of 1 to 2 years, and 

the data are available through the NAVOCEANO homepage and through standard World 

Meteorological Organization (WMO) data sources. 

 NAVOCEANO acquires, prepares, and deploys drifting meteorological buoys based on 

operational requirements identified by Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT). 

Currently, CINCLANTFLT has identified the Navy’s drifting buoy support as a standing 

requirement to support fleet safety, assist in fleet sortie decisions, and enhance tropical weather 

preparedness. 

8.2. Requests for Drifting Buoy Deployment. Drifting buoy deployments should be 

coordinated through the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA). Deployments will be requested through the Office of the Federal 

Coordinator for Meteorology (OFCM) to HQ Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). 

Deployments in advance of a U.S. land-threatening hurricane require a 36- to 48-hour 

notification.

8.2.1. Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC). 

TPC/NHC forecasters will issue through the Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day (TCPOD) an alert 

or outlook for drifting buoy deployment 48 hours before the planned deployment. Hard tasking 

for the deployment will be issued via the TCPOD 16 hours, plus flying time to the deployment 

location, before the event. 

8.2.2. Deployment of Buoys. DOC may request the deployment of a drifting buoy and 

subsurface float array with up to 40 elements at a distance of 200 to 400 nm from the storm 

center, depending on the dynamics of the storm system. DOC will ensure the buoys and 

mission-related DOC personnel are delivered to AFRC. The specific DOC request for 

placement of the buoys will depend on several factors, including:

• Characteristics of the storm, including size, intensity, and velocity. 

• Storm position relative to the coast and population centers. 

• Availability of aircraft and dropsonde operators (DSO) certified for buoy deployment. 

8.2.3. Deployment Position. The final deployment position will be provided before the 

flight crew briefing. An example of a possible buoy and float deployment pattern from the 

recent CLBAST Experiment is shown in Figure 8-1. 

8.3. Communications. Moored buoy and C-MAN data are transmitted via NOAA 

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) to the National Environmental 

Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) or via the Iridium satellite communication 

system and then are relayed to the NWS Telecommunications Gateway (NWSTG) for processing 

and dissemination. Data from partner organizations acquired by NDBC are relayed to the 

NWSTG for processing and dissemination. Moored buoy observations are formatted into the 

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) FM13 SHIP code. C-MAN and other partner 

organization coastal station data are formatted into C-MAN code, which is very similar to the 

WMO FM12 SYNOP code. Drifting buoys transmit data via NOAA’s Polar Orbiting 

Environmental Satellites (POES) to the U.S. Argos Global Processing Center, Largo, MD. 

Service Argos processes and formats the data into WMO FM18 BUOY code. The messages are 
8-3

then routed to the NWSTG for distribution. The formats for WMO encoded messages may be 

found in the WMO Manual on Codes Volume One, WMO-No. 306.

Figure 8-1. Example Buoy and Float Deployment Pattern

 9-1

CHAPTER 9 

MARINE WEATHER BROADCASTS 

9.1. General. The National Weather Service and the Department of Homeland Security’s 

United States Coast Guard (USCG) broadcast forecast products that include information on 

tropical cyclones issued by the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane 

Center. The broadcast of these products supports the U.S. participation in the Global Maritime 

Distress and Safety System, which provides the communications support to the International 

Maritime Organization's (IMO) global search and rescue plan. 

9.2. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The goals of GMDSS are to 

provide more effective and efficient emergency and safety communications, and to disseminate 

maritime safety information to all ships on the world's oceans regardless of location or 

atmospheric conditions. These goals are defined in the International Convention for the Safety 

of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended. GMDSS is based upon a combination of satellite and 

terrestrial radio services and has changed international distress communications from being 

primarily ship-to-ship based to ship-to-shore (rescue coordination center) based. GMDSS 

provides for automatic distress alerting and locating, and requires ships to receive broadcasts of 

maritime safety information which could prevent a distress from happening in the first place. 

The NWS participates directly in the GMDSS by preparing weather forecasts and warnings for 

broadcast via two primary GMDSS systems--NAVTEX and Inmarsat-C SafetyNET. 

9.2.1. NAVTEX. NAVTEX is an international, automated system for instantly 

distributing maritime navigational warnings, weather forecasts and warnings, search and rescue 

notices, and similar information to ships. It has been designated by the IMO as the primary 

means for transmitting coastal urgent marine safety information to ships worldwide. NAVTEX 

is broadcast from the 12 USCG stations. Coverage is reasonably continuous along the east, west, 

and Gulf coasts of the United States, as well as the area around Kodiak, Alaska, Guam, and 

Puerto Rico. Typical NAVTEX transmissions range from 200-400 nm. 

9.2.2. SafetyNET. Satellite systems operated by Inmarsat Ltd. are an important element 

of the GMDSS. Inmarsat-C provides ship/shore, shore/ship, and ship/ship store-and-forward 

data and telex messaging; the capability for sending preformatted messages to a rescue 

coordination center; and the SafetyNET service. The Inmarsat-C SafetyNET service is a 

satellite-based worldwide maritime safety information broadcast service of high seas weather 

warnings, navigational warnings, radionavigation warnings, ice reports and warnings generated 

by USCG-conducted International Ice Patrol, and other information not provided by NAVTEX. 
 9-2

9.3. Coastal Maritime Safety Broadcasts. In addition to NAVTEX, the USCG and other 

government agencies broadcast maritime safety information, using a variety of different radio 

systems to ensure coverage of different ocean areas for which the United States has 

responsibility and to ensure all ships of every size and nationality can receive this vital safety 

information. 

9.3.1. VHF Marine Radio. The USCG broadcasts nearshore and storm warnings of 

interest to the mariner on VHF channel 22A (157.1 MHZ) following an initial call on the 

distress, safety, and calling channel 16 (156.8 MHZ). Broadcasts are made from over 200 sites, 

covering the coastal areas of the U.S., including the Great Lakes, major inland waterways, 

Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. All ships in U.S. waters over 20 meters in length are 

required to monitor VHF channel 16 and must have radios capable of tuning to the VHF simplex 

channel 22A. Typical coverage is 25 nm offshore. 

9.3.2. Medium Frequency Radiotelephone (Voice). The USCG broadcasts offshore 

forecasts and storm warnings of interest to mariners on 2670 kHz, after first being announced on 

the distress, safety, and calling frequency 2182 kHz. 

9.3.3. NOAA Weather Radio. The NOAA Weather Radio network continually 

broadcasts coastal and marine forecasts on frequencies near 162 MHZ. Recorded voice 

broadcasts have largely been supplanted by a synthesized voice. The network provides nearcontinuous coverage of the coastal U.S., Great Lakes, Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands, and the populated Alaska coastline. Typical coverage is 25 nm 

offshore. 

9.4. High Seas Broadcasts. NWS high seas weather forecasts and warnings are also 

available on the following high frequency (HF) broadcasts. 

9.4.1. HF Radiotelephone (Voice). Weather forecasts and warnings for high seas and 

offshore areas are broadcast over scheduled HF single sideband (SSB) radiotelephone channels 

from USCG communications stations using a very distinctive and recognizable computersynthesized voice. 

9.4.2. HF Radiofacsimile. The USCG broadcasts NWS high seas weather maps from 

five communications stations--Boston, MA (NMF); Point Reyes, CA (NMC); New Orleans, LA 

(NMG), Honolulu, HI (KVM-70) (a DOD station); and Kodiak, AK (NOJ). Limited satellite 

imagery, sea surface temperature maps, and text forecasts are also available. 

9.4.3. HF Radiotelex (HF SITOR). High seas forecasts in text format, recognized by 

the GMDSS, are broadcast over scheduled GMDSS HF narrow-band direct printing channels 

from USCG communications stations. Limited offshore forecasts are also available. 

9.4.4. WWV, WWVH HF Voice (Time Tick). Atlantic high seas warnings are 

broadcast at 7 and 8 minutes past the hour over WWV (Boulder, CO) on the following HF 

frequencies: 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHZ; Pacific high seas warnings are broadcast at 9 minutes 
 9-3

past the hour. Pacific high seas warnings are broadcast from 48-51 minutes past the hour over 

WWVH (Honolulu, HI) at 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 MHZ. These are the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology (NIST) standard time/frequency broadcasts. 

 

9.5. Additional Information. Further information concerning these and other marine 

broadcasts, including schedules, frequencies, and links to products can be found at: 

 www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/home.htm

 www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/

In addition, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Publication 117, 

Radionavigation Aids, (http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/maritime/) contains detailed information 

on maritime safety information broadcasts within the U.S. and worldwide. This publication is 

also available from the Superintendent of Documents; it can be ordered by calling 1-202-512-

1800 or by visiting their Internet site at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. 

 

 10-1

CHAPTER 10 

PUBLICITY 

10.1. News Media Releases. News media releases, other than warnings and advisories, for the 

purpose of informing the public of the operational and research activities of the Departments of 

Commerce, Defense, and Transportation should reflect the joint effort of these agencies by 

giving due credit to the participation of other agencies. 

 

10.2. Distribution. Copies of these releases should be forwarded to the following agencies: 

• NOAA Office of Public Affairs 

Herbert C. Hoover Building 

14th and Constitution Avenue, N.W. 

Washington, DC 20230 

• Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command 

1100 Balch Boulevard 

Stennis Space Center, MS 39522-3001 

• Hq Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC/PA) 

Robins AFB, GA 31093 

• Joint Staff Weather Officer 

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (J3/DDGO-ROD) 

Pentagon Room 2D-921G 

Washington, DC 20318-3000 

• Federal Aviation Administration (APA-310) 

800 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, DC 20591 

• Director, NOAA Aircraft Operations Center 

P.O. Box 6829 

MacDill AFB, FL 33608-0829 

• Federal Coordinator for Meteorology 

Suite 1500, 8455 Colesville Road 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

 A-1

APPENDIX A

LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) OFFICE PRODUCTS

A.1. Hurricane/Typhoon Local Statements (HLS). WFOs with coastal county responsibilities 

and selected inland WFOs will issue these unnumbered products which are very specific and 

designed to inform media, local decision makers, and the public on present and anticipated storm 

effects in their county warning area (CWA) and adjacent coastal waters. Keep HLSs as succinct 

as possible. 

A.1.1. Mission Connection. Alert the public, media, and local decision makers of 

potential or actual storm affects due to tropical cyclones. The product is intended to provide 

information to assist in the preparation and implementation of necessary precautions for the 

protection of life and property, as well as minimize the economic losses as a result of tropical 

cyclones. 

A.1.2. Issuance Guidelines. 

 A.1.2.1. Issuance Criteria. The following WFOs will issue HLSs when their area 

of responsibility is affected by a tropical cyclone watch/warning or evacuation orders. HLSs 

may also be issued as needed to dispel rumors or to clarify tropical cyclone related information 

for their CWA. Coastal WFOs have the option to include inland counties in the HLS not 

affected by a watch or warning. 

Coastal WFOs are defined as those having at least one county with significant tidal 

influences. Those are: 

 

Eastern Region Southern Region Western Region 

Caribou, ME Brownsville, TX San Diego, CA 

Portland, ME Corpus Christi, TX Los Angles/Oxnard, CA 

Boston, MA Houston/Galveston, TX 

New York City, NY Lake Charles, LA Pacific Region

Philadelphia, PA New Orleans, LA Honolulu, HI 

Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC Mobile, AL Guam 

Wakefield, VA Tallahassee, FL WSO Pago Pago, American 

Newport/Morehead City, NC Tampa Bay, FL Samoa 

Wilmington, NC Miami, FL 

Charleston, SC Key West, FL 

 Melbourne, FL 

 Jacksonville, FL 

 San Juan, PR 

Inland WFOs listed below will also issue HLSs when hurricane or tropical storm force 

winds are expected to impact their area of responsibility. Inland offices not issuing HLSs but 

expecting hurricane or tropical storm force winds may be required to issue an Inland Tropical 
 A-2

Storm/Hurricane Watches or Warnings. 

 Atlanta, GA Jackson, MS 

 Birmingham, AL Huntsville, AL 

 Austin/San Antonio, TX Midland, TX 

 San Angelo, TX Lubbock, TX 

 Fort Worth, TX Shreveport, LA 

 A.1.2.2. Issuance Times. The initial HLS should be issued as soon as possible 

following the first issuance of a tropical storm/hurricane watch/warning for the WFO’s area of 

responsibility. When a tropical storm or hurricane is close to the coast, issue HLSs every 2 to 3 

hours or more frequently as circumstances warrant. Do not release HLSs immediately before an 

advisory unless information is coordinated with the appropriate tropical cyclone center. HLSs 

do not need to immediately follow the issuance of a new hurricane advisory. Issuing HLSs 

midway between advisories maintains a steady flow of information to the media and the public. 

However, when local storm impacts are changing rapidly, or a new advisory changes the 

potential impact on a local area, information needs to be distributed in a fresh HLS as soon as 

possible. Routine HLSs may cease when the tropical cyclone is no longer a threat to an office's 

CWA. 

 A.1.2.3. Valid Time. HLSs are valid at the time of issuance until a subsequent 

HLS is issued. HLSs are issued at least once every 6 hours. 

 A.1.2.4. Product Expiration Time. Generally 6 hours after the issuance time and 

should coincide with the next expected update or when the event is forecast to end. 

A.1.3. Technical Description. HLSs will follow the format and content described in this 

section.

 A.1.3.1. Content. HLSs will add localized details to tropical cyclone center’s 

advisory releases and should not conflict with or repeat advisory information not directly 

applicable to the local office’s CWA. Before the first HLS, use public information statements 

(PNS) to inform the public on routine hurricane preparedness information. The first HLS can 

also contain standard preparedness messages. Information may be added to the end of the HLS 

describing where additional storm information can be found in supporting Center’s TCP and 

TCM as well as PNSs and NOWs (Short Term Forecast) issued by the local office. 

 HLSs should use tropical cyclone position estimates provided by their tropical cyclone

center between advisories when appropriate. When tropical cyclones threaten the Samoas 

(American Samoa and Samoa), the two local offices will coordinate with RSMC Nadi, CPHC, 

and with each other to determine the best integrated and internally consistent forecast of 

conditions expected in the area. 
 A-3

 

 The following table defines which products are issued via the normal suite of product 

headers during tropical cyclone watches/warnings and those products superceded by tropical 

cyclone watches/warnings and carried in a HLS. 

Table A-1. HLS Product Table

Product Tropical Cyclone 

 Watch/Warning

HLS Stand-alone

Flash Flood Watch/Warning/Statement X 

Flood Warning X 

Tornado Warning X 

Inland Tropical Storm or 

Inland Hurricane Watch/Warning X 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning X1

Coastal Flood Watch/Warning/Statement (CFW) X2 X2

Special Marine Warning X3

Severe Weather Statement X1

Marine Weather Statement X1 

Special Weather Statement X 

Surf Zone Forecast/Surf Forecast X 

High Surf Advisory/Warning (WFO Honolulu) X 

1 Can be issued as stand-alone products at the discretion of the WFO. However, their use 

should be confined to peripheral events, such as outer rainbands, prior to sustained tropical 

storm or hurricane strength winds. 

2 If no CFW products were issued by the WFO prior to the issuance of a tropical cyclone 

watch or warning, then no CFW products will be issued tropical cyclone watches or 

warnings are in effect. 

 3 WFOs have the option to issue stand-alone special marine warnings (SMW) on an as 

needed basis. This will primarily occur during watch situations prior to the onset of 

tropical storm winds impacting a marine zone. In cases of waterspouts, SMWs may be 

issued anytime during tropical cyclone watch/warning situations. 

Complications occur when a CFW product is in effect and tropical cyclone watches and/or 

warnings are issued. The basic premise is if the threat level of a tropical cyclone product equals 

or exceeds the threat level of an existing CFW, then the CFW will be discontinued. The 

following details are further summarized in the matrix below: 
 A-4

 A CFW product is in effect for a Coastal Flood Warning and/or a High Surf 

Advisory/Warning and a tropical cyclone watch is issued - CFW will continue as a 

stand-alone product along with the HLS product. 

 A CFW product is in effect for a Coastal Flood Warning and/or a High Surf 

Advisory/Warning and a tropical cyclone warning is issued - CFW will be canceled and 

users directed to the HLS for further information on coastal hazards. 

 A CFW product is in effect for a Coastal Flood Watch and a tropical cyclone watch or 

warning is issued - CFW will be canceled and users directed to the HLS for further 

information on coastal hazards. 

INITIAL WFO PRODUCT 

IN EFFECT 

SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED 

TROPICAL CYCLONE 

(TC) ADVISORY 

CONTINUE 

CFW 

CANCEL 

CFW 

ISSUE 

HLS 

Coastal Flood WATCH (CFW) TC WATCH/WARNING X X 

Coastal Flood WARNING (CFW) TC WATCH X X 

Coastal Flood WARNING (CFW) TC WARNING X X 

High Surf ADVISORY (CFW) TC WATCH X X 

High Surf ADVISORY (CFW) TC WARNING X X 

High Surf WARNING (CFW) 

(Pacific, Western Regions Only) 

TC WATCH X X 

High Surf WARNING (CFW) 

(Pacific, Western Regions Only) 

TC WARNING X X 

 Finally, if tropical cyclone advisories are discontinued and coastal hazards are expected 

behind the departing tropical cyclone, the CFW products will be issued as appropriate. 

 A.1.3.2. Format. As appropriate, product header options are AHurricane or 

Typhoon Local Statement,@ ATropical Storm Local Statement@ or ATropical Depression Local 

Statement.@ All HLSs will contain at least one headline. Prepare each section of the HLS by a 

content/topic header set off by three dots before and after each header. Prioritize and adjust the 

order to focus on the greatest threat and the most important information impacting the area. 

 

 A.1.4 Essential Contents of Hurricane/Typhoon Local Statements: Some private 

sector vendors are parsing and scrolling HLS section information. Format consistency that is: 

ellipses, carriage returns and the exact section headline wording of the HLS information is 

required. After the headline(s), the first section will always be the NEW INFORMATION 

section. Subsequent section headlines should be arranged with the most important first. WFOs 

retain the option to use a non-specific section headline which is not already covered by the other 

sectional topics. Any section may be omitted if it is not appropriate for a given situation.
 A-5

 For the Headlines section, the vendor’s software will key in on the singular blank line 

between the Time/Date line of the Mass News Dissemination Header and the ellipse (...) at the 

beginning and ending of each headline. For the following sections, the vendor’s software will 

key on a blank line, the section headline as noted below in bold, and ellipse (before and after). 

...Headline(s)...

More than one headline allowed with no blank lines in between, each section headline 

beginning and ending with ellipses 

Section headers in bold must be written exactly as noted: 

...New Information...

 Specific new and vital information which you wish to bring to the attention users. 

...Areas Affected...

Details of which counties, parishes, or cities are included in the HLS. 

...Watches/Warnings...

Watches and warnings in effect and counties or parishes to which they apply. 

...Storm Information...

