iii

FOREWORD

This publication is the 36th edition of the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP). It is a

compilation of the procedures and agreements reached at the 52d Interdepartmental Hurricane

Conference (IHC), which was held in Clearwater Beach, Florida, January 27-30, 1998. Details of

the conference can be found in the minutes published by this office. 

The IHC is sponsored annually by the Committee for Weather Operations and Services of the

Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. The goal is to

bring together the cognizant Federal agencies to reach agreement on items of mutual interest and

concern related to the provision of hurricane/tropical cyclone forecast and warning services.

All of the chapters in this edition have minor updates or changes. The IHC addressed two action

items related to reconnaissance and dropwindsonde observation encoding, and Chapter 5, "Aircraft

Reconnaissance," and Appendix G were updated to reflect the approved changes. Chapter 7,

"Surface Radar Reporting," was also extensively revised to reflect the full deployment of the WSR88D Doppler radar, and Appendix H was added to describe WSR-88D operations for tropical cyclone

events. Substantial changes were also made to Chapter 6, "Satellite Reconnaissance," and Chapter

9, "Marine Weather Broadcasts."

During 1997, tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic hurricane basin was well below normal-- only

seven tropical cyclones formed. Hurricane Danny was one of the three to reach hurricane strength,

and while only a category one storm, Danny dropped nearly 40 inches of rain over extreme southern

Alabama. In the Eastern Pacific, a near-normal 17 tropical cyclones reached tropical storm strength,

and 9 of these reached hurricane strength. Seven hurricanes reached category three (96 knots) or

higher on the Saffir/Simpson hurricane scale, and Hurricane Linda reached an unprecedented 160

knots (category five). The Central Pacific experienced nine tropical systems and no hurricanes. In

fact, there have been no hurricanes for the last 3 years--the last time this occurred was 1963-65. 

While the 1997 season was not as active as some of those in the recent past, the effectiveness of the

multiagency storm warning support system has continued to evolve--a tribute to the dedication and

cooperation of the military and civilian agencies involved. It is gratifying to see their extensive review

and planning efforts blended into the updated National Hurricane Operations Plan, which will guide

this critical warning support system during the 1998 hurricane season.

SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological

 Services and Supporting Research
ii

CHANGE AND REVIEW LOG

Use this page to record changes and notices of reviews.

Change Page Date

Number Numbers Posted Initial 

 1

 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 
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 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 ......................... 3-6

3.5. Alternate Warning Responsibilities ........................ 3-10

3.6. Abbreviated Communications Headings ..................... 3-10

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
vi

5.5. Reconnaissance Planning and Flight Notification ............... 5-7

5.6. Reconnaissance Effectiveness Criteria ...................... 5-17

5.7. Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Encoding, Reporting,

and Coordination ...................................... 5-18

5.8. Operational Flight Patterns .............................. 5-22

5.9. Aircraft Reconnaissance Communications ................... 5-24

CHAPTER 6 SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL

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

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

6.2. National Weather Service (NWS) Support .................... 6-4

6.3. NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch .......................... 6-5

6.4. Air Force Support and the Defense Meteorological

Satellite Program (DMSP) ................................ 6-5

6.5. Satellites and Satellite Data Availability for the Current

Hurricane Season ...................................... 6-8

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 CENTER REPORTING STATIONS .... 8-1

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

8.2. Requests for Drifting Buoy Deployment ..................... 8-1

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

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

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

9.2. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System .................. 9-1

9.3. Coastal Marine 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

APPENDIX A ABBREVIATIONS ......................................... A-1

APPENDIX B GLOSSARY ............................................... B-1
vii

APPENDIX C BIBLIOGRAPHY OF OFFICIAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS C-1

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

APPENDIX E PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION LISTING ...................... E-1

APPENDIX F SEA-LEVEL PRESSURE EXTRAPOLATION TABLES ........... 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 DISTRIBUTION ........................................... J-1
viii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1-1. Tropical cyclone forecast centers' areas of responsibility ..................... 1-2

2-1. Super Typhoon Paka, December 16, 1997 ............................... 2-3

4-1. Tropical cyclone forecast/advisory format ................................ 4-3

4-2. Tropical cyclone public advisory format ................................. 4-4

5-1. WC-130 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. Supplementary vortex data message .................................... 5-9

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 ............................................ 5-19

5-9. Flight pattern ALPHA ............................................ 5-22

5-10. Suggested patterns for investigative missions ............................ 5-23

5-11. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for NOAA P-3 aircraft ............. 5-26

5-12. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for AFRC WC-130 aircraft .......... 5-27