Present location, movement, and winds. Use the tropical cyclone forecast/advisory as 

guidance. 

...Precautionary/Preparedness Actions...

Short-term precautionary actions and times they should be completed. 

This includes any evacuation recommendations as provided or stated by state and/or local 

authorities. Listing these actions is particularly important once a tropical cyclone watch 

or warning is announced. 

 

...Storm Surge and Storm Tide... 

Storm surge and storm tide (storm surge plus astronomical tide) information, including 

times various heights are expected, present heights, and their locations. If data exists, a 

comparison of storm surge heights from previous tropical cyclones should be included. 

Storm surge information should be forecast as a range (i.e. 18-22 feet with locally higher 

values to 25 feet) and must agree with tropical cyclone center forecasts as included in the 

advisories. Include storm tide information because local officials might not have access 

to tide tables. Reference storm tide forecasts to appropriate datums understood by local 

authorities. For many portions of the coast, this would be mean sea level although some 

areas use mean lower low water. 

...Winds...

Expected time of onset of tropical storm/hurricane/typhoon force winds. (Use the tropical 

cyclone forecast/advisory as guidance.) WFOs may provide information about the local 
 A-6

impacts of the expected winds. Give timing of impacts in ranges or general terms such as 

“afternoon,” “evening,” and so on. 

...Probability of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Conditions... 

Information on probability of hurricane/typhoon/tropical storm conditions. 

 

...Inland Flooding... 

 ...Tornadoes... 

 ...(Non-specific headline - Subsitute appropriate header)...

...Next Update...

 Time of next or final statement. 

Example: 

 HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT 

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE XXXXX 

 1019 AM CDT TUE JUL 15 2003 

 ...HURRICANE ZENIA MOVING ONTO THE MIDDLE TEXAS COAST 

 NEAR PORT O'CONNOR... 

 ...A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM BAFFIN BAY TO HIGH 

 ISLAND... 

 ...NEW INFORMATION... 

 TEXT 

 ...STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE... 

 TEXT 

 ...WINDS... 

 TEXT 

 
 A-7

Wtaaii cccc ddhhmm 

HLSxxx 

stZXXX-XXX>XXX-DDHHMM- 

(TROPICAL CYCLONE TYPE) LOCAL STATEMENT 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CITY, STATE 

time am/pm time_zone day mon DD YYYY 

...HEADLINE...

 

...Areas Affected... 

...New Information...

...Watches/Warnings...

...Storm Information...

...Precautionary/Preparedness Actions...

...Storm Surge and Storm Tide... 

 

...Winds...

 

...Probability of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Conditions... 

...Tornadoes...

...(Substitute appropriate header)...

...Next Update... 

$$ 

Figure A-1. Hurricane Local Statement Format

 A.1.5. Relationship of HLSs to the NOW. The NOW is a stand-alone product focused 

on conditions impacting the office’s CWA for the next 0 to 6 hours. It will complement the HLS 

by providing critical storm information in the first eight lines. 

 
 A-8

A.2. Extreme Wind Warning (EWW). Short duration warnings are issued by WFOs to protect 

lives and property. WFO forecasters issue short duration EWW products to provide the public 

with advance notice of the onset of extreme tropical cyclone winds, usually associated with the 

eyewall of a major (category 3 or higher) tropical cyclone. Extreme Wind Warnings inform the 

public of the need to take immediate shelter in an interior portion of a well-built structure due to 

the onset of extreme tropical cyclone winds. 

An EWW for extreme tropical cyclone winds should be issued when both of the following 

criteria are met: 

 Tropical cyclone is a category 3 or greater on the Saffir Simpson hurricane scale as 

designated by NHC. 

 Sustained tropical cyclone surface winds of 100 knots (115 mph) or greater are 

occurring or are expected to occur in a WFO’s county warning area within one hour. 

 The warning valid time should be two hours or less. Under rare situations, the valid time 

may be issued for a 3-hour period. An EWW will not be reissued or extended for the same 

county or parish during an extreme tropical cyclone event. Forecasters should use good 

judgment to ensure the valid time of the short duration warning takes into account the 

geographic size of the county or parish versus the forward speed of the tropical cyclone. Once 

the EWW for a county or parish has expired, WFOs should use the HLS or NOW products to 

provide additional information about the status of tropical cyclone winds over a county or 

parish. 

Updated EWWs and amendments are not applicable. WFOs should issue Severe Weather 

Statements (SVS) to update the status of specific Extreme Wind Warnings. Updated information 

should include observed wind observations and/or reports of damage when available. 

Additionally, WFOs may issue SVSs to inform the public when all or portions of an EWW have 

been canceled or have expired. 
 A-9

WFUS5i cccc ddhhmm 

EWWccc 

STC001-002-ddhhmm- 

/k.aaa.cccc.pp.s.####.yymmddThhnnZB-yymmddThhnnZE/ 

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED 

EXTREME WIND WARNING 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE city state 

time am/pm time_zone day of the week month dd yyyy 

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN city HAS ISSUED AN 

* EXTREME WIND WARNING FOR THE ONSET OF SUSTAINED WINDS OF 115 MPH 

 OR GREATER FOR... 

 county one in section state (List warned counties) 

 county two in section state (# Counties will match # counties in UGC Line) 

 IN ASSOCIATION WITH (Phenomenon/The Event) 

* UNTIL hhmm am/pm time_zone (Expiration time of warning) 

* AT hhmm am/pm time_zone...(Warning basis statement and forecast impacts) 

* THESE EXTREME WINDS WILL AFFECT... (Pathcast Version) 

 location #1 AROUND hhmm am/pm time_zone... 

 location #2 AROUND hhmm am/pm time_zone... 

OR 

 LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... (Pathcast Version w/o time) 

 location #1... 

 location #2... 

 (Impact Locations are mandatory, either pathcast or no pathcast version listed above) 

CALL TO ACTION 

LAT...LON (Mandatory list of latitude/longitude points outlining the forecaster-drawn area of 

greatest impact) 

$$ 

FORECASTER NAME/NUMBER (OPTIONAL) 

 

FIGURE A-2. Extreme Wind Warning 
 A-10

A.3. Inland Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch or Warning (NPW). Coastal and inland WFOs 

will issue an inland tropical storm watch or warning, or inland hurricane watch or warning, when 

a tropical cyclone is expected to spread tropical storm or hurricane force winds inland under the 

non-precipitation weather product NPW. The NPW will be exclusively used for this product=s 

initial issuance, subsequent follow-up, and cancellation. The following WFOs are exempt from 

this policy and will issue NPWs for high wind watches and/or warnings if tropical storm winds 

move into their area of responsibility. 

Albany, NY Cleveland, OH 

Binghamton, NY Pittsburgh, PA 

Buffalo, NY State College, PA 

Burlington, VT Wilmington, OH 

Charleston, WV 

A.3.1. Mission Connection. Long duration warnings are issued by WFOs to protect 

lives and property. Non-precipitation watches and warnings provide our users and partners 

advance notice of hazardous non-precipitation weather events which have the potential to 

threaten life and property. 

 A.3.2. Issuance Guidelines.

 A.3.2.1. Issuance Criteria. An inland Tropical Cyclone Watch or Warning will 

be issued when the following criteria are met: 

 Watch - WFOs will issue Inland Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watches when 

tropical storm/hurricane force winds are possible within the watch area within 

36 hours. 

 Warning - WFOs will issue Inland Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warnings when 

tropical storm/hurricane force winds are expected within the warning area 

within 24 hours. 

 Coastal Counties/Zones - when the effects of the tropical cyclone can be 

clearly described to the public and not lead to confusion, inland sections of 

coastal counties or parishes may be placed under inland tropical 

storm/hurricane watches or warnings commensurate with NHC tropical 

cyclone watches or warnings. Coordination will occur with all impacted 

offices and NHC before the issuance. 

 A.3.2.2. Issuance Times. Event driven. 

 
 A-11

 A.3.2.3. Valid Time. Watch is valid up to 48 hours after the issuance time. The 

valid time (event start and end times) is described in the watch headline. A warning is valid up 

to 36 hours after issuance time. The valid time (event start and end times) is described in the 

warning headline. 

 A.3.2.4. Product Expiration Time. Generally 6-8 hours after the issuance time and 

should coincide with the next expected update or when the event is forecast to end. 

A.3.3. Technical Description. NPWs will follow the format and content described in this 

section. 

 A.3.3.1. Content. 

 Headline - A headline will be “Inland Tropical Storm Watch (or Warning)” or 

“Inland Hurricane Watch (or Warning).” 

 Winds - Expected time of onset of tropical storm/hurricane/typhoon force 

winds. (Use the tropical cyclone forecast/advisory as guidance). 

 Impacts - WFOs may provide information about local impacts of the expected 

winds. Give timing of impacts in ranges or general terms such as “afternoon,” 

“evening,” and so on. 

 A.3.3.2. Updates and Amendments. For those offices issuing inland watches/ 

warnings, NPW product will be updated as conditions warrant. At a minimum, this should be 

every six hours or after the issuance of a six hourly NHC TCP advisory. 

 

 A.3.3.3. Cancellations and Expirations. WFOs will issue NPWs to provide the 

public, media and emergency management notice that inland tropical storm/hurricane watches or 

warnings have expired or been cancelled. 

 A.3.3.4. Relationship of NPW to ZFP/HLS Products. The appropriate forecasts 

and statements will highlight watches and warnings. 
 A-12

WWaaii cccc ddhhmm 

NPWxxx 

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CITY, STATE 

time am/pm time_zone day mon DD YYYY 

...<Overview headline statement>... 

...<General non-precipitation weather synopsis>... 

stZxxx-xxx>xxx-DDHHMMzone-zone-zone 

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... 

time am/pm time_zone day mon dd yyyy 

...HEADLINE... 

TEXT 

$$ 

Figure A-3. Inland NPW Product Format

A.4. Inland Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch or Warning for Subtropical Storms. WFOs 

will issue an inland tropical storm wind watch or warning, or inland hurricane wind watch or 

warning when a subtropical storm is expected to spread tropical storm or hurricane force winds 

inland. Use same procedures as noted in section A.3. 

 

A.5.Post-Tropical Cyclone Reports (PSH). All WFOs issuing HLSs will prepare post-storm 

reports. Inland offices issuing inland tropical storm/hurricane wind watches or warnings will 

also submit reports. Other offices whose CWA=s experienced wind gusts greater than 33 knots, 

flooding, tornadoes, damage, or casualties will also submit reports. A standardized format has 

been introduced for easier post-processing of the data by end users. 

 

A.5.1. Mission Connection. The PSH product is intended to provide the NHC, NWS 

Headquarters, the media, the public, and emergency management officials with a record of peak 

tropical cyclone conditions. This data is then used to formulate other post-event reports, news 

articles and historical records. 

 

 
 A-13

 A.5.2. Issuance Guidelines.

 A.5.2.1. Issuance Criteria. If HLSs are issued, a PSH will be issued. 

 

 A.5.2.2. Issuance Times. Transmit the reports within 5 days following the 

transmission of the last HLS or inland tropical storm/hurricane wind watches or warnings. 

Amend reports as needed. 

 A.5.3. Technical Description. 

A.5.3.1. Content. Include the following items in the initial report and in any 

subsequent updated reports: 

 a. Wind data: If the observed peak gusts are greater than 33 knots, report 

highest sustained surface wind speed (knots) and duration (1-, 2- 8-, or 10-minute 

average which ever applies), peak gust (knots), and date/times of occurrence in UTC. 

Specify anemometer height (meters) if other than 10 meters. Report all land-based 

NOAA, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration official observing 

sites (ASOS/AWOS) in the OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS portion of section A. Report

other reliable land-based data collected by government sources or other institutions in 

the UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS portion of section A. These include reports from 

stations maintained by the U. S. Coast Guard; state, county, and local governments; 

universities; private companies; and experimental networks. Report NOAA buoy/Coastal 

Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations, National Ocean Service stations, and 

trusted private or university observations in, or near, a WFO’s marine warning area, in 

section b. Also list adjusted speeds corrected for instrument type and speed range if 

known. Data reports from the public are optional. However, NWS offices should 

encourage these data and include them in the PSH when considered reliable. 

 b. Pressure data: Report lowest sea level pressure (millibars), and date/time of 

occurrence (UTC). Report data from all sources given in the wind data section and other 

stations where significant pressure observations are available. Report pressures less 

than 1005 mb, with pressure greater than 1005 mb reported as needed or as requested. 

 c. Storm total rainfall: Report amount (inches) and duration (dates). Report 

data from all sources given in Section a, and other stations where significant rainfall 

observations are available. Report storm total rainfalls of 3 inches or more, with 

amounts less than 3 inches reported as needed or as requested. 

 d. Inland flooding: Report to include date/times (UTC) and 

counties/parishes/independent cities of occurrence, along with a brief worded summary, 

as appropriate. 
 A-14

 e. Maximum storm surge and storm tide: Reference storm tide to appropriate 

datums understood by local authorities. For many portions of the coast, this would be 

National Geodetic Vertical Datum although some areas use mean lower low water. 

Report storm tide in feet above the datum, and storm surge/wind waves in feet above the 

normal, predicted (astronomical) tide level. Identify location and date/time (UTC) of 

occurrence where possible. Report tides of 1 foot or greater above normal, with tides of 

less than 1 foot above normal reported as needed or as requested. Report extent of beach 

erosion as appropriate. 

 f. Tornadoes: Report times (UTC) and locations, along with a brief description 

of damage, as appropriate. The reports may be taken from Local Storm Reports (LSR) 

issued for the event. 

 g. Storm impacts: Including deaths, injuries, dollar damages, number of people 

evacuated, etc., per county/parish/independent city as reported by emergency 

management, trusted media sources, etc. 

Please note: For land observations, marine observations, storm total rainfall, and 

tornadoes, latitude and longitude should be included. The AWIPS software will output 

the values, in the form xx.m (-)byy.n, where 

 xx = degrees north latitude 

 m = rounded decimal value for latitude, in tenths of a degree 

 (-) = negative, or west, longitude, as necessary 

 b = 100’s place, if needed 

 yy = degrees longitude, zero to 99 

 n = rounded decimal value for longitude, in tenths of a degree 

 

ACUS72 Kccc ddhhmm 

PSHxxx 

POST TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORT...(TROPICAL CYCLONE TYPE) (NAME) 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CITY STATE 

Time am/om time_zone day of week mon dd yyyy

TEXT (see paragraph A.10 for specific details) 

$$ 

Figure A-4. Post-Tropical Cyclone Report Format
 A-15

A.6. Information for Service Assessments. WFOs will forward a copy of media reports, 

especially newspaper clippings (online and printed) representative of the event and its impacts. 

Send reports to the appropriate RH and TPC within 7 days following the issuance of the last 

product concerning the storm. Reports do not have to include all interviews or radio or 

television spots concerning the landfall event in each local office’s CWA. 

A.7 Local Storm Reports (LSR). WFOs will prepare these reports in accordance with LSR 

instructions (reference NWS Instruction 10-517, available at http://nws.noaa.gov/directives). 

A.8. Storm Reports. WFOs will prepare these reports in accordance with Storm Data 

Preparation instruction (Reference NWS Instruction 10-1605). 

A.9. Correction Procedures. Tropical cyclone centers and WFOs should correct products using 

the following format: 

 WTNT KNHC 161441 CCA 

 TCDAT1 

 TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR DISCUSSION NUMBER 8...CORRECTED 

 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 

 11 AM EDT TUE JULY 16 2002 

 CORRECTED FOR (GIVE REASON) 

 TEXT FOLLOWS.... 

 CCA - If a second correction is necessary, the “A” becomes a “B” (CCB). 

 “CORRECTED FOR” is optional but encouraged. 

A.9. Procedures for Populating WFO-Generated Wind Forecast Grids for Tropical Cyclone

Events. The following are short-term solutions to be followed by all impacted WFOs for 

populating WFO wind grids for tropical cyclones. Updates to this directive will take place as 

better methods for populating WFO-generated wind forecasts are integrated into the Interactive 

Forecast Preparation System. 

A.9.1. Wind Speed Values Within the 34 kt Wind Radii

 0-24 hours

Use wind forecast from the TCM as guidance for locating the 34-, 50- and 64-kt wind radii 

to maintain synoptic consistency. Apply local knowledge and mesoscale expertise to 

produce explicit/deterministic wind speed forecasts for all CWA/MAR grids using a full 

continuum of values up to the maximum sustained wind value provided by tropical cyclone 

centers. 
 A-16

 25-72 hours

Use wind forecast from the TCM as guidance for locating the 34-, 50- and 64-kt wind radii 

to maintain synoptic consistency. Extrapolate the 64-kt radii from the 36-hour model 

guidance (TCMWind tool will do this). Coordinate consensus with NHC and adjacent 

WFOs. Apply local knowledge and mesoscale expertise to produce explicit/deterministic 

wind speed forecasts for all CWA/MAR grids using a full continuum of wind speeds up to 

100 knots or up to the maximum sustained wind forecast by the NHC if it is less than 100 

knots. For 101 kts and above use the capped value of 100 kts for grid points inside the 64 kt 

wind radii. 

 73-120 hours

Use forecast from the TCM as guidance for locating the center positions to maintain 

synoptic consistency. Extrapolate the 64-kt radii, the 50-kt radii and the 34-kt from model 

guidance (TCMWind tool will do this). Coordinate consensus with NHC and adjacent 

WFOs. Apply local knowledge and mesoscale expertise to produce explicit/deterministic 

wind speed forecasts for all CWA/MAR grids using a full continuum of wind speeds up to 

64 knots or up to the maximum sustained wind forecast by the NHC if it is less than 64 

knots. For 65 kts and above use the capped value of 64 kts for grid points inside the 64 kt 

wind radii. 

 121-168 hours 

Use traditional guidance and WFO discretion to produce explicit/deterministic wind speed 

forecasts for all CWA/MAR grids using a full continuum of wind speeds up to 30 kts. The 

choice for 30 kts avoids potential confusion which can result from the automated rounding 

of 33 kts to 35 kts when generating graphical wind barbs, and with associated textual 

formatters which convert kts to miles per hour (then round to the nearest 5 mph). 

A.9.2. Wind Speed Values Outside the 34 kt Wind Radii

 0-120 hours 

 Use deterministic wind speed values. 

 

A.9.3. Wind Direction Values Inside or Outside the 34 kt Wind Radii

 0-168 hours

 Use deterministic wind direction values. 

 

A.9.4. Wind Gust Values Inside or Outside the 34 kt Wind Radii. At this time, there is no 

 requirement to produce a gust grids. As an option, if a WFO desires to produce a gust grid it will 

have to be created with little or no guidance. 

 

A.9.5. Caveat. It is highly recommended the following caveat be placed on all text and 

graphical products...“Winds in and near tropical cyclones should be used with caution due to 

uncertainty in forecast track, size, and intensity.” 
 A-17

A.10. Product Examples.

EXAMPLE: HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT 

 WTUS84 KCRP 151519 

 HLSCRP 

 TXZ230>234-241>247-151815- 

 HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT 

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CORPUS CHRISTI TX 

 1019 AM CDT TUE JUL 15 2003 

...HURRICANE CLAUDETTE MOVING ONTO THE MIDDLE TEXAS COAST 

 NEAR PORT O'CONNOR... 

 ...A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM BAFFIN BAY TO HIGH 

 ISLAND... 

...NEW INFORMATION... 

AS OF 1130 PM MONDAY EVENING...EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS 

RECOMMENDED EVACUATIONS OF RESIDENTS OF ARANSAS COUNTY. 

ALSO...EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR RESIDENTS AND 

NON-RESIDENTS OF PORT ARANSAS. NO OTHER EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN 

REPORTED TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AT THIS TIME. 

...AREAS AFFECTED... 

THIS STATEMENT RECOMMENDS ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY RESIDENTS IN 

THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES OF ARANSAS...CALHOUN...KLEBERG...NUECES... 

REFUGIO...SAN PATRICIO...BEE...GOLIAD...LIVE OAK...MCMULLEN...JIM 

WELLS AND VICTORIA. 

 ...WATCHES/WARNINGS... 

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE TEXAS COAST FROM BAFFIN 

BAY TO HIGH ISLAND. AN INLAND TROPICAL STORM WIND WARNING IS IN 

EFFECT FOR BEE...GOLIAD...LIVE OAK...JIM WELLS...MCMULLEN AND 

VICTORIA COUNTIES FOR TODAY. AN INLAND TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN 

EFFECT FOR DUVAL AND LASALLE COUNTIES FOR TONIGHT. A FLASH FLOOD 

WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR TODAY FOR THE COUNTIES OF ARANSAS... BEE... 

CALHOUN...GOLIAD...LIVE OAK...MCMULLEN...REFUGIO...SAN PATRICIO AND 

VICTORIA. 

...STORM INFORMATION... 

AT 9 AM CDT...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE CLAUDETTE WAS LOCATED NEAR 

LATITUDE 28.5 NORTH AND LONGITUDE 96.1 WEST...OR APPROXIMATELY 20 

MILES EAST OF PORT O'CONNOR. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 80 
 A-18

MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. CLAUDETTE IS MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 

10 MPH. A CONTINUED MOVEMENT TOWARDS THE WEST-NORTHWEST IS 

EXPECTED TODAY. GIVEN THIS FORECAST TRACK...THE EYE OF CLAUDETTE 

IS EXPECTED TO MOVE ACROSS THE PORT OCONNOR TO PALACIOS AREA 

AROUND 11 AM. WEAKENING IS EXPECTED AFTER THE EYE OF CLAUDETTE 

MOVES INLAND. 

...PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 

AS OF 1130 PM MONDAY EVENING...EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS 

RECOMMENDED EVACUATIONS OF RESIDENTS OF ARANSAS COUNTY. 

ALSO...EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR RESIDENTS AND 

NON-RESIDENTS OF PORT ARANSAS. NO OTHER EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN 

REPORTED TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AT THIS TIME. RESIDENTS 

OF SOUTH TEXAS...ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE COASTAL 

COUNTIES FROM KLEBERG TO CALHOUN...SHOULD COMPLETE ALL 

NECESSARY ACTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. 

 

 ...STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE... 

AT 9 AM CDT...TIDES WERE APPROXIMATELY 3.5 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA 

LEVEL AT BOBHALL PIER...AND 2.5 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL AT PORT 

OCONNOR. AS CLAUDETTE MOVES ACROSS THE COASTLINE...TIDES WILL 

CONTINUE TO INCREASE...ESPECIALLY FROM ROCKPORT NORTHWARD. 

TIDES ARE EXPECTED TO RISE TO BETWEEN 3 AND 4 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA 

LEVEL SOUTH OF ROCKPORT...AND 5 TO 6 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL 

BETWEEN ROCKPORT AND PORT OCONNOR BY THIS AFTERNOON. 

AT 5 FEET MSL...WATER WILL FLOOD MANY STREETS IN LAMAR... 

ROCKPORT...INGLESIDE...FULTON...ARANSAS PASS...PORT ARANSAS AND 

PORT OCONNOR. WATER WILL REACH 1/4 MILE INLAND TO THE SOUTHERN 

PART OF ROCKPORT. PORTIONS OF HIGHWAY 35 BETWEEN ARANSAS PASS 

AND ROCKPORT WILL BE UNDER 1 FOOT OF WATER. ROADS WEST OUT OF 

ROCKPORT WILL BE UNDER WATER. BEACH AND HARBOR FACILITIES WILL 

BE FLOODED AT PORT ARANSAS. AT 4 FEET MSL...THE JFK CAUSEWAY WILL 

HAVE AROUND 1 FOOT OF WATER OVER IT. THE T-HEADS WILL BE FLOODED. 

FLOODING IS LIKELY ALONG HIGHWAY 35 FROM ARANSAS PASS TO 

ROCKPORT. SOME FLOODING IS LIKELY ALONG WATERFRONT FACILITIES 

AND ROADS THAT ARE NEAR THE WATER ALONG MANY COASTAL 

COMMUNITIES. 

AT 3 FEET MSL...BEACH ROADS WILL BE FLOODED ON PADRE AND MUSTANG 

SLANDS. THE JFK CAUSEWAY WILL HAVE SOME WATER OVER IT BUT NOT 

ENOUGH TO CLOSE IT DOWN. HIGH TIDES AT PORT ARANSAS OCCURRED AT 
 A-19

745 AM THIS MORNING AND WILL OCCUR AGAIN AT 817 AM ON WEDNESDAY. 

HIGH TIDES AT PORT OCONNOR WILL BE AT 259 PM THIS AFTERNOON AND 

400 PM ON WEDNESDAY. 

...WINDS... 

AT 9 AM CDT...THE COAST GUARD REPORTED WINDS OF 30 TO 40 KNOTS 

FROM THE NORTHWEST AT PORT O'CONNOR. A MESONET SITE IN PORT 

OCONNOR REPORTED A WIND GUST AT 75 MPH AT 940 AM. WINDS ACROSS 

THE COASTAL WATERS FROM PORT O'CONNOR AND OUT TO 60 NAUTICAL 

MILES EAST OF PORT OCONNOR...HAVE INCREASED TO HURRICANE FORCE 

THIS MORNING. 

WINDS OVER INLAND LOCATIONS FROM ROCKPORT TO VICTORIA ARE 

NORTH-NORTHWEST AROUND 25 TO 35 MPH. AS CLAUDETTE CONTINUES TO 

MOVE INLAND...WINDS WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE ACROSS THE ENTIRE 

AREA FROM EAST TO WEST. 

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO SPREAD ACROSS THE 

REMAINDER OF THE COASTAL WATERS...PRIMARILY EAST OF PORT 

ARANSAS...THIS MORNING. WINDS GUSTING TO HURRICANE FORCE WILL 

MOVE INTO REFUGIO AND ARANSAS COUNTIES AROUND 11 AM CDT. THE 

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WILL ADVANCE SOUTHWEST DOWN THE 

COAST WITH TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ENTERING THE COASTAL 

BEND NEAR CORPUS CHRISTI AROUND NOON. WIND GUSTS TO HURRICANE 

FORCE COULD OCCUR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING NEAR CORPUS 

CHRISTI AND REDFISH BAYS AND THE ADJACENT LAND AREAS. 

...SEAS AND RIP CURRENTS... 

AT 9 AM CDT...SEAS WERE AVERAGING AROUND 8 TO 10 FEET OUT TO 

AROUND20 NAUTICAL MILES...14 TO 18 FEET BEYOND 20 NAUTICAL MILES. 

AS CLAUDETTE MAKES LANDFALL...SEAS WILL INCREASE TO 12 TO 17 FEET 

OUT TO 20 NAUTICAL MILES...15 TO 20 FEET BEYOND 20 NAUTICAL MILES 

OFFSHORE THIS MORNING. THESE LARGE SEAS WILL CONTINUE TO 

PRODUCE VERY ROUGH SURF AND DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS ACROSS ALL 

OF THE SOUTH TEXAS BEACHES. ENTERING THE SURF IS STRONGLY 

DISCOURAGED THROUGH AT LEAST WEDNESDAY. 

...INLAND FLOODING... 

HEAVY RAINFALL WILL ACCOMPANY CLAUDETTE LATER THIS MORNING 

INTO THIS EVENING. THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAIN SHOULD 

BE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY. TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS 

OF 5 TO 8 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE MAINLY TO THE NORTH OF A ROCKPORT 

TO ENCINAL LINE...WITH 2 TO 4 INCHES POSSIBLE TO THE SOUTH OF THIS 

LINE. THESE RAINFALL AMOUNTS MAY NEED TO BE REVISED IF THE 

FORECAST TRACK CHANGES. THIS AMOUNT OF RAINFALL WILL HAVE THE 
 A-20

POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE FLOODING OVER THE NORTHERN PORTIONS OF THE 

COASTAL BEND AND RIO GRANDE PLAINS AREA. 

...NEXT UPDATE... 

THE NEXT SCHEDULED STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED AROUND 1 PM. 

$$ 

EXAMPLE: SHORT TERM FORECAST (NOWcast) 

 FPUS71 KMOB 192130 

 NOWMOB 

 SHORT TERM FORECAST 

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOBILE AL 

 0430 PM CDT SAT AUG 19 1995 

 ALZ051>064-MSZ067-075-076-078-079-192330- 

BALDWIN-MOBILE-HANCOCK-HARRISON-JACKSON 

 

 .NOW... 

...HURRICANE GARY WILL MOVE ACROSS BALDWIN AND MOBILE COUNTIES 

BY 530 PM... 

SUSTAINED WINDS ABOVE 80 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS AND TORRENTIAL 

RAINFALL CAN BE EXPECTED AS THE RAIN BAND MOVES ACROSS. THE RAIN 

BAND SHOULD WEAKEN SLIGHTLY AS IT MOVES ACROSS 

CLARKE...WASHINGTON...AND GEORGE COUNTIES BY 6 PM. BUT PEOPLE IN 

THESE COUNTIES SHOULD EXPECT WIND GUSTS TO NEAR HURRICANE FORCE 

AND EXTREMELY HEAVY RAINFALL. 

 

SCATTERED AREAS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CONTINUE 

ACROSS SOUTHERN ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI THROUGH 6 PM. BANDS OF 

STRONG STORMS WILL MOVE NORTHWESTWARD ACROSS THE AREA. EAST 

WINDS OF 30-40 MPH AND HEAVY RAIN WILL PERSIST WITH STRONGER 

WINDS AND HEAVIER RAINFALL NEAR THE RAIN BANDS. TEMPERATURES 

ACROSS THE REGION WILL REMAIN IN THE 70S. 

 

 $$
 A-21

EXAMPLE: EXTREME WIND WARNING (EWW) 

WFUS52 KTBW 131930 

EWWTBW 

FLC015-071-132100- 

/O.NEW.KTBW.EW.W.0013.040813T1938Z-040813T2100Z/ 

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED 

EXTREME WIND WARNING 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAMPA BAY - RUSKIN FL 

338 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RUSKIN HAS ISSUED AN 

* EXTREME WIND WARNING FOR THE ONSET OF SUSTAINED WINDS OF 115 MPH 

OR GREATER FOR...

 CHARLOTTE COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 

 LEE COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 

* UNTIL 500 PM EDT 

* AT 335 PM EDT...SURFACE OBSERVATIONS AND NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 

DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED EXTREME WINDS...ASSOCIATED WITH THE 

EYEWALL OF HURRICANE CHARLEY...WERE MOVING ONSHORE NEAR NORTH 

CAPTIVA ISLAND. SUSTAINED WINDS IN EXCESS OF 140 MPH...CAPABLE OF 

PRODUCING WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION...CAN BE EXPECTED AS THE EYEWALL 

PASSES OVERHEAD. MOVEMENT WAS NORTH NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH. 

* THESE EXTREME WINDS WILL AFFECT... 

 ST. JAMES CITY BY 345 PM 

 BOKEELIA BY 350 PM 

 PUNTA GORDA BY 400 PM 

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM! MOVE INTO AN INTERIOR ROOM AWAY FROM 

WINDOWS AND OUTER WALLS. COVER YOUR HEAD AND BODY WITH PILLOWS 

OR BLANKETS. 

LAT...LON 2672 8226 2644 8213 2702 8174 2702 8207 

$$ 
 A-22

EXAMPLE: INLAND HURRICANE WARNING

 

 WWUS45 KHGX 101030 

 NPWHOU 

 

 URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE 

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON-GALVESTON TX 

 600 AM CDT FRI SEP 10 1995 

...AN INLAND HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT FOR SOUTHEAST TEXAS... 

HURRICANE FRED...LOCATED 60 MILES SOUTHEAST OF GALVESTON TX AT 6 

AM CDT...IS MOVING TO THE NORTH NORTHWEST AT 10 MPH AND IS 

EXPECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL AROUND NOON CDT ON THE UPPER TEXAS 

COAST. FRED IS THEN FORECAST TO CONTINUE ON A NORTH NORTHWEST 

COURSE MOVING ACROSS HOUSTON AND REACHING THE SAN JACINTO 

NATIONAL FOREST BY LATE AFTERNOON. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 100 MPH 

WITH GUSTS TO 120 MPH SHOULD BEGIN SWEEPING ACROSS THE UPPER 

TEXAS COAST BY LATE MORNING. 

 

 TXZ177>179-197>199-210>212-102200- 

 WALKER-SAN JACINTO-POLK-WASHINGTON-GRIMES-MONTGOMERY-

 COLORADO-AUSTIN-WALLER- 

 ...INLAND HURRICANE WARNING... 

WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY INCREASE TO 50 TO 60 MPH BY 12 NOON 

AND 80 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 100 MPH BY MID AFTERNOON. 75 MPH WINDS 

WITH HIGHER GUSTS ARE LIKELY AS FAR INLAND AS 

HUNTSVILLE...NAVASOTA...AND LAKE LIVINGSTON BY LATE AFTERNOON. 

 

BE PREPARED FOR NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES AND WIRES. DO NOT CROSS 

DOWNED WIRES...WHICH MAY STILL BE LIVE. 

 $$ 

 TXZ226-227-235-213-200-102200- 

 WHARTON-FORT BEND-JACKSON-HARRIS-LIBERTY- 

 ...INLAND HURRICANE WARNING... 

WINDS FROM WHARTON TO HOUSTON AND LIBERTY ARE EXPECTED TO 

INCREASE TO 50 TO 60 MPH THIS MORNING AND 90 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 

NEAR 110 MPH BY MIDDAY...DECREASING TO 50 TO 60 MPH LATE THIS 

AFTERNOON. 
 A-23

FLYING DEBRIS WILL POSE A MAJOR THREAT TO ALL STRUCTURES IN THE 

WARNED AREA...ESPECIALLY GLASS FROM HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS IN 

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON. PEOPLE LIVING IN MOBILE HOMES AND THOSE 

CONCERNED ABOUT THE ABILITY OF THEIR HOMES TO WITHSTAND 

HURRICANE WINDS SHOULD MOVE TO A STRONG BUILDING OR SHELTER 

IMMEDIATELY. BE PREPARED FOR NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES AND WIRES. 

TAKE SHELTER IN SMALL INTERIOR ROOMS OR REINFORCED STRUCTURES. 

 $$ 

EXAMPLE: POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORT 

ACUS72 KTBW 

PSHTBW 

POST TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORT...TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAMPA BAY AREA - RUSKIN FL 

900 PM EDT TUE JUN 13 2006 

COUNTIES INCLUDED: LEVY...CITRUS...HERNANDO...PASCO...HILLSBOROUGH... 

POLK...PINELLAS...MANATEE...SARASOTA... 

A. LOWEST SEA LEVEL PRESSURE/MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS AND PEAK GUSTS 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS... 

NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IS 10 METERS AND WIND AVERAGING IS 2 MINUTES 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

LOCATION ID MIN DATE/ MAX DATE/ PEAK DATE/ 

LAT LON PRES TIME SUST TIME GUST TIME 

DEG DECIMAL (MB) (UTC) (KT) (UTC) (KT) (UTC) 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

KVVG-THE VILLAGES 

28.9 -81.9 1008.1 13/0745 210/024 13/1805 210/036 13/1805 

KBKV-BROOKSVILLE 

28.5 -82.5 1006.8 13/0859 210/024 13/1928 210/037 13/1656 

KPIE-SAINT PETERSBURG 

27.9 -82.7 1007.1 13/0836 200/035 13/0540 200/044 13/0547 

KGIF-WINTER HAVEN 

28.0 -81.7 1009.1 13/0640 220/023 13/1706 220/030 13/1705 

KTPA-TAMPA INTERNATIONAL 

28.0 -82.5 1007.8 13/0931 200/029 13/0509 I 220/039 13/0707 I 

 

REMARKS: TAMPA ANEMOMETER STOPPED WORKING AT 13/0800. 

UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS... 

NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IN METERS AND WIND AVERAGING PERIOD IN 

MINUTES INDICATED UNDER MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND IF KNOWN 
 A-24

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

LOCATION ID MIN DATE/ MAX DATE/ PEAK DATE/ 

LAT LON PRES TIME SUST TIME GUST TIME 

DEG DECIMAL (MB) (UTC) (KT) (UTC) (KT) (UTC) 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

CDRF1 CEDAR KEY 

29.1 -83.0 1004.1 13/1100 185/036 13/0830 180/048 13/0900 

 02/10 

PTRF1 PORT RICHEY 

28.3 -82.7 1005.4 13/1205 I 210/029 13/1154 220/035 13/1200 

 01/05 

VENF1 VENICE 

27.1 -82.6 1005.6 13/0705 209/036 13/0610 210/046 13/0637 

 

REMARKS: PRESSURE SENSOR AT PORT RICHEY STOPPED WORKING AT 13/1245. 

B. MARINE OBSERVATIONS... 

NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IN METERS AND WIND AVERAGING PERIOD IN 

MINUTES INDICATED UNDER MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND IF KNOWN 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

LOCATION ID MIN DATE/ MAX DATE/ PEAK DATE/ 

LAT LON PRES TIME SUST TIME GUST TIME 

DEG DECIMAL (MB) (UTC) (KT) (UTC) (KT) (UTC) 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

42036 100 NM WEST OF BAYPORT 

28.5 -84.5 1008.5 13/0905 280/035 13/1040 080/045 12/1050 

 05/08 

42013 30 NM WEST OF VENICE 

25.9 -85.9 1003.7 13/1040 170/029 12/2210 200/035 13/0310 I 

 03/10 

42003 210 NM W OF CAPTIVA ISLAND 

25.9 -85.9 1005.6 13/1350 196/038 12/1350 160/049 12/0516 

REMARKS: WIND SENSOR AT USF COMPS BUOY 42013 STOPPED WORKING AT 

13/0311. 

C. STORM TOTAL RAINFALL FROM 0000 UTC JUNE 12 UNTIL 2359 UTC JUNE 13 

 2006 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

CITY/TOWN COUNTY ID RAINFALL 

LAT LON (IN) 

DEG DECIMAL 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

SUWANNEE LEVY SUWF1 4.23 

29.2 -83.1 

CHIEFLAND LEVY CHIF1 3.67 

29.5 -82.9 

WILLISTON LEVY WLSF1 4.53 

29.4 -82.5 

THE VILLAGES SUMTER KVVG 0.87 

28.9 -81.9 
 A-25

DADE CITY PASCO STLF1 2.62 

28.3 -82.3 

PINELLAS PARK PINELLAS PINPK 4.10 

27.9 -82.7 

REMARKS: NONE. 

D. INLAND FLOODING... 

------------------ 

LEVY...NUMEROUS REPORTS OF LOCALIZED FRESH WATER FLOODING IN URBAN 

AREAS. 

CITRUS...LOCALIZED FRESH WATER FLOODING REPORTED IN SEVERAL AREAS. 

HILLSBOROUGH...LOCALIZED FRESH WATER FLOODING WAS OBSERVED. 

REMARKS: NONE. 

E. MAXIMUM STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE... 

OFFICIAL TIDE GAUGES NOTED WITH LEADING "G" 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

COUNTY CITY/TOWN SURGE TIDE DATE BEACH 

 OR LOCATION (FT) (FT) TIME EROSION 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

LEVY G CEDAR KEY 4.09 6.74 13/0800 MINOR 

PINELLAS G CLEARWATER 2.42 4.02 13/0900 MINOR 

MANATEE COQUINA BEACH 4.33 6.78 13/0700 MAJOR 

MAJOR BEACH EROSION AT COQUINA BEACH WHERE THE SAND WAS DUG OUT 2 

FEET DEEP AND HALF THE BEACH DISAPPEARED. 

PINELLAS INDIAN SHORES 3.56 6.45 13/0800 MODERATE 

MODERATE BEACH EROSION REPORTED AT INDIAN SHORES. 

CITRUS NORTHERN COAST 4.00 N/A 13/1000 UNKNOWN 

COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED A 3 TO 4 FOOT SURGE FROM 

HOMOSASSA TO JUST SOUTH OF INGLIS. 

REMARKS: DATE AND TIME ESTIMATED FOR MANATEE PINELLAS AND CITRUS 

COUNTIES. 

F. TORNADOES... 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

(DIST)CITY/TOWN COUNTY DATE/ EF SCALE 

LAT LON(DEG DECIMAL) TIME(UGC) (IF KNOWN) 

DESCRIPTION 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 3 NE WAUCHULA HARDEE 12/0650 EF0 

27.6 -81.8 
 A-26

COUNTY ROAD CREW OBSERVED THE TORNADO NEAR HIGHWAY 62. 

 2 E BARTOW POLK 12/0809 EF0 

27.9 -81.8 

TORNADO OBSERVED 1 MILE EAST OF BARTOW AIRPORT. 

 1 S ARCADIA DESOTO 12/0658 EF0 

27.2 -81.9 

 

TORNADO OBSERVED 1 MILE SOUTH OF ARCADIA. 

REMARKS: NONE. 

G. STORM IMPACTS BY COUNTY... 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

COUNTY DEATHS INJURIES EVACUATIONS 

DESCRIPTION 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

LEVY 0 0 100 

20 HOMES IN YANKEETOWN RECEIVED FLOOD DAMAGE AS TWO FEET OF WATER 

COVERED THE ROAD DOWNTOWN. WATER ALSO CLOSED NEAR SHORE AREAS OF 

HIGHWAY 40 AND 24. 

CITRUS 0 0 25 

SURGE FLOODING NEAR HOMOSSASSA PUT 3 FEET OF WATER INTO ONE 

RESTAURANT AND DAMAGED 20 HOMES. TWO PEOPLE WHO DID NOT EVACUATE HAD 

TO BE RESCUED...ONE IN HOMOSASSA AND THE OTHER IN CRYSTAL RIVER. 

FORT ISLAND TRAIL WAS COVERED WITH 4 FEET OF WATER. 

PASCO 0 0 0 

4 FOOT SURGE UP AND DOWN THE COUNTY COAST LINE. WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH 

TO FLOOD PROPERTY...EVEN AT HIGH TIDE. 

HILLSBOROUGH 0 0 0 

A COUPLE OF TREES ON HOUSES. FRESH WATER FLOODING AND BAY OVERSPRAY 

CLOSED PARTS OF BAY SHORE BOULEVARD FOR A TIME. 

MANATEE 0 0 0 

NO PROBLEMS. 

SARASOTA 0 0 0 

NO PROBLEMS. 

&& 

Legend: 

 I-Incomplete Data 

 E-Estimated 

$$ 

MCMICHAEL 
 B-1

APPENDIX B 

DEFINING POINTS FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCHES/WARNINGS 

 La Pesca, MX 23.76°N 97.78°W 

 Rio San Fernando, MX 25.00°N 97.60°W 

Brownsville, TX

 Brownsville, TX 25.95°N 97.16°W 

 Port Mansfield, TX 26.59°N 97.29°W 

 Baffin Bay, TX 27.29°N 97.37°W 

Corpus Christi, TX

 Baffin Bay, TX 27.29°N 97.37°W 

 Corpus Christi, TX 27.67°N 97.19°W 

 Port Aransas, TX 27.83°N 97.08°W 

 Port O’Connor, TX 28.40°N 96.39°W 

Houston, TX

 Port O’Connor, TX 28.40°N 96.39°W 

 Matagorda, TX 28.63°N 95.93°W 

 Sargent, TX 28.75°N 95.60°W 

 Freeport, TX 28.93°N 95.33°W 

 San Luis Pass, TX 29.08°N 95.13°W 

 High Island, TX 29.57°N 94.39°W 

Lake Charles, LA

 High Island, TX 29.57°N 94.39°W 

 Sabine Pass, TX 29.71°N 93.85°W 

 Cameron, LA 29.80°N 93.30°W 

 Intracoastal City, LA 29.62°N 92.04°W 

 Morgan City, LA 29.49°N 91.29°W 

New Orleans, LA

 Morgan City, LA 29.49°N 91.29°W 

 Grand Isle, LA 29.25°N 89.96°W 

 Mouth of Mississippi 

 River, LA 29.12°N 89.11°W 

 Mouth of Pearl 

 River, LA 30.15°N 89.60°W 

 Pascagoula, MS 30.37°N 88.55°W 

 MS/AL Border 30.40°N 88.40°W 

Mobile, AL

 MS/AL Border 30.40°N 88.40°W 

 AL/FL Border 30.28°N 87.50°W 

 Destin, FL 30.39°N 86.50°W 

Tallahassee, FL

 Destin, FL 30.39°N 86.50°W 

 Panama City, FL 30.12°N 85.70°W 

 Indian Pass, FL 29.68°N 85.27°W 

 Apalachicola, FL 29.73°N 84.99°W 

 Ochlockonee River, FL 29.95°N 84.40°W 

 St. Marks, FL 30.11°N 84.21°W 

 Aucilla River, FL 30.05°N 83.92°W 

 Keaton Beach, FL 29.82°N 83.59°W 

 Steinhatchee River, FL 29.70°N 83.40°W

 Suwanee River, FL 29.30°N 83.17°W 

Tampa Bay, FL

 Suwanee River, FL 29.30°N 83.17°W 

 Yankeetown, FL 29.03°N 82.74°W 

Chassahowitzka, FL 28.70°N 82.65°W 

 Aripeka, FL 28.43°N 82.66°W 

 Anclote Key, FL 28.18°N 82.85°W 

 Tarpon Springs, FL 28.15°N 82.77°W 

 Anna Maria Island, FL 27.53°N 82.75°W 

Middle of 

 Longboat Key, FL 27.39°N 82.64°W 

 Englewood, FL 26.94°N 82.38°W 

 Boca Grande, FL 26.75°N 82.26°W 

 Bonita Beach, FL 26.33°N 81.85°W 

Miami, FL (Gulf)

 Bonita Beach, FL 26.33°N 81.85°W 

 Chokoloskee, FL 25.80°N 81.36°W 

 East Cape Sable, FL 25.15°N 81.08°W 

 Flamingo, FL 25.14°N 80.93°W 

Key West, FL (Gulf)

 Flamingo, FL 25.14°N 80.93°W 

 Dry Tortugas, FL 24.66°N 82.86°W 

 Key West, FL 24.55°N 81.81°W 

 Seven Mile Bridge, FL 24.70°N 81.15°W 

 Craig Key, FL 24.83°N 80.77°W 

 Key Largo, FL 25.09°N 80.44°W 

 Card Sound Bridge, FL 25.29°N 80.37°W 

 Ocean Reef, FL 25.32°N 80.26°W 

Miami, FL (Atlantic)

 Ocean Reef, FL 25.32°N 80.26°W 

 Florida City, FL 25.45°N 80.33°W 

 Golden Beach, FL 25.97°N 80.12°W 

 Hallandale Beach, FL 25.99°N 80.13°W 

 Deerfield Beach, FL 26.32°N 80.10°W 

 Boca Raton, FL 26.36°N 80.07°W 

 Jupiter Inlet, FL 26.95°N 80.07°W 

Melbourne, FL

 Jupiter Inlet, FL 26.95°N 80.07°W 

 Stuart, FL 27.21°N 80.18°W 

 Fort Pierce, FL 27.46°N 80.30°W 

 Vero Beach, FL 27.66°N 80.37°W 

 Sebastian Inlet, FL 27.84°N 80.43°W 
 B-2

 Cocoa Beach, FL 28.32°N 80.61°W 

 Titusville, FL 28.64°N 80.63°W 

 New Smyrna Beach, FL 29.03°N 80.89°W 

 Flagler Beach, FL 29.47°N 81.13°W

Jacksonville, FL

 Flagler Beach, FL 29.47°N 81.13°W 

 St. Augustine, FL 29.89°N 81.31°W 

 Fernandina Beach, FL 30.66°N 81.45°W 

 Altamaha Sound, GA 31.30°N 81.29°W 

Charleston, SC

 Altamaha Sound, GA 31.30°N 81.29°W 

 Savannah River, GA 32.04°N 80.86°W 

 Edisto Beach, SC 32.40°N 80.33°W 

 South Santee River, SC 33.12°N 79.27°W 

Wilmington, NC

South Santee River, SC 33.12°N 79.27°W 

 Murrells Inlet, SC 33.56°N 79.00°W 

 Little River Inlet, SC 33.85°N 78.55°W 

 Cape Fear, NC 33.87°N 77.94°W 

 Surf City, NC 34.44°N 77.50°W 

Morehead City, NC

 Surf City, NC 34.44°N 77.50°W 

 New River Inlet, NC 34.32°N 77.34°W 

 Bogue Inlet, NC 34.39°N 77.11°W 

 Cape Lookout, NC 34.58°N 76.55°W 

 Ocracoke Inlet, NC 35.06°N 76.00°W 

 Cape Hatteras, NC 35.22°N 75.52°W 

 Oregon Inlet, NC 35.76°N 75.50°W 

(The inclusion of Pamlico and Albemarle 

Sounds should be on a case-by-case basis). 

 Currituck Beach 

 Light, NC 36.38°N 75.83°W 

Wakefield, VA

 Currituck Beach 

 Light, NC 36.38°N 75.83°W 

 (The inclusion of Currituck Sound, NC, 

should be on a case-by-case basis). 

 NC/VA State Line 36.55°N 75.87°W 

 Cape Charles Light, VA 37.11°N 75.90°W 

 Parramore Island, VA 37.53°N 75.63°W 

 Chincoteague, VA 37.93°N 75.32°W 

Chesapeake Bay, New Point 

 Comfort, VA 37.30°N 76.28°W 

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 Windmill Point, VA 37.61°N 76.28°W 

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 Smith Point, VA 37.89°N 76.24°W 

Sterling, VA

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 Smith Point, VA 37.89°N 76.24°W 

 Tidal Potomac, 

 Cobb Island, MD 38.26°N 76.84°W 

 Tidal Potomac, 

 Indian Head, MD 38.61°N 77.15°W 

 Tidal Potomac, 

 Key Bridge, MD 38.89°N 77.07°W 

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 Drum Point, MD 39.33°N 76.42°W 

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 North Beach, MD 38.70°N 76.53°W 

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 Sandy Point, MD 39.02°N 76.40°W 

 Chesapeake Bay, 

 Pooles Island, MD 39.29°N 76.27°W 

Mt. Holly, NJ

 Cape Henlopen, DE 38.80°N 75.09°W 

 Cape May, NJ 38.93°N 74.90°W 

 Great Egg Inlet, NJ 39.29°N 74.54°W 

 Little Egg Inlet, NJ 39.49°N 74.31°W 

 Manasquan Inlet, NJ 40.10°N 74.03°W 

 Delaware Bay north/south of 

 Slaughter Beach, DE to 38.91°N 75.30°W 

 East Point, NJ 39.19°N 75.02°W 

 Sandy Hook, NJ 40.46°N 74.00°W 

New York City, NY

 Sandy Hook, NJ 40.46°N 74.00°W 

 Fire Island Inlet, LI, NY 40.63°N 73.30°W 

 Moriches Inlet, LI, NY 40.77°N 72.75°W 

 Montauk Point, LI, NY 41.07°N 71.86°W 

 Port Jefferson Harbor, 

 LI, NY 40.95°N 73.08°W 

 New Haven, CT 41.30°N 72.91°W 

 Watch Hill, RI 41.31°N 71.86°W 

Boston, MA

 Watch Hill, RI 41.31°N 71.86°W 

 Point Judith, RI 41.35°N 71.49°W 

 Westport, MA 41.45°N 71.20°W 

 Woods Hole, MA 41.52°N 70.69°W 

 Chatham, MA 41.66°N 69.95°W 

 Plymouth, MA 41.98°N 70.65°W 

 Gloucester, MA 42.57°N 70.66°W 

 Merrimack River, MA 42.84°N 70.82°W 

Portland, ME

 Merrimack River, MA 42.84°N 70.82°W 

 Portsmouth, NH 43.06°N 70.70°W 

 Portland, ME 43.64°N 70.20°W 

 Rockland, ME 44.10°N 69.10°W 

 Stonington, ME 44.16°N 68.67°W 

Caribou, ME 

 Stonington, ME 44.16°N 68.67°W 
 B-3

 Bar Harbor, ME 44.39°N 68.20°W 

 Eastport, ME 44.92°N 67.00°W 

CALIFORNIA BREAKPOINTS 

San Diego, CA

 Mouth of the Tijuana 32.53°N 117.12°W 

 River, CA 

 San Mateo Point, CA 33.38°N 117.60°W 

 Mouth of San Gabriel 33.75°N 118.11°W 

 River, CA 

Los Angles/Oxnard, CA

 Mouth of San Gabriel 33.75°N 118.11°W 

 River, CA 

 Point Mugu, CA 34.12°N 119.12°W 

 Point Conception, CA 34.45°N 120.45°W 

CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER 

BREAKPOINTS

 

Honolulu, HI 

Northwest Hawaiian Islands 

 Nihoa 23.05°N 161.92°W 

 French Frigate Shoals 23.86°N 166.27°W 

 Maro Reef 25.33°N 170.50°W 

 Lisianski 26.08°N 174.00°W 

 Pearl and Hermes Atoll 27.83°N 175.83°W 

 Midway 28.02°N 177.37°W 

 Kure Atoll 28.42°N 178.33°W 

Figure B-1. Tropical Cyclone Break Points for the Northeast 
 B-4

Figure B-2. Tropical Cyclone Break Points for the Southeast 

Figure B-3. Tropical Cyclone Break Points for the Gulf of Mexico
 C-1

APPENDIX C

JOINT TYPHOON WARNING CENTER (JTWC) BULLETINS

Below are the abbreviated communications headers and titles for the products for which JTWC is 

responsible. A brief description of each product, to include scheduled transmission times, is 

available in USCINCPACINST 3140.1 (series)–JTWC’s governing instruction. 

ABIO 10 PGTW Significant Weather Advisory, Indian Ocean 

 ABPW 10 PGTW Significant Weather Advisory, Western Pacific Ocean 

 

 WTPN 21-26 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Northwest Pacific Ocean 

 WTPN 31-36 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, Northwest Pacific Ocean 

 WDPN 31-36 PGTW Prognostic Reasoning Bulletin, Northwest Pacific Ocean 

 WTIO 21-25 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, North Indian Ocean 

 WTIO 31-35 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, North Indian Ocean 

 WTPS 21-25 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Southwest Pacific Ocean 

 WTPS 31-35 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, Southwest Pacific Ocean 

 WTXS 21-26 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, South Indian Ocean 

 WTXS 31-36 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, South Indian Ocean 

 WTPN 21-25 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Northeast Pacific Ocean 

 WTPN 31-35 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Warning, Northeast Pacific Ocean 

 FKPN 31-35 PHNC Prognostic Reasoning Bulletin, Northeast Pacific Ocean 

 WTPS 21-25 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Southeast Pacific Ocean 

 WTPS 31-35 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Warning, Southeast Pacific Ocean 

 D-1

APPENDIX D

FORMAT FOR NHOP/NWSOP FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL 

AND DOMESTIC NOTAM ISSUANCE 

Flight information shall be sent to the NOTAM office via facsimile for dissemination as an 

International and Domestic NOTAM in the following format (Note: The request is made for a 

domestic NOTAM which will then automatically makes its way into the international NOTAM 

system):

Header 

Request a Domestic NOTAM be Issued

A. Affected Center(s). This field will include all affected ARTCCs in 3-letter identifier 

format; e.g., ZNY, ZOA, ZAN. Synoptic track flights will probably utilize more than one 

ARTCC, and any adjacent ARTCC should be included when the flight track is within 100 

miles of the adjacent center’s airspace. Flights that are flying in the storm environment 

will utilize the ARTCC whose airspace is mostly affected. 

B. Start Time (YYMMDDZZZZ). For example, 0006011600. This time would correspond 

to the entry time on a reconnaissance track or time at the storm fix latitude/longitude. 

C. Ending Time (YYMMDDZZZZ). This would be the completion time of reconnaissance 

track or the time exiting the storm environment. 

E.* Text. This field is free form and should include the following information: route of 

flight for the mission portion (latitude/longitude, fixes, airways), type of activity (laser, 

dropsonde, etc.), frequency/location of deployment, broadcast frequencies, any other 

pertinent information that may concern other flights. Include a unit/agency phone 

number and point of contact for possible questions. 

F. Lower Altitude (during mission). Use “Surface” since the dropsonde is the “reason” for 

the NOTAM as much or more so than the aircraft altitude. 

G. Upper Altitude (during mission). For example, FL450. 

If only one altitude is to be used, then F and G may be combined. If altitude is going to 

vary throughout the mission, utilize “see text” and the information can be inserted there 

and the altitudes may be explained in field E. 

* Note that there is no paragraph “D”. It is reserved for FAA use.

NOTES: 

1. Only ICAO approved contractions may be used. 

2. Using this format will help ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.

 E-1

APPENDIX E

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

 Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale (SSHS). A scale ranging from one to five based on the 

hurricane's present intensity. This can be used to give an estimate of the potential property 

damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane. This scale may be used in 

public hurricane releases although the SSHS may not be applicable for all geographical areas; 

e.g., Hawaii and Guam. In practice, sustained surface wind speed (1-minute average) is the 

parameter that determines the category since storm surge is strongly dependent on the slope of 

the continental shelf. 

ONE. Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kts). No real damage to building structures. Damage 

primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some 

coastal flooding and minor pier damage. 

 TWO. Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kts). Some roofing material, door, and window 

damage of buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation and mobile homes. 

Flooding damages piers, and small craft in unprotected anchorages break 

moorings. 

 THREE. Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kts). Some structural damage to small residences 

and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile 

homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with 

larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well 

inland. 

 FOUR. Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kts). More extensive curtainwall failures with 

some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of 

beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland. 

 FIVE. Winds greater than 155 mph (>135 kts). Complete roof failure on many 

residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with 

small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to 

lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of 

residential areas may be required. 

Note 1: A "major" hurricane is one that is classified as a Category 3 or higher. 

 F-1

APPENDIX F

OFFICIAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS

 

The following enclosure is the Memorandum of Agreement 

(MOA) between the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

October 12, 2000. The purpose of this agreement is to establish 

policies, principles, and procedures under which the AFRC and 

NOAA provide aircraft weather reconnaissance and surveillance in 

support of NOAA’s tropical cylone forecast, warning, and research 

missions. 





 G-1

APPENDIX G

RECCO, HDOB, AND TEMP DROP 

CODES, TABLES, AND REGULATIONS
 G-2

Figure G-1. Reconnaissance Code Recording Form 
 G-3

Table G-1. Reconnaissance Code Tables

TABLE 1 XXX 

222 Sec One Observation without radar 

capability 

555 Sec Three (intermediate) 

observation with or without radar 

capability 

777 Sec One Observation with radar 

capability 

TABLE 2 id 

0 No dew point capability/acft below 

10,000 meters 

1 No dew point capability/acft at or 

above 10,000 meters 

2 No dew point capability/acft below 

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -

50°C or colder 

3 No dew point capability/acft at or 

above 10,000 meters and flight lvl 

temp -50°C or colder 

4 Dew point capability/acft below 

10,000 meters 

5 Dew point capability/acft at or above 

10,000 meters 

6 Dew point capability/acft below 

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -

50°C or colder 

7 Dew point capability/acft at or above 

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -

50°C or colder 

TABLE 3 Q 

0 0° -90° W Northern 

1 90° W - 180° Northern 

2 180° - 90° E Northern 

3 90° - 0° E Northern 

4 Not Used 

5 0° - 90° W Southern 

6 90° W - 180° Southern 

7 180° - 90° E Southern 

8 90° - 0° E Southern 

TABLE 4 B 

0 None 

1 Light turbulence 

2 Moderate turbulence in clear air, 

infrequent 

3 Moderate turbulence in clear air, 

frequent 

4 Moderate turbulence in cloud, 

infrequent 

5 Moderate turbulence in cloud, 

frequent 

6 Severe Turbulence in clear air, 

infrequent 

7 Severe Turbulence in clear air, 

frequent 

8 Severe Turbulence in cloud, 

infrequent 

9 Severe Turbulence in cloud, frequent 

TABLE 5 fc 

0 In the clear 

8 In and out of clouds 

9 In clouds all the time (continuous 

IMC) 

/ Impossible to determine due to 

darkness or other cause

TABLE 6 dt 

0 Spot of Wind 

1 Average wind 

/ No wind reported 

TABLE 7 da 

0 Winds obtained using doppler radar or 

inertial systems 

1 Winds obtained using other navigation 

equipment and/or techniques 

/ Navigator unable to determine or wind 

not compatible 

TABLE 8 w 

0 Clear 

1 Scattered (trace to 4/8 cloud coverage) 

2 Broken (5/8 to 7/8 cloud coverage) 

3 Overcast/undercast 

4 Fog, thick dust or haze 

5 Drizzle 

6 Rain (continuous or intermittent precip 

- from stratiform clouds) 

7 Snow or rain and snow mixed 

8 Shower(s) (continuous or intermittent 

precip - from cumuliform clouds) 

9 Thunderstorm(s) 

/ Unknown for any cause, including 

darkness 

TABLE 9 j 

0 Sea level pressure in whole millibars 

 (thousands fig if any omitted) 

1 Altitude 200 mb surface in geopotential 

decameters (thousands fig if any 

omitted) 

2 Altitude 850 mb surface in geopotential 

meters (thousands fig omitted) 

3 Altitude 700 mb surface in geopotential 

meters (thousands fig omitted) 

4 Altitude 500 mb surface in geopotential 

decameters 

5 Altitude 400 mb surface in geopotential 

decameters 

6 Altitude 300 mb surface in geopotential 

decameters 

7 Altitude 250 mb surface in geopotential 

decameters (thousands fig if any 

omitted) 

8 D - Value in geopotential decameters; if 

negative 500 is added to HHH 

9 Altitude 925 mb surface in geopotential 

meters 

/ No absolute altitude available or 

geopotential data not within ± 30 

meters/4 mb accuracy requirements 

TABLE 10 Ns 

0 No additional cloud layers (place 

holder) 

1 1 okta or less, but not zero 

(1/8 or less sky covered) 

2 2 oktas (or 2/8 of sky covered) 

3 3 oktas (or 3/8 of sky covered) 

4 4 oktas (or 4/8 of sky covered) 

5 5 oktas (or 5/8 of sky covered) 

6 6 oktas (or 6/8 of sky covered) 

7 7 oktas or more but not 8 oktas 

8 8 oktas or sky completely covered 

9 Sky obscured (place holder)

TABLE 11 C 

0 Cirrus (Ci) 

1 Cirrocumulus (Cc) 

2 Cirrostratus (Cs) 

3 Altocumulus (Ac) 

4 Altostratus (As) 

5 Nimbostratus (Ns) 

6 Stratocumulus (Sc) 

7 Stratus (St) 

8 Cumulus (Cu) 

9 Cumulonimbus (Cb) 

/ Cloud type unknown due to darkness 

or other analogous phenomena 

TABLE 12 hshsHtHthihiHiHi 

00 Less than 100 

01 100 ft 

02 200 ft 

03 300 ft 

etc, etc 

49 4,900 ft 

50 5,000 ft 

51-55 Not used 

56 6,000 ft 

57 7,000 ft 

etc, etc 

79 29,000 ft 

80 30,000 ft 

81 35,000 ft 

82 40,000 ft 

etc, etc 

89 Greater than 70,000 ft 

// Unknown 

TABLE 13 dw 

0 No report 5 SW 

1 NE 6 W 

2 E 7 NW 

3 SE 8 N 

4 S 9 all directions 

TABLE 14 Ws 

0 No change 

1 Marked wind shift 

2 Beginning or ending or marked 

turbulence 

3 Marked temperature change (not with 

altitude) 

4 Precipitation begins or ends 

5 Change in cloud forms 

6 Fog or ice fog bank begins or ends 

7 Warm front 

8 Cold Front 

9 Front, type not specified 

TABLE 15 SbSeSs 

0 No report 

1 Previous position 

2 Present position 

3 30 nautical miles 

4 60 nautical miles 

5 90 nautical miles 

6 120 nautical miles 

7 150 nautical miles 

8 180 nautical miles 

9 More than 180 nautical miles 

/ Unknown (not used for Ss)
 G-4

Table G-1. Reconnaissance Code Tables (continued)

TABLE 16 wd 

0 No report 

1 Signs of a tropical cyclone 

2 Ugly threatening sky 

3 Duststorm or sandstorm 

4 Fog or ice fog 

5 Waterspout 

6 Cirrostratus shield or bank 

7 Altostratus or altocumulus shield or 

bank 

8 Line of heavy cumulus 

9 Cumulonimbus heads or 

thunderstorms 

TABLE 17 Ir 

7 Light 

8 Moderate 

9 Severe 

/ Unknown or contrails 

TABLE 18 It 

0 None 

1 Rime ice in clouds 

2 Clear ice in clouds 

3 Combination rime and clear ice in 

clouds 

4 Rime ice in precipitation 

5 Clear ice in precipitation 

6 Combination rime and clear ice in 

precip 

7 Frost (icing in clear air) 

8 Nonpersistent contrails (less than 

1/4 nautical miles long) 

9 Persistent contrails 

TABLE 19 Sr,Ew,El 

0 0NM 5 50NM 

1 10NM 6 60-80NM 

2 20NM 7 80-100NM 

3 30NM 8 100-150NM 

4 40NM 9 Greater than 150NM 

 / Unknown 

TABLE 20 Oe 

0 Circular 

1 NNE - SSW 

2 NE - SW 

3 ENE - WSW 

4 E - W 

5 ESE - WNW 

6 SE - NW 

7 SSE - NNW 

8 S - N 

/ Unknown 

TABLE 21 ce 

1 Scattered Area 

2 Solid Area 

3 Scattered Line 

4 Solid Line 

5 Scattered, all quadrants 

6 Solid, all quadrants 

/ Unknown 

TABLE 22 ie 

2 Weak 

5 Moderate 

8 Strong 

/ Unknown

TABLE 23 Vi 

1 Inflight visibility 0 to and including 1 nautical mile 

2 Inflight visibility greater than 1 and not exceeding 3 nautical miles 

3 Inflight visibility greater than 3 nautical miles 

RECCO SYMBOLIC FORM 

SECTION ONE (MANDATORY) 

9XXX9 GGggid YQLaLaLa LoLoLoBfc hahahadtda 

ddfff TTTdTdw /jHHH 

SECTION TWO (ADDITIONAL) 

1knNsNsNs ChshsHtHt ..... ..... 4ddff 

6WsSsWddw 7IrI

t

SbSe 7hihiHiHi 8drdrSrOe

8EwElcei

e 9Vi

TwTwTw

SECTION THREE (INTERMEDIATE) 

9XXX9 GGggid YQLaLaLa LoLoLoBfc hahahadtda

ddfff TTTdTdw /jHHH 
 G-5

Table G-2. Reconnaissance Code Regulations 

1. At the time of the observation the aircraft observing 

platform is considered to be located on the axis of a right 

vertical cylinder with a radius of 30 nautical miles 

bounded by the earth's surface and the top atmosphere. 

Present weather, cloud amount and type, turbulence, and 

other subjective elements are reported as occurring within 

the cylinder. Flight level winds, temperature, dew point, 

and geopotential values are sensed or computed and 

reported as occurring at the center of the observation 

circle. Radar echoes, significant weather changes, distant 

weather, and icing are phenomena that may also be 

observed/reported. Code groups identifying these 

phenomena may be reported as necessary to adequately 

describe met conditions observed. 

2. The intermediate observation (Section Three) is 

reported following Section One (or Section Two if 

appended to Section One) in the order that it was taken. 

3. Plain language remarks may be added as appropriate. 

These remarks follow the last encoded portion of the 

horizontal or vertical observation and will clearly convey 

the intended message. Vertical observations will not 

include meteorological remarks. These remarks must 

begin with a letter or word-e.g. "FL TEMP" vice "700 

MB FL TEMP." The last report plain language remarks 

are mandatory, i.e., “LAST REPORT. OBS 01 thru 08 to 

KNHC, OBS 09 and 10 to KBIX." 

4. The hundreds digit of longitude is omitted for 

longitudes from 100° to 180°. 

5. Describe conditions along the route of flight actually 

experienced at flight level by aircraft. 

6. TT, TdTd. When encoding negative temperatures, 50 

is added to the absolute value of the temperature with the 

hundreds figure, if any, being omitted. A temperature of -

52°C is encoded as 02, the distinction between -52°C and 

2°C being made from id. Missing or unknown 

temperatures are reported as //. When the dew point is 

colder than -49.4°C, Code TdTd as // and report the actual 

value as a plain language remark - e.g. "DEW POINT 

NEG 52°C". 

7. When two or more types of w co-exist, the type with 

the higher code figure will be reported. Code Figure 1, 2 

and 3 are reported based on the total cloud amount 

through a given altitude, above or below the aircraft, and 

when other figures are inappropriate. The summation 

principle applies only when two or more cloud types 

share a given altitude. 

8. When j is reported as a /, HHH is encoded as ///. 

9. If the number of cloud layers reported exceeds 3, kn in 

the first 1-group reports the total number of cloud layers. 

The second 1-group reports the additional number of 

layers being reported exclusive of those previously 

reported. In those cases where a cloud layer(s) is 

discernible, but a descriptive cloud picture of the 

observation circle is not possible, use appropriate remarks 

such as "Clouds Blo" or "As Blo" to indicate the presence 

of clouds. In such cases, coded entries are not made for 

group 9. The sequence in which cloud amounts are 

encoded depends upon type of cloud, cloud base, and 

vertical extent of the cloud. The cloud with the largest 

numerical value of cloud type code (C) is reported first, 

regardless of coverage, base, or vertical extent. Among 

clouds of the same cloud type code, sharing a common 

base, the cloud of greatest vertical extent is reported first. 

The summation principle is not used; each layer is treated 

as though no other clouds were present. The total amount 

of clouds through one altitude shared by several clouds 

will not exceed 8 oktas. Only use code figure 0 as a place 

holder when you can determine that no additional cloud 

layers exist. In case of undercast, overcast, etc., use code 

figure 9 as a placeholder. 

10. Due to limitations in the ability to distinguish sea 

state features representative of wind speeds above 130 

knots, surface wind speeds in excess of 130 knots will 

not be encoded. Wind speeds of 100 to 130 knots 

inclusive will be encoded by deleting the hundreds figure 

and adding 50 to dd. For wind speeds above 130 knots, 

dd is reported without adding 50 and ff is encoded as // 

with a plain language remark added, i.e., "SFC WIND 

ABOVE 130 KNOTS." 

11. Significant weather changes which have occurred 

since the last observation along the track are reported for 

Ws. 

12. When aircraft encounters icing in level flight, the 

height at which the icing occurred will be reported for hih

i

. The HiHi will be reported as //. 
 G-6

THE HDOB MESSAGE 

The HDOB message is used to transmit High-Density/High-Accuracy (HD/HA) meteorological 

data from hurricane reconnaissance aircraft. These are created automatically by the system 

software. Each message consists of a communications header line (Table G-3), a mission/ob 

identifier line (Table G-4), and 20 lines of HD/HA data (Table G-5). 

Within an HDOB message, the time interval (resolution) between individual HD/HA 

observations can be set by the operator to be 30, 60, or 120 seconds. However, regardless of the 

time resolution of the HD/HA data, the meteorological parameters in the HDOB message always 

represent 30-second averages along the flight track (except for certain peak values as noted in 

Table G-5). 

The nominal time of each HD/HA record is the midpoint of the 30-second averaging interval. 

This means that an HD/HA record at time t will include data measured at time t+15 seconds. For 

purposes of determining peak flight-level and SFMR winds, the encoding interval begins 15 

seconds after the nominal time of the last HD/HA record and ends 15 seconds after the nominal 

time of the record being encoded. 

A sample HDOB message is given below (message begins with URNT15...): 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

01234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 

----------------------------------------------------------------------- 

URNT15 KNHC 281426 

AF302 1712A KATRINA HDOB 41 20050928 

142030 2608N 08756W 7093 03047 9333 +192 +134 133083 089 080 999 00 

142100 2609N 08755W 7091 03054 9330 +166 +146 133106 115 103 999 00 

142130 2610N 08754W 7058 03040 9295 +134 +134 135121 124 111 999 00 

142200 2611N 08753W 7037 03060 9291 +124 +124 138129 136 122 999 00 

. 

. 

. 

142230 2612N 08752W 7010 03057 9282 +102 +102 141153 166 148 999 00 

142300 2612N 08751W 7042 03010 9293 +088 +083 133159 164 147 999 00 

142330 2613N 08750W 6999 03064 9279 +088 +088 138158 161 144 999 00 

142400 2614N 08749W 7005 03046 9281 +080 +080 138155 158 142 999 00 

142430 2614N 08748W 6998 03048 9278 +078 +078 138151 153 137 999 00 

142500 2615N 08747W 7002 03048 9279 +084 +084 140146 148 133 999 00 

$$ 

Figure G-2. HDOB Description and Sample Message
 G-7

Table G-3. Communications Headers for HDOB Messages 

 NODE AWIPS ID WMO HEADER OCEAN BASIN

 MIA AHONT1 URNT15 .... Atlantic 

 MIA AHOPN1 URPN15 .... East and Central Pacific 

 MIA AHOPA1 URPA15 .... West Pacific 

 

Table G-4. Mission/Ob Identifier Line Format for HDOB Messages 

A sample mission/ob identifier line is given below (beginning with AF302...), followed by a 

description of the parameters. 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

01234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 

----------------------------------------------------------------------- 

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII HDOB NN YYYYMMDD 

AF302 1712A KATRINA HDOB 41 20050928 Å example 

III...III: Mission identifier, as determined in Chapter 5, paragraph 5.7.6. 

NN: Observation number (01-99), assigned sequentially for each HDOB 

 message during the flight. This sequencing is independent of the 

 numbering of other types of messages (RECCO, DROP, VORTEX, etc.), 

 which have their own numbering sequence. 

YYYYMMDD: Year, month, and day of the first HD/HA data line of the message. 
 G-8

Table G-5. HD/HA Data Line Format for HDOB Messages 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

01234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890 

----------------------------------------------------------------------- 

hhmmss LLLLH NNNNNW PPPP GGGGG XXXX sTTT sddd wwwSSS MMM KKK ppp FF

142230 2612N 08752W 7010 03057 9282 +102 +102 141153 166 148 999 00 

hhmmss: Observation time, in hours, minutes and seconds (UTC). The observation time is 

the midpoint of the 30-s averaging interval used for the record’s meteorological 

data. 

LLLLH: The latitude of the aircraft at the observation time in degrees (LL) and minutes 

(LL). The hemisphere (H) is given as either N or S. 

NNNNNH: The longitude of the aircraft at the observation time, in degrees (NNN) and 

minutes (NN). The hemisphere (H) is given as either E or W. 

PPPP: Aircraft static air pressure, in tenths of mb with decimal omitted, at the 

observation time. If pressure is equal to or greater than 1000 mb the leading 1 is 

dropped. 

GGGGG: Aircraft geopotential height, in meters, at the observation time. 

XXXX: Extrapolated surface pressure or D-value (30-s average). Encoded as extrapolated 

surface pressure if aircraft static pressure is 550.0 mb or greater (i.e., flight 

altitudes at or below 550 mb). Format for extrapolated surface pressure is the 

same as for static pressure. For flight altitudes higher than 550 mb, XXXX is 

encoded as the D-value, in meters. Negative D-values are encoded by adding 

5000 to the D-value. 

s: Sign of the temperature or dew point (+ or -). 

sTTT: The air temperature in degrees and tenths Celsius, decimal omitted (30-s 

average). 

sddd: The dew point temperature, in degrees and tenths Celsius, decimal omitted (30-s 

average).

www: Wind direction in degrees (30-s average). North winds are coded as 000. 999 

indicates missing value. 

SSS: Wind speed, in kt (30-s average). 999 indicates missing value. 
 G-9

MMM: Peak 10-second average wind speed occurring within the encoding interval, in kt. 

999 indicates missing value. 

KKK: Peak 10-second average surface wind speed occurring within the encoding 

interval from the Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR), in kt. 999 

indicates missing value. 

ppp: SFMR-derived rain rate, in mm hr-1, evaluated over the 10-s interval chosen for 

KKK . 999 indicates missing value. 

FF: Quality control flags. 

First column indicates status of positional variables as follows: 

0 All parameters of nominal accuracy 

 1 Lat/lon questionable 

 2 Geopotential altitude or static pressure questionable 

 3 Both lat/lon and GA/PS questionable 

 Second column indicates status of meteorological variables as follows: 

0 All parameters of nominal accuracy 

1 T or TD questionable 

2 Flight-level winds questionable 

3 SFMR parameter(s) questionable 

4 T/TD and FL winds questionable 

5 T/TD and SFMR questionable 

6 FL winds and SFMR questionable 

9 T/TD, FL winds, and SFMR questionable 
 G-10

Table G-6. TEMP DROP CODE

EXTRACT FROM: WMO-No. 306 MANUAL ON CODES 

FM 37-X Ext. TEMP DROP - Upper-level pressure, temperature, humidity and wind report from a sonde released 

by carrier balloons or aircraft. See Figure G-4 for an example TEMP DROP message for tropical cyclone 

operations. 

CODE FORM:

PART A

SECTION 1 MiMiMjMj YYGGId 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLoLo MMMULaULo

SECTION 2 99PoPoPo ToToTaoDoDo dodofofofo

 P1P1h1h1h1 T1T1Ta1D1D1 d1d1f1f1f1

 PnPnhnhnhn TnTnTanDnDn dndnfnfnfn

SECTION 3 88PtPtPt TtTtTatDtDt dtdtftftft

 or 

 88999 

SECTION 4 77PmPmPm dmdmfmfmfm (4vbvbvava) 

 or 

 66PmPmPm dmdmfmfmfm (4vbvbvava) 

 or 

 77999 

 

SECTION 10 31313 

 

 51515 101Adf Adf 0PnPnP'nP'n. 

 or 

 101Adf Adf PnPnhnhnhn 

 61616 

 

 62626 

PART B 

SECTION 1 MiMiMjMj YYGG8 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLo MMMULaULo

SECTION 5 nonoPoPoPo ToToTaoDoDo

n1n1P1P1P1 T1T1Ta1D1D1

nnnnPnPnPn TnTnTanDnDn
 G-11

SECTION 6 21212 nonoPoPoPo dodofofofo

n1n1P1P1P1 d1d1f1f1f1

nnnnPnPnPn dndnfnfnfn

SECTION 7 31313 srrarasasa 8GGgg 

SECTION 9 51515 101Adf Adf or 

 101Adf Adf 0PnPnP'nP'n. or 

 101Adf Adf PnPnhnhnhn 

SECTION 10 61616 

 62626 

PART ALPHA (A)

IDENTIFICATION LETTERS: MJMJ

Identifier: MJMJ - Identifier for Part A of the report. 

DATE/TIME GROUP: YYGGId

Identifier: YY - Date group 

Identifier: GG - Time group 

Identifier: Id - The highest mandatory level for which wind is available. 

LATTITUDE: 99LaLaLa 

Identifier: 99 – Indicator for data on position follows. 

Identifier: LaLaLa – Latitude in tenths of degrees 

LONGITUDE: QcLoLoLoLo 

Identifier: Qc – The octant of the globe. 

Identifier: LoLoLoLo – Longitude in tenths of degrees

MARSDEN SQUARE: MMMUlaUlo

Identifier: MMM - Marsden square. 

Identifier: UlaUlo – Units digits in the reported latitude and longitude. 

SEA LEVEL PRESSURE: 99P0P0P0 T0T0T0D0D0 d0d0f0f0f0 

Identifier: 99 – Indicator for data at the surface level follows 

Identifier: P0P0P0 – Indicator for pressure of specified levels in whole millibars (thousands digit omitted) 

Identifier: T0T0T0– Tens and digits of air temperature (not rounded off) in degrees Celsius, at specified levels 

beginning with surface. 

Identifier: D0D0 – Dewpoint depression at standard isobaric surfaces beginning with surface level. 
 G-12

NOTE

When the depression is 4.9C or less encode the units and tenths digits of the depression. Encode 

depressions of 5.0 through 5.4C as 50. Encode depressions of 5.5C through 5.9C as 56. Dew point 

depressions of 6.0 and above are encoded in tens and units with 50 added. Dew point depressions 

for relative humidities less then 20% are encoded as 80. When air temperature is below –40C 

report DnDn as //. 

Identifier: dodo – True direction from which wind is blowing rounded to nearest 5 degrees. Report hundreds and tens 

digits. The unit digit (0 or 5) is added to the hundreds digit of wind speed. 

Identifier: fofofo – Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of speed and unit digit of direction, i.e. 295o at 125 

knots encoded as 29625. 

NOTE: 1. When flight level is just above a standard surface and in the operator’s best meteorological judgment, the 

winds are representative of the winds at the standard surface, then the operator may encode the standard surface 

winds using the data from flight level. If the winds are not representative, then encode /////. 

NOTE: 2. The wind group relating to the surface level (dodofofofo) will be included in the report; when the 

corresponding wind data are not available, the group will be encoded as /////. 

STANDARD ISOBARIC SURFACES : P1P1h1h1h1 T1T1T1D1D1 d1d1f1f1f1

Identifier: P1P1 – Pressure of standard isobaric surfaces in units of tens of millibars. 

 (1000 mbs = 00, 925mbs = 92, 850mbs = 85, 700mbs = 70, 500mbs = 50, 400mbs = 40, 300mbs = 30, 

 250mbs = 25). 

Identifier: h1h1h1 – Heights of the standard pressure level in geopotential meters or decameters above the 

surface. Encoded in decameters at and above 500mbs omitting, if necessary, the thousands or tens of 

thousands digits. Add 500 to hhh for negative 1000mb or 925mb heights. Report 1000mb group as 00/// 

///// ///// when pressure is less than 950mbs. 

Identifier: T1T1T1D1D1 – Same temperature/dew point encoding procedures apply to all levels. 

Identifier : d1d1f1f1f1 – Same wind encoding procedures apply to all levels. 

DATA FOR TROPOPAUSE LEVELS: 88 PtPtPt TtTtTtDtDt dtdtftftft

Identifier: 88 – Indicator for Tropopause level follows 

Identifier: PtPtPt– Pressure at the tropopause level reported in whole millibars. Report 88PnPnPn as 88999 when 

tropopause is not observed. 

Identifier: TtTtTtDtDt – Same temperature/ dew point encoding procedures apply. 

Identifier: dtdtftftft - Same wind encoding procedures apply. 

MAXIMUM WIND DATA: 77PnPnPn dndnfnfnfn 4vbvbvava

Identifier: 77 – Indicator that data for maximum wind level and for vertical wind shear follow when max wind does 

not coincide at flight. If the maximum wind level coincides with flight level encode as 66 

Identifier: PnPnPn.– Pressure at maximum wind level in whole millibars. 

Identifier: dndnfnfnfn - Same wind encoding procedures apply. 

VERTICAL WIND SHEAR DATA: 4vbvbvava 

Identifier: 4 – Data for vertical wind shear follow. 

Identifier: vbvb – Absolute value of vector difference between max wind and wind 3000 feet BELOW the level of 

max wind, reported to the nearest knot. Use “//” if missing and a 4 is reported. A vector difference of 99 knots 

or more is reported with the code figure “99”. 
 G-13

Identifier: vava – Absolute value of vector difference between max wind and wind 3000 feet above the level of max 

wind, reported to the nearest knot. Use “//” if missing and a 4 is reported. A vector difference of 99 knots or 

more is reported with the code figure “99”. 

 

 SOUNDING SYSTEM INDICATION, RADIOSONDE/ SYSTEM STATUS, LAUNCH TIME: 31313 srrarasasa 8GGgg 

Identifier: srrarasasa - Sounding system indicator, radiosonde/ system status: sararasasa

Identifier: sa - Solar and infrared radiation correction ( 0 – no correction) 

Identifier: rara – Radiosonde/sounding system used ( 96 – Descending radiosonde) 

Identifier: sasa – Tracking technique/status of system used ( 08 – Automatic satellite navigation) 

Identifier: 8GGgg – Launch time 

Identifier: 8 – Indicator group 

Identifier: GG – Time in hours 

Identifier: gg – Time in minutes 

ADDITIONAL DATA GROUPS: 51515 101XX 0PnPnPnPn

Identifier: 51515 – Additional data in regional code follow 

Identifier: 10166 – Geopotential data are doubtful between the following levels 0PnPnPnPn. This code figure is used 

only when geopotential data are doubtful from one level to another. 

Identifier: 10167 – Temperature data are doubtful between the following levels 0PnPnPnPn. This code figure shall be 

reported when only the temperature data are doubtful for a portion of the descent. If a 10167 group is reported a 

10166 will also be reported. EXAMPLE: Temperature is doubtful from 540mbs to 510mbs. SLP is 1020mbs. 

The additional data groups would be : 51515 10166 00251 10167 05451. 

Identifier: 10190 – Extrapolated altitude data follows: 

 When the sounding begins within 25mbs below a standard surface, the height of the surface is 

reported in the format 10190 PnPnhnhnhn. The temperature group is not reported. 

EXAMPLE: Assume the release was made from 310mbs and the 300mb height was 966 

decameters. The last reported standard level in Part A is the 400mb level. The data for the 

300mb level is reported in Part A and B as 1019030966. 

When the sounding does not reach surface, but terminates within 25mbs of a standard surface, the 

height of the standard surface is reported in Part A of the code in standard format and also at 

the end of Part A and Part B of the code in the format as 10190 PnPnhnhnhn. 

EXAMPLE: Assume termination occurred at 980mbs and the extrapolated height of the 

1000mb level was 115 meters. The 1000mb level would be reported in Part A of the code as 

00115 ///// ///// and in Part B as 10190 00115. 

Identifier: 10191 – Extrapolated surface pressure precedes. Extrapolated surface pressure is only reported when the 

termination occurs between 850mbs and the surface. Surface pressure is reported in Part A as 99P0P0P0 ///// and in 

Part B as 00P0P0P0 /////. When surface pressure is extrapolated the 10191 group is the last additional data group 

reported in Part B. 

AIRCRAFT AND MISSION IDENTIFICATION: 61616 AFXXX XXXXX XXXXX OB X 

Identifier: 61616 – Aircraft and mission identification data follows. 

Identifier: AFXXX – The identifier AF for U.S. Air Force and the last three digits of the aircraft’s tail number. 

Identifier: XXXXX XXXXX – The identifier for the type of mission being flown.

If a training mission the mission identifier is WXWXA TRAIN. The fifth letter “A” is the only 

character that could possibly change. The “A” defining that the flight originated in the 

Atlantic basin. The letter “C” identifies the Central Pacific area and the letter “E” identifies 

the Eastern Pacific. 
 G-14

If an operational storm mission: the first two numbers Identifier the number of times an aircraft 

has flown this system and the second two numbers Identifier the system number. The last 

character again identifies the basin flown. The name of the storm would replace TRAIN. 

EXAMPLE: AF968 0204A MARIE – Aircraft number 50968, this was the second flight into 

this system and the system was the fourth of the season. The system reached tropical storm 

strength and was named MARIE. 

Identifier: OB 14 – The observation (both vertical and horizontal) number as transmitted from the aircraft. 

NATIONALLY DEVELOPED CODES: 62626

Identifier: 62626 – This is the remarks section. Only the remarks EYE, EYEWALL XXX, MXWNDBND XXX, or 

RAINBAND will be used. If the remarks EYEWALL is used it will be followed by the radian to the eye 

center. 

Identifier: SPL XXXXNXXXXXW hhmm - Impact location of the sonde based on its last GPS position and the 

splash time. The splash location will be recorded automatically by computer. 

Identifier: LAST WND XXX - Height of the last reported wind. If a surface wind is reported the Last Wind remark 

is omitted. XXX will never be less than 13 meters 

Identifier: MBL WND dddff - The mean boundary level wind. The mean wind in the lowest 500 meters of the 

sounding 

Identifier: AEV XXXXX - This is the software version being used for the sounding. 

Identifier: DLM WND ddfff bbbttt - The Deep Layer Mean wind. It is the average wind over the depth of the 

sounding. Where ddfff is the wind averaged from the first to the last available wind (these would correspond to 

the first and last significant levels for wind); ttt is the pressure at the top of the layer, and bbb is the pressure at 

the bottom of the layer (in whole mbs, with thousands digit omitted). 

Identifier: WL150 ddfff zzz - Average wind over the lowest available 150 m of the wind sounding. Where ddfff is 

the mean wind over the 150 m layer centered at zzz m. 

PART ALPHA (B)

DATA FOR SIGNIFICANT TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVELSSIGNIFICANT 

ISOBARIC LEVELS: 

 n0n0P0P0P0 T0T0T0D0D0

IDENTIFICATION LETTERS: MJMJ

Identifier: MJMJ - Identifier for Part B of the report. 

DATE/TIME GROUP: YYGG8 

Identifier: YY - Date group 

Identifier: GG - Time group 

Identifier: 8 - Indicator for the use of satellite navigation for windfinding. 

 

LATTITUDE: 99LaLaLa (Same as Part A) 

LONGITUDE: QcLoLoLoLo (Same as Part A) 

MARSDEN SQUARE: MMMUlaUlo (Same as Part A) 

SEA LEVEL PRESSURE: nonoP0P0P0 T0T0T0D0D0 

Identifier: nono – Indicator for number of level starting with surface level. Only surface will be numbered as “00”.

Identifier: P0P0P0 – Indicator for pressure of specified levels in whole millibars (thousands digit omitted) 

Identifier: T0T0T0– Tens and digits of air temperature (not rounded off) in degrees Celsius, at specified levels 

beginning with surface. 

Identifier: D0D0 – Dewpoint depression at standard isobaric surfaces beginning with surface level. Encoded the 

same as Part A. 
 G-15

FOR STORM DROPS ONLY. If SLP is less than 950mb encode the 1000mb group as 00/// ///// /////. When the 

SLP is between 950mb and 999mb encode 1000mb as 00PoPoPo ///// ///// (500 meters are added to height below 

surface). 

DATA FOR SIGNIFICANT WIND LEVELS: n0n0P0P0P0 dodofofofo

Identifier: n0n0 – Number of level starting with surface level. Only surface will be numbered as “00”. 

Identifier: P0P0P0 – Pressure at specified levels in whole millibars. 

Identifier: dodo – True direction from which wind is blowing rounded to nearest 5 degrees. Report hundreds and tens 

digits. The unit digit (0 or 5) is added to the hundreds digit of wind speed. 

Identifier: fofofo – Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of speed and unit digit of direction, i.e. 295o at 125 

knots encoded as 29625. 

Same notes in Part A apply. 

31313, 51515, 61616, 62626 – Repeated from Part A. 

FIGURE G-3. EXAMPLE TEMP DROP MESSAGE FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES

UZNT13 KNHC 061851 

XXAA 56187 99251 70786 08158 99990 26444 ///// 00540 26247 13070 92827 

22856 12565 85560 17834 13075 70200 13045 13585 88999 77999 

31313 09608 81828 

51515 10166 00270 

61616 AF968 0204A MARIE OB 14 

62626 MXWNDBND SPL 2525N07835W 1826 LST WND 012 MBL WND 13065 

AEV 20200 DLM WND 13075 990699 WL150 13070 843 

XXBB 56188 99251 70786 08158 00006 26444 11000 25841 22991 24657 33860 

18233 44719 15657 55699 13045 

21212 00990 ///// 11983 13570 22959 13065 33865 12560 44787 13075 55719 

13575 66699 13585 

31313 09608 81828 

51515 10166 00270 

61616 AF968 0204A MARIE OB 14 

62626 MXWNDBND SPL 2525N07835W 1826 LST WND 012 MBL WND 13065 

AEV 20200 DLM WND 13075 990699 WL150 13070 843

 H-1

APPENDIX H

WSR-88D OPERATIONS PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE EVENTS 

In order to perform radar center-fixing and obtain other diagnostic information, 

TPC/NHC must obtain radar products from WSR-88D sites in the area of landfall. As a tropical 

cyclone approaches, software commands must be issued at the site, using the Unit Control 

Position (UCP), in order for TPC/NHC to obtain the necessary products. To facilitate this 

process, TPC/NHC, in cooperation with the NWS Weather Forecast Office, Melbourne, and the 

NEXRAD Radar Operations Center (ROC), has developed an operations plan for use during 

tropical cyclone events. 

 The latest addition can be found on the OFCM web site at: 

 http://www.ofcm.gov/homepage/text/pubs.htm . 

 I-1

APPENDIX I 

TELEPHONE AND TELETYPE LISTING 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

AGENCY LOCATION TTY1

 TELEPHONE 

Alternate NHC Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8201 

 (NCEP, HPC) 

AOC Tampa Bay, FL COM 813-828-3310 

 

CPHC - Forecaster and Warning Desk Honolulu, HI B COM 808-973-5284 

 - Admin COM 808-973-5270 

 - Director COM 808-973-5272 

 - Operations FAX 808-973-5281 

 

CPHC Satellite Coordinator Honolulu, HI B COM 808-973-5285 

WFO Guam Tiyan, Guam B COM 671-472-0950/1/2 

NDBC - Operations Branch SSC, MS COM 228-688-7720 

 

NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8444 

NHC Miami, FL AB COM 305-229-4415 

TAFB Lead Forecaster (TPC/NHC) Miami, FL AB COM 305-229-4425 

Hydrometeorological Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8201 

 Prediction Center (HPC) 

NCEP Senior Duty Met (Data QC) Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8298 

NWS Hydrometeorological Silver Spring, MD COM 301-713-1858 

 Services Core (Headquarters) ext. 108

 FAX 301-713-1520 

INTERDEPARTMENTAL 

OFCM Silver Spring, MD COM 301-427-2002 

 DSN 851-1460 

1

 A AWDS 

 B AWIPS 
 I-2

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

AGENCY LOCATION TTY TELEPHONE 

AFWA Offutt AFB, NE AB COM 402-294-7264

 DSN 271-7264

CARCAH OLA, 53 WRS Miami, FL A COM 305-229-4474 

 DSN 434-3420 

 

FACSFAC VACAPES OAC Oceana, VA COM 804-433-1233 

 DSN 433-1233 

FACSFAC Roosevelt Roads Roosevelt Roads, PR COM 787-865-7007 

 DSN 831-7007/5202/5203 

17 OWS/WXJ Pearl Harbor, HI A COM 808-471-3533 

(Satellite Analyst) DSN 471-3533 

 

325 OSS/OSW Tyndall AFB, FL A COM 904-283-2845 

(Southeast Air Defense Sector/WE) DSN 523-2845 

 

Keesler AFB Command Post Keesler AFB, MS COM 228-377-4330 

 DSN 597-4330 

 

NAVLANTMETOCCEN Norfolk, VA COM 757-444-7583/7750 

 DSN 564-7583/7750 

JTWC (Typhoon Duty Officer) Pearl Harbor, HI A COM 808-474-2320 

Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Monterey, CA COM 831-656-4325 

Oceanography Center (FNMOC) DSN 878-4325 

(Alternate JTWC) 

 

53 WRS/DO Keesler AFB, MS A COM 228-377-2409 

 DSN 597-2409 

53 WRS (Office) Keesler AFB, MS COM 228-377-3207 

 DSN 597-3207 

53 WRS (Alternate CARCAH) Keesler AFB, MS A COM 228-377-1939 

 DSN 597-1939 
 I-3

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

 ARTCC ARTCC PHONE DIRECTORY 

 ID TMU ADMINISTRATION WATCH DESK 

OPERATIONS MANAGER

ANCHORAGE ZAN 907-269-1108 907-269-1137 907-269-1103 

ALBUQUERQUE ZAB 505-856-4547 505-856-4601 505-856-4500 

CHICAGO ZAU 630-906-8445 630-906-8221 630-906-8341 

BOSTON ZBW 603-879-6666 603-879-6633 603-879-6655 

WASHINGTON ZDC 703-771-3471 703-771-3440/1 703-771-3470 

DENVER ZDV 303-651-4540 303-651-4101 303-651-4248 

FT. WORTH ZFW 817-858-7520 817-858-7500 817-858-7503 

HOUSTON ZHU 281-230-5530 281-230-5600 281-230-5560 

INDIANAPOLIS ZID 317-247-2267 317-247-2231 317-247-2242 

JACKSONVILLE ZJX 904-549-1570 904-549-1501 904-549-1537 

KANSAS CITY ZKC 913-254-8502 913-254-8403 913-791-8500 

LOS ANGELES ZLA 661-265-8250 661-265-8215 661-265-8205 

SALT LAKE CITY ZLC 801-320-2580 801-320-2501 801-320-2560 

MIAMI ZMA 305-716-1736 305-716-1500 305-716-1588 

MEMPHIS ZME 901-368-8250 901-368-8103 901-368-8234 

MINNEAPOLIS ZMP 651-463-5517 651-463-5510 651-463-5580 

NEW YORK ZNY 631-468-1010 631-468-1001 631-468-5959 

OAKLAND ZOA 510-745-3812 510-745-3000 510-745-3331 

CLEVELAND ZOB 440-774-0319 440-774-0320 440-774-0426 

SEATTLE ZSE 253-351-3525 253-351-3500 253-351-3520 

ATLANTA ZTL 770-210-7697 770-210-7600/3 770-210-7622 

HONOLULU HNL N/A 808-840-6100 808-840-6201 

SAN JUAN SJU 787-253-8707 787-253-8664/5 

TORONTO YYZ 905-676-4590/1/2 

MONTREAL YUL 514-633-3211 

MONCTON YOM 506-867-7176 

WINNIPEG YWG 204-983-8337 

EDMONTON YEG 780-890-8304/5 

Note: 

TMO - Traffic Management 

Officer 

 

Area Manager - Watch 

Supervisor 

 

ARTCC - Air Route Traffic 

Control Center 

GANDER YQX 709-651-5225 Canadian ACC - Area Control 

VANCOUVER YVR 604-775-9601/6 Centre 
 I-4

AIR TRAFFIC TACTICAL OPERATIONS ATT-100 COM 703-904-4403 

AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SERVICE COM 703-904-4401 

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL 800-333-4286 

SYSTEM COMMAND CENTER - ATT 2 

HERNDON, VA. 

CENTRAL ALTITUDE 703-904-4427 

RESERVATION FUNCTION (CARF) DSN 725-3331/725-3333 

NATIONAL NOTAM OFFICE 

HERNDON, VA 703-904-4557 

ATCSCC NATIONAL OPERATIONS 703-904-4525/703-904-4953 

MANAGER (NOM) 800-333-4286 MILITARY USE ONLY 

CANADIAN OFCF (ARU)

 

ADMIN HOURS 613-998-6583 

TELECONFERENCE 613-954-7425 

 613-957-6390 

ARU OPS (24 HRS) 613-957-6343 

 (ATCSCC OF CANADA) 613-992-9740 

 613-992-7940 

 613-992-9751 

ARU FAX 613-957-6412 

CENTER WEATHER SERVICE UNITS (CWSU) in FAA Coastal Facilities

Boston ARTCC 603-879-7698 

New York ARTCC 631-468-1083 

Washington ARTCC 703-771-3480 

Jacksonville ARTCC 904-549-1839 

Miami ARTCC 305-716-1635 

Houston ARTCC 281-230-5676 

Los Angeles ARTCC 661-265-8258 

Oakland ARTCC 510-745-3457 

Seattle ARTCC 253-351-3741 

Anchorage ARTCC 907-269-1145 
 J-1

APPENDIX J

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION LISTING 

CARIBBEAN BASIN 

 

Abaco AB-a-KO 

Abreojos aahbray-oh-hoes 

Amalie a-MAHL-ye 

Angel aan-hel 

Anguilla ang-GWIL-a 

Antigua an-TEE-ga 

Arena aah-ray-nah 

Arista ah-ree-staa 

Aruba ah-ROO-ba 

Antilles an-TILL-leez 

Azores uh-ZOHRZ 

Bahia ba-e-yuh 

Ballenas ba-yaynas 

Barahona ba-ra-HO-na 

Barbados bar-BAY-dohz 

Barbuda bar-BOO-dah 

Barra baa-rra 

Barranquilla Bahr-rahn-KEE-yah 

Basse-Terre baha-TER 

Bimini BIM-I-ni 

Bonaire ba-NAIR 

Burros bhoorroes 

 

Cap Haitien kahp ah-ee-SYAN 

Caracas k ah-RAH-kahs 

Cardenas car-denaass 

Caribbean kar-a-BE-an 

Castries KAS-tree 

Cayman kay-MAHN 

Champerico chaam-per-e-coe 

Charlotte 

Colima coleema 

Corrientes cor-re-ehn-tays 

Cozumel koh-soo-MEL 

Curacao koor-a-SOH 

Cuyutlan coo-yootlaan 

Dominica dom-I-NEE-ka 

 

Eleuthera el-OO-thera 

Escondido es-cond-dee-dow 

Eugenia ayuh-hen-yuh 

Exuma ek-SOO-ma 

Flores FLO-rish 

Fort de France for-de-FRAHCS 

Galera gaa-lehra 

Grenada gre-NAY-dah 

Guadaloupe GWAH-deh-loop 

Guasave gwaa-saa-ve 

Guaymas gwhy-maahs 

Huatulco whaa-tool-coe 

Islas eeslas 

Jalisco ha-lee-sco 

Juanico whaa-nee-coe 

Lazaro laasa-roe 

Loreto lo-ae-toe 

Leeward LEE-werd 

Manzanillo manza-nee-oh 

Maracaibo mar-a-KYE-boh 

Maracay mah-rah-KYE 

Marigot ma-ree-GOH 

Mateo muh-ta-yo 

Mayaguez may-yah-GWAYS 

Medano may-daa-no 

Melaque may-laa-kay 

Merida MAY-re-thah 

Mochis mo-chees 

Montego mon-TEE-go 

Montserrat mont-se-RAT 

Mugu muhgu 

Mulege moo-lay-hay 

Nicaragua nik-a-RAH-gwah 
 J-2

Ocho Rios OH-cho REE-os 

Oranjestad o-RAHN-yuh-stat 

Paramaribo par-a-MAR-I-boh 

Parguera par-GWER-a 

Penasco pen-yaas-co 

Pointe-a-Pitre pwan-ta-PEE-tr 

Ponce PON-sa 

Port-au-Prince port-oh-PRINS 

Punta poonta 

Revillagigedo ray-veeaheehaydo 

Saba SAH-ba 

Sao Miguel soun ME-gel 

Sipacate see-paa-caa-tay 

St Croix ST croy 

St Lucia ST LOO-she-a 

Soufriere soo-free-AR 

Surinam SOOR-I-nam 

Tampico tam-PEE-ko 

Tehuantepec te-whaan-te-pec 

Tela TAY-lah 

Tobago to-BAY-go 

Todos todohs 

Tomas tow-maas 

Tonala ton-aahla 

Tosca toesca 

Vallarta vah-yar-ta 

Yavaros yaa-vaa-roce 

Yucatan yoo-ka-TAN 

Zihuatanejo zeeh-whaa-tanay-ho 

 
 K-1

APPENDIX K

ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS

-AAB Data type header for Tropical Weather Outlook 

AFB Air Force Base 

AFOS Automation of Field Operations and Services 

AFRC Air Force Reserve Command 

AFSATCOM Air Force Satellite Communications System 

AFWA Air Force Weather Agency 

AIM Airman's Information Manual 

AMOS Automated Meteorological Observing Station 

AMSU Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit 

AOC Aircraft Operations Center (NOAA) 

APT Automatic Picture Transmission 

ARGOS Argos, Inc., a French data collection system 

ARSA Airport Radar Service Area 

ARTCC Air Route Traffic Control Center 

ARWO Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer 

APUP Associated Principal User Processor (WSR-88D) 

ASDL Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link 

ATC Air Traffic Control 

ATCSCC Air Traffic Control System Command Center 

ATCT Air Traffic Control Tower (FAA) 

AVAPS Advanced Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System 

AVHRR Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer 

AWDS Automated Weather Distribution System 

AWIPS Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System 

-CCARCAH Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes 

CARF Central Altitude Reservation Function 

CERAP Center En Route Approach (FAA) 

CFW Coastal Flood Watch/Warning 

C.I. Current Intensity 

C-MAN Coastal-Marine Automated Network 

CMC Crisis Management Center (FAA) 

CNMI Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 

COM Commercial (telephone) 

CONUS Continental United States 

CPHC Central Pacific Hurricane Center 

°C degree/degrees Celsius 
 K-2

-DDA Daylight Ascending 

DCS Data Collection System 

deg degree (latitude or longitude) 

Det detachment 

DMSP Defense Meteorological Satellite Program 

DOC Department of Commerce 

DOD Department of Defense 

DOT Department of Transportation 

DPTD departed 

DROP dropsonde/dropwindsonde 

DSN Defense Switched Network (formerly AUTOVON) 

DTG date/time group 

-EEDT Eastern Daylight Time 

ESA European Space Agency 

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival 

ETD Estimated Time of Departure 

-FFAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FACSFAC Fleet Aerial Control and Surveillance Facility 

FCM Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting 

 Research 

FCMSSR Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting 

 Research 

FCST forecast 

FCSTR forecaster 

FEA Flow Evaluation Area (FAA) 

FL flight level 

FLT LVL flight level 

FMH Federal Meteorological Handbook 

FNMOC Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (USN) 

FSM Federated States of Micronesia 

ft foot/feet 

FTS Federal Telephone System 

 

-GGAC Global Area Coverage 

GOES Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 

GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 

GMS Geostationary Meteorological Satellite 

GTS Global Telecommunications System 

-H-
 K-3

HA High Accuracy 

HD High Density 

HDOB High Density Observation 

HF High Frequency 

hPa hectopascal/hectopascals 

h hour/hours 

HLS Hurricane Local Statement 

HNL Honolulu (CPHC) 

HPC Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (NCEP) 

HRD Hurricane Research Division (NOAA/OAR/ERL/AOML) 

HRPT High Resolution Picture Transmission 

-IICAO International Civil Aviation Organization 

ICMSSR Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and 

 Supporting Research 

ID identification 

IFR Instrument Flight Rules 

INIT initials 

IOM International Operations Manager (FAA) 

IR Infrared 

IWRS Improved Weather Reconnaissance System 

-JJTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center 

-Kkm kilometer/kilometers 

KBIX ICAO identifier for Keesler AFB, MS 

KMIA ICAO identifier for Miami, FL 

KMKC ICAO identifier for Kansas City, MO WSFO 

KNEW ICAO identifier for New Orleans, LA WSFO 

KNHC ICAO identifier for the Tropical Prediction Center/National 

Hurricane Center, Miami, FL 

KSFO ICAO identifier for San Francisco, CA 

kt knot/knots 

KWAL ICAO identifier for Wallops Island, VA 

-LLAC Local Area Coverage 

LF Light Fine (satellite data terminology) 

LI Long Island 

LS Light Smooth (satellite data terminology) 

-M-
 K-4

m meter/meters 

MANOP communications header 

MAX maximum 

METEOSAT European Space Agency geostationary meteorological satellite 

MIA Minimum IFR Altitude 

min/MIN minute 

MHS Microwave Humidity Sounder 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

mph mile/miles per hour 

MTSAT-1R Japanese Geostationary Satellite 

MVMT movement 

-NNAPUP Non-associated Principal User Processor (WSR-88D) 

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NAVLANTMETOCCEN Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

NAVLANTMETOCDET Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment 

NAVLANTMETOCFAC Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Facility 

NAVMETOCCOM Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command 

NAVOCEANO Naval Oceanographic Office 

NAVPACMETOCCEN Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center 

NAVTRAMETOCFAC Naval Training Meteorology and Oceanography Facility 

NCEP National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NOAA/NWS) 

NCO NCEP Central Operations 

NDBC National Data Buoy Center 

NESDIS National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service 

NFDC National Flight Data notice to airman Center 

NHC National Hurricane Center 

NHOP National Hurricane Operations Plan 

NLT Not Later Than 

nm nautical miles 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NOM National Operations Manager (FAA) 

NOTAM Notice to Airmen 

NRL Naval Research Laboratory 

NSC NOAA Science Center 

NSTL National Space Technology Laboratories (NASA) 

NWS National Weather Service 

 -OOAC Oceanic Aircraft Coordinator (USN) 

OB observation 

OFCM Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and 

 Supporting Research 

OPC Ocean Prediction Center (NCEP) 
 K-5

OSDPD Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (NESDIS) 

OSF Operational Support Facility (WSR-88D) 

OSS Operations Support Squadron (USAF) 

-PPA Public Affairs 

PANC ICAO identifier for Anchorage, AK 

PCN Position Confidence Number 

PHFO ICAO identifier for Honolulu, HI 

POD Plan of the Day 

POES Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite 

PRF pulse repetition frequency (WSR-88D) 

-RRECCO Reconnaissance Code 

RECON reconnaissance 

REQT requested 

ROC Radar Operations Center 

RPS routine product set (WSR-88D) 

RSMC Regional/Specialized Meteorological Center (WMO) 

-SSAB Satellite Analysis Branch 

SFC surface 

SFDF Satellite Field Distribution Facility 

SLP Sea Level Pressure 

SPC Storm Prediction Center (NCEP) 

SSM/I Special Sensor Microwave Imager (DMSP) 

SSM/IS Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder 

SSM/T Special Sensor Microwave Temperature Sounder 

SST Sea Surface Temperature 

STMC Supervisory Traffic Management Coordinator (FAA) 

SVD Supplementary Vortex Data 

-TTAFB Tropical Analysis Forecast Branch (TPC) 

TCA Aviation Tropical Cyclone Advisory 

TCD Tropical Cyclone Discussion 

TCE Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate 

TCP Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory 

TCPOD Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day 

TD Tropical Depression 

TEMP temperature 

TEMP temporary 

TEMP DROP Dropwindsonde Code 
 K-6

TF Thermal Fine 

TKO takeoff 

TMO Traffic Management Officer in air route centers and towers 

T-number Tropical classification number 

TOVS TIROS-N Operational Vertical Sounder 

TRMM Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission 

TPC Tropical Prediction Center 

TS Thermal Smooth 

TWO Tropical Weather Outlook 

-UUAS Unmanned Aerial Systems 

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 

UCP unit control position (WSR-88D) 

UHF Ultra High Frequency 

US/U.S. United States 

USAF United States Air Force 

USCG United States Coast Guard 

USN United States Navy 

UTC Universal Coordinated Time 

-VVAS VISSR Atmospheric Sounder 

VCP volume coverage pattern (WSR-88D) 

VDM Vortex Data Message 

VDUC VAS Data Utilization Center 

VIS Visible 

VIIRS Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer 

VISSR Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer 

VMI velocity measurement increment (WSR-88D) 

VTPR Vertical Temperature Profile Radiometer 

-WWEFAX Weather Facsimile 

WESTPAC Western Pacific 

WFO Weather Forecast Office 

WMO World Meteorological Organization 

WND wind 

WO Data type header for special tropical disturbance statements 

WPMDS Weather Product Management and Distribution System (Offutt AFB) 

WRS Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 

WS Weather Squadron 

WSD Wind Speed and Direction (data buoy) 

WSR-88D Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler 

WT Data type header for hurricane bulletins 
 K-7

WW Data type header for subtropical storm bulletins 

-XXMTD transmitted 

-ZZ Zulu (UTC) 
 L-1

APPENDIX L 

 

GLOSSARY

-AAgency. Any Federal agency or organization participating in the tropical cyclone warning 

service. 

Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA). Regulatory airspace surrounding designated airports 

wherein ATC provides radar vectoring and sequencing on a full-time basis for all IFR and 

VFR aircraft. The service provided in an ARSA is called ARSA Service which includes: 

IFR/IFR-standard IFR separation; IFR/VFR-traffic advisories and conflict resolution; and 

VFR/VFR-traffic advisories and, as appropriate, safety alert. The Airman's Information 

Manual (AIM) contains an explanation of ARSA. The ARSA's are depicted on VFR 

aeronautical charts. 

Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). The facility responsible for the 

real-time command, control, and oversight of air traffic activity within the National Airspace 

System. The ATCSCC is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation. 

Area Manager. Supervisor in charge of air route traffic control center or airport tower, shift to 

shift. 

-CCenter Fix. The location of the center of a tropical or subtropical cyclone obtained by means 

other than reconnaissance aircraft penetration. See also Vortex Fix. 

Controlled Airspace. An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service 

is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights in accordance with the airspace classification. 

 a. Controlled airspace is a generic term that covers Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and 

Class E airspace. 

 b. Controlled airspace is also that airspace within which all aircraft operators are subject to 

certain pilot qualifications, operating rules, and equipment requirements in FAR Part 91 

(for specific operating requirements, please refer to FAR Part 91). For IFR operations in 

any class of controlled airspace, a pilot must file an IFR flight plan and receive an 

appropriate ATC clearance. Each Class B, Class C, and Class D airspace area designated 

for an airport contains at least one primary airport around which the airspace is 

designated (for specific designations and descriptions of the airspace classes, please refer 

to FAR Part 71). 
 L-2

 c. Controlled airspace in the United States is designated as follows: 

 CLASS A: Generally, that airspace from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600, 

including the airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 

48 contiguous States and Alaska. Unless otherwise authorized, all persons must operate 

their aircraft under IFR. 

CLASS B: Generally, that airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding 

the nations's busiest airports in terms of airport operations or passenger enplanements. 

The configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored and consists of a 

surface area and two or more layers (some Class B airspaces areas resemble upside-down 

wedding cakes), and is designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an 

aircraft enters the airspace. An ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in 

the area, and all aircraft that are so cleared receive separation services within the 

airspace. The cloud clearance requirement for VFR operations is "clear of clouds." 

CLASS C: Generally, that airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport 

elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control 

tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR 

operations or passenger enplanements. Although the configuration of each Class C area 

is individually tailored, the airspace usually consists of a surface area with a 5 nautical 

mile (NM) radius, an outer circle with a 10 NM radius that extends from 1,200 feet to 

4,000 feet above the airport elevation and an outer area. Each person must establish twoway radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to 

entering the airspace and thereafter maintain those communications while within the 

airspace. VFR aircraft are only separated from IFR aircraft within the airspace. (See 

OUTER AREA). 

CLASS D: Generally, that airspace from the surface to 2,500 feet above the airport 

elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control 

tower. The configuration of each Class D airspace area is individually tailored and when 

instrument procedures are published, the airspace will normally be designed to contain 

the procedures. Arrival extensions for instrument approach procedures may be Class D 

or Class E airspace. Unless otherwise authorized, each person must establish two-way 

radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to 

entering the airspace and thereafter maintain those communications while in the airspace. 

No separation services are provided to VFR aircraft. 

CLASS E: Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it 

is controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace. Class E airspace extends upward from 

either the surface or a designated altitude to the overlying or adjacent controlled 

airspace. When designated as a surface area, the airspace will be configured to contain 

all instrument procedures. Also in this class are Federal airways, airspace beginning at 

either 700 or 1,200 AGL used to transition to/from the terminal or en route environment, 

en route domestic, and offshore airspace areas designated below 18,000 feet MSL. 
 L-3

Unless designated at a lower altitude, Class E airspace begins at 14,500 MSL over the 

United States, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the 

48 contiguous States and Alaska, up to, but not including 18,000 MSL, and the airspace 

above FL 600. 

Cyclone. An atmospheric closed circulation rotating counter-clockwise in the Northern 

Hemisphere. 

-EExtratropical cyclone. A synoptic scale low pressure system whose primary energy source is 

baroclinic. 

Eye. The relatively calm center of the tropical cyclone that is more than one half surrounded by 

wall cloud. 

 

Eye Wall. An organized band of cumuliform clouds immediately surrounding the center of a 

tropical cyclone. Eye wall and wall cloud are used synonymously. 

 

-HHigh-Density/High-Accuracy (HD/HA) Data. Those data provided by automated airborne 

systems--WP-3s or WC-130s equipped with the Improved Weather Reconnaissance System. 

 

Hurricane/Typhoon. A warm-core tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface 

wind speed (l-min mean) is 64 kt (74 mph) or more. 

 

Hurricane/Typhoon/Tropical Cyclone Season. The portion of the year having a relatively 

high incidence of hurricanes/typhoons/tropical cyclones. The seasons for the specific areas 

are as follows (Note: tropical cyclones can occur during any month of the year in the Western 

Pacific.): 

o Atlantic, Caribbean, 

 and the Gulf of Mexico June 1 to November 30 

o Eastern Pacific May 15 to November 30 

o Central Pacific June 1 to November 30

o Western Pacific July 1 to December 31 

Hurricane Warning Offices. The designated hurricane warning offices follow: 

o Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida 

o Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 
 L-4

Hurricane Warning. A warning that sustained winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher associated 

with a hurricane are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. A hurricane 

warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously 

high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than 

hurricane force. 

Hurricane Watch. An announcement for specific coastal areas that a hurricane or an incipient 

hurricane condition poses a possible threat, generally within 36 hours. 

-IICAO-Controlled Airspace. An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control 

service is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights in accordance with the airspace 

classification. (Note: Controlled airspace is a generic term which covers Air Traffic Service 

airspace Classes A, B, C, D, and E). 

-MMajor Hurricane. A "major" hurricane is one that is classified as a Category 3 or higher. 

Maximum 1-Min Sustained Surface Wind. When applied to a particular weather system, 

refers to the highest 1-minute average wind (at an elevation on 10 meters with an 

unobstructed exposure) associated with that weather system at a particular point in time.

Micronesia. An area defined by the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the 

Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall 

Islands. 

Miles. The term "miles" used in this plan refers to nautical miles (nm) unless otherwise 

 indicated. 

 

Mission Identifier. The nomenclature assigned to tropical and subtropical cyclone aircraft 

reconnaissance missions for weather data identification. It's an agency-aircraft indicator 

followed by a Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) 

assigned mission-system indicator. 

-NNational Operations Manager. Supervisor in charge of the overall operation of the Air Traffic 

Control System Command Center. 
 L-5

-PPresent Movement. The best estimate of the movement of the center of a tropical cyclone at a 

given time and at a given position. This estimate does not reflect the short-period, small-scale 

oscillations of the cyclone center. 

 

-RReconnaissance Aircraft Sortie. A flight that meets the requirements of the tropical cyclone 

plan of the day. 

Relocated. A term used in an advisory to indicate that a vector drawn from the preceding 

advisory position to the latest known position is not necessarily a reasonable representation of 

the cyclone's movement. 

-SStorm Surge. An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, 

and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level 

that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by 

subtracting the normal or astronomic tide from the observed storm tide. 

 

Storm Tide. The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the 

storm surge. 

Subtropical Cyclone. A non-frontal low pressure system that has characteristics of both 

tropical and extratropical cyclones. This system is typically an upper-level cold low with 

circulation extending to the surface layer and maximum sustained winds generally occurring 

at a radius of about 100 miles or more from the center. In comparison to tropical cyclones, 

such systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds that is located farther from the 

center, and typically have a less symmetric wind field and distribution of convection. 

 

Subtropical Depression. A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind 

speed (l-min mean) is 33 knots (38 mph) or less. 

Subtropical Storm. A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed 

(1-min mean) is 34 knots (39 mph) or higher. 

Super Typhoon. A "super" typhoon is one that is classified as having winds of 130 knots (150 

mph) or greater. 

Sustained Surface Wind. The 1-minute averaged wind at the 10-meter elevation with an 

unobstructed exposure. 
 L-6

Synoptic Surveillance (formerly Synoptic Track). Weather reconnaissance mission flown to 

provide vital meteorological information in data sparse ocean areas as a supplement to 

existing surface, radar, and satellite data. Synoptic flights better define the upper atmosphere 

and aid in the prediction of tropical cyclone motion and intensity. 

-TTraffic Management Specialist. ATCSCC personnel responsible for the active management of 

traffic throughout the National Airspace System. 

Tropical Cyclone. A warm-core, non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical 

or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation 

about a well-defined center. 

 

Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day. A coordinated mission plan that tasks operational weather 

reconnaissance requirements during the next 1100 to 1100Z UTC day or as required, 

describes reconnaissance flights committed to satisfy both operational and research 

requirements, and identifies possible reconnaissance requirements for the succeeding 24-hour 

period. 

 

Tropical Depression. A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed 

(l-min mean) is 33 kt (38 mph) or less. 

Tropical Disturbance. A discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection-

-generally 100 to 300 mi in diameter--originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a 

nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more. It may or 

may not be associated with a detectable perturbation of the wind field. 

 

Tropical Storm. A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (l-min 

mean) ranges from 34 kt (39 mph) to 63 kt (73 mph). 

 

Tropical Storm Warning. A warning for tropical storm conditions including sustained winds 

within the range of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 kt) that are expected in a specified coastal area 

within 24 hours or less. 

 

Tropical Storm Watch. An announcement that a tropical storm poses or tropical storm 

conditions pose a threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch 

should normally not be issued if the system is forecast to attain hurricane strength. 

Tropical Wave. A trough or cyclonic curvature maximum in the trade-wind easterlies. The 

wave may reach maximum amplitude in the lower middle troposphere or may be the 

reflection of an upper tropospheric cold low or equatorial extension of a middle latitude 

trough. 
 L-7

 

Tropical Weather System. A designation for one of a series of tropical weather anomalies. As 

such, it is the basic generic designation, which in successive stages of intensification, may be 

classified as a tropical disturbance, wave, depression, storm, or hurricane. 

 

Typhoon/Hurricane. A warm-core tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface 

wind speed (l-min mean) is 64 kt (74 mph) or more. 

-UUncontrolled Airspace (Class G Airspace). That portion of the airspace that has not been 

designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E and within which Air Traffic 

Control has neither the authority nor the responsibility for exercising control over air traffic. 

-VVortex Fix. The location of the surface and/or flight level center of a tropical or subtropical 

cyclone obtained by reconnaissance aircraft penetration. See Center Fix, also. 

 

-WWall Cloud. An organized band of cumuliform clouds immediately surrounding the center of a 

tropical cyclone. Wall cloud and eye wall are used synonymously. 

 M-1

APPENDIX M 

DISTRIBUTION 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION 

Administration Office, Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) 20 

Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services (E) 2 

Director, National Climatic Data Center (E/CC) 2 

Chief, Library and Information Services Division (E/OC4) 4 

Chief, Satellite Services Division (E/SP2) 1 

Chief, Library Division MASC (MC5) 2 

Assistant Administrator for Ocean Svcs and Coastal Zone Management (N) 1 

Director, Office of Public Affairs, NOAA (PA) 2 

Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (R) 1 

Director, Environmental Research Laboratories (R/E/FS) 4 

Chief, International Programs (R/E/FS7) 2 

Director, AOML Hurricane Research Division (R/E/AO) 5 

Director, Program Development and Coordination Staff (R/PDC) 2 

Assistant Administrator for Weather (W) 1 

Director, National Data Buoy Center (W/DB) 6 

Director, National Centers for Environmental Prediction (W/NP) 1 

Director, Central Operations (W/NP1) 2 

Director, Environmental Modeling Center (W/NP2) 1 

Deputy Director, Environmental Modeling Center (W/NP2x1) 1 

Director, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (W/NP3) 2 

Director, Marine Prediction Center (W/NP4) 2 

Director, Tropical Prediction Center (W/NP8) 20 

Director, Office of Hydrology (W/OH) 1 

Director, Office of Meteorology (W/OM) 1 

Chief, International Activities Division (W/IA) 1 

Chief, Hydrometeorological Services Core (W/OM12) 20 

Director, NWS Eastern Region (W/ER) 50 

Director, NWS Central Region (W/CR) 16 

Director, NWS Southern Region (W/SR) 56 

Director, NWS Western Region (W/WR) 15 

Director, NWS Pacific Region (W/PR) 15 

NOAA Budget Officer, Office of Management and Budget 1 

 
 M-2

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

OFFICE OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF 

Joint Staff/J3/DDGO-ROD 2 

UNIFIED/SPECIFIED COMMANDS 

USCENTCOM/CCJ3-OW 1 

USCINCPAC/J316 (ENV.GP) 1 

USCINCSO/SCJ3-SWO 1 

USEUCOM/EPOC-CCPD 

USJFCOM 1 

USSOCOM/SCSO-OC-M 1 

USSOUTHCOM/SCJ322 1 

USSTRATCOM/J3624 2 

USTRANSCOM/TCJ3 1 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

HQ USAF/A3O-W 3 

HQ ACC/DOW 34 

HQ AFMC/DOW 2 

HQ AFSPC/XOSW 5 

HQ AFSOC/DOW 1 

HQ AMC/A3W 10 

HQ AOC/XPPD 1 

HQ AETC/TTO 2 

HQ AETC/DOYW 10 

HQ AU/WE 1 

HQ AFWA/XO 6 

HQ PACAF/DOW 6 

HQ USAFE/DOW 2 

AFRL/VSB (AFMC) 1 

AFCCC (AFWA) 1 

AFCWC (AFWA) 1 

ANG/XOOSW 1 

MSD/AOW (AETC) 1 

OO-ALC/LHW 2 

3 WS/CC 1 

17 OWS/CC 1 

18 WS/CC 1 

25 OWS/CC 2 

26 OWS/CC 2 
 M-3

28 OWS/CC 2 

36 OSS/OSW (PACAF) 1 

45 WS/CC 3 

45 SPW/XP and SE 4 

46 WS/CC 2 

88 WS/CC 1 

78 OSS/OSW 1 

325 OSS/OSW 1 

335 TRS/UAO 2 

607 WS/CC 1 

AFRC 

HQ USAF/REO 3 

HQ AFRC/DOO 2 

HQ AFRC/DOT/DOTA 2 

HQ AFRC/DOVA 2 

HQ 22AF/DOT/DOTA 2 

403 WG/DO/XP 5 

53 WRS 75 

CARCAH (OL-A 53 WRS) 10 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 

HQ Department of the Army/DAMI- POB 2 

Topographic Engineering Center 1 

COE/CEWES-CD-P 1 

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

Commandant of the Marine Corps (DCS/Aviation) 12 

Oceanographer of the Navy 2 

NAVMETOCCOM 5 

Commanding Officer, NAVOCEANO (N2513) 75 

Commanding Officer, NAVLANTMETOCCEN 2 

NAVPACMETOCCEN/JTWC, Pearl Harbor, HI 2 

NAVLANTMETOCFAC Jacksonville 1 

NAVTRAMETOCFAC Pensacola 1 

CINCLANTFLT (N37) 2 

CINCPACFLT (N3WX) 1 

COMTHIRDFLT 1 

COMFITMATAEWWINGLANT, NAS Oceana, VA 1 

Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division 2 

Office of Naval Research (Code 1122MM) 2 

NRL, Stennis Space Center, MS 1 

NRL, Atmospheric Division, Monterey, CA 2 

OPTEVFOR (Code 314) 1 
 M-4

Coastal System Station (Code 05W) 1 

AFWTF, Roosevelt Roads, PR 1 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

Air Traffic System Requirements Service ARS-1 1 

Air Traffic System Requirements Service/Weather ARW-1 1 

Air Traffic Operations ATO-1 3 

Air Traffic Operations ATO-110 1 

Air Traffic Operations ATO-120 3 

Air Traffic Resource Management Program ATX-100/ATX-400 2 

Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) ATO-200 9 

FAA Regional Air Traffic Division Managers 

 AAL-500 Anchorage 1 

 ACE-500 Kansas City 1 

 AEA-500 New York 1 

 AGL-500 Chicago 1 

 ANE-500 Boston 1 

 ANM-500 Seattle 1 

 ASO-500 Atlanta 1 

 ASW-500 Dallas/Fort Worth 1 

 AWP-500 Los Angeles 1 

Albuquerque ARTCC 2 

Atlanta ARTCC 3 

Boston ARTCC 3 

Honolulu ARTCC 3 

Houston ARTCC 3 

Jacksonville ARTCC 3 

Los Angeles ARTCC 2 

Memphis ARTCC 1 

Miami ARTCC 3 

New York ARTCC 3 

Oakland ARTCC 2 

San Juan ARTCC 3 

Seattle ARTCC 2 

Washington ARTCC 2 

AMA-500, Oklahoma City, OK 1 

AIA-100/AIA-200 3 

AOP-4 1 

APA-300 3 

ARW-100/ARW-200 2 

Houston AIFSS 3 

Miami (QAS) AIFSS 2 

New York AIFSS 1 

San Juan AIFSS 2 
 M-5

U.S. COAST GUARD 

Commandant, USCG Headquarters (G-OPN-1) 2 

Commandant, USCG (G-OPF) 1 

Commander, Atlantic Area, USCG 2 

Commander, Pacific Area, USCG 2 

Commander, Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic 2 

Commander, Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific 1 

Commander, First Coast Guard District 1 

Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District 2 

Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District 3 

Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District 3 

Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District 1 

Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District 1 

Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District 1 

Commander, Fourteenth Coast Guard District 2 

Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Aquadilla, PR 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Atlantic City, NJ 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Cape Cod, MA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Clearwater, FL 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Elizabeth City, NC 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Houston, TX 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Kapolei, HI 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Kodiak, AK 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Los Angeles, CA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, McClellan AFB, CA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, McKinleyville, CA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Mt. Clemens, MI 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, New Orleans, LA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, North Bend, OR 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Opa Locka, FL 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Port Angeles, WA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, San Diego, CA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, San Francisco, CA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Savannah, GA 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Sitka, AK 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Traverse City, MI 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Warrenton, OR 1 

Commanding Officer, USCG Reserve Training Center 1 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

 

World Agriculture Outlook Board 1 
 M-6

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

Office of Emergency Management 1 

Office of Biological and Environmental Research 1 

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR 

Bureau of Reclamation, Office of Liaison Engineering and Research 1 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

Office of Advanced Technology 1 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION 

Director, Meteorology Program 1 

Director, Atmospheric Sciences Division 1 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 

Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 912 1 

Director, Atmospheric Sciences Division 1 

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY/ 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

FEMA, Mitigation Directorate 2 

FEMA Region I 1 

FEMA Region IV 2 

FEMA Region IX 20 

OTHER U.S. 

Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress 1 

University of Chicago Library, The Joseph Regenstein Library 1 

South Florida Water Management District 1 

Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center 1 

Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Colorado State University 1 

Cumberland County Maine Emergency Management Agency 1 

Meteorological Services, Inc., Tampa, FL 3 

GTE Government Systems 1 

Larkin Associates 1 

Nash C. Roberts, Jr. Consultants, New Orleans, LA 1 

Hurricane and Weather Specialists, Inc., Valrico, FL 1 
 M-7

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA 

Meteorological Operations Division, Canadian Meteorological Centre (AES), Dorval, QU 1 

Officer in Charge, METOC Centre, Maritime Command Headquarters, Halifax, NS 1 

Base Meteorological Officer, CFB Greenwood, NS 1 

Atmospheric Environment Service, Downsview, ON 1 

Transport Canada, Altitude Reservation Unit 2 

Transport Canada, Monkton ACC 2 

UNITED KINGDOM 

Assistant Director, Head of Defense Services, Meteorological Office 1 

MICRONESIA 

Department of Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, Guam 2 

Emergency Management Offices: 

 - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Saipan 1 

 - Republic of Palau, Koror 1 

 - Republic of the Marshall Islands, Majuro 1 

 - Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Pohnpei State, Kolonia 1 

 - Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Yap State, Colonia 1 

 - Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Chuuk State, Weno Island 1 

 - Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kosrae State, Tofol 1