6-1. The GOES satellite system ........................................... 6-2

6-2. Center fix data form and message format (satellite) ......................... 6-7

8-1. NDBC moored buoy locations in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes8-4

8-2. NDBC moored buoy locations in the Pacific Ocean ......................... 8-5

8-3. C-MAN station locations in the Coastal U.S. ............................. 8-6

8-4. NDBC planned and current Gulf of Mexico moored buoy network ............. 8-7

8-5. A wind speed and direction (WSD) drifting buoy .......................... 8-8

8-6. Drifting data buoy deployment patterns .................................. 8-9

G-1. Reconnaissance code recording form ................................... G-2

G-2. Sample HDOB messages ............................................ G-6

G-3. Example TEMP DROP Message for Tropical Cyclone Operations ............ G-14
ix

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

3-1. Defining points for hurricane/tropical storm watches/warnings ................ 3-2

3-2. Atlantic tropical cyclone names ........................................ 3-7

3-3. Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone names .................................. 3-8

3-4. Central Pacific tropical cyclone names .................................. 3-9

3-5. Western Pacific tropical cyclone names .................................. 3-9

5-1. Requirement for aircraft reconnaissance data ............................. 5-6

5-2. Vortex data message entry explanation ................................. 5-10

6-1. Communications headings for satellite tropical discussion summaries ........... 6-6

6-2. Satellite and satellite data availability for the current hurricane season ........... 6-8

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

8-1. Moored buoy locations and configurations ............................... 8-2

8-2. C-MAN sites ..................................................... 8-3

8-3. Code forms for moored data buoys, C-MAN stations and drifting buoys ........ 8-10

9-1. U.S. NAVTEX Stations ............................................. 9-3

F-1. Surface pressure as a function of 925 hPa heights and temperatures ............ F-1

F-2. Surface pressure as a function of 850 hPa heights and temperatures ............ F-2

F-3. Surface pressure as a function of 700 hPa heights and temperatures ............ F-3

G-l. Reconnaissance code tables .......................................... G-3

G-2. Reconnaissance code regulations ...................................... G-5

G-3. HDOB message format .............................................. G-7

G-4. TEMP DROP code ................................................. G-8
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 warning services. The bottom line--this interdepartmental cooperation achieves economy and

efficiency in the provision of the tropical cyclone warning services to the Nation. The National

Hurricane Operations Plan provides the basis for implementing agreements reached at the annual

Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference (IHC), which is sponsored annually by the Committee for

Weather Operations and Services of the Interdepartmental Committee 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 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 role of the individual agencies

participating in the tropical cyclone warning service 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 service-oriented 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. Throughout this plan, the terms

TPC and NHC will be used interchangeably. 
Figure 1-1. Tropical cyclone forecast centers' areas of responsibility

1-2
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) and the Department of Transportation (DOT)

with the DOC brings to bear those limited and expensive 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 National Hurricane Center (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, NHC, Miami,

FL. The 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 140EW). Advisories

are the responsibility of the Director, NHC, Miami, FL. The NHC will

consult with the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center

(NAVPACMETOCCEN), 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 140EW and 180E).

Advisories are the responsibility of the Director, Central Pacific Hurricane

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

NAVPACMETOCCEN and the 15th Operations Support Squadron

(OSS)/OSW, Hickam AFB, 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.

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

by the NWS Forecast Office, Tiyan, Guam, using the tropical cyclone

forecasts/advisories prepared by the NAVPACMETOCCEN WEST/Joint

Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

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 180E 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 (see

Figure 2-1), and monitor and interpret DOC satellite imagery. The DOC will 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

NHC and CPHC satellite data requirements.
Figure 2-1. Super Typhoon Paka, December 16, 1997.

2-3
2-4

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

develop, deploy, and operate environmental data buoy systems and automated coastal stations to

support the data requirements of NHC and CPHC.

2.2.6. Weather Reconnaissance. Through the Office of NOAA Corps Operations (NOAA

Corps), 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 in a timely manner significant meteorological information on tropical and

subtropical cyclones to the NWS.

! Provide 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 C).

! Provide at NHC a 24-hour aircraft operations interface--Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance

Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH).

! Designate CARCAH as the liaison to NHC. CARCAH will serve as 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, resources permitting, through the Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA), Offutt

AFB, NE, and the 15th OSS/OSW, Hickam AFB, HI, surveillance support with fixes

and/or intensity and gale wind radius estimates to all United States tropical cyclone

warning agencies through analysis of satellite imagery obtained primarily from the

DMSP system.

! Provide NWS with basic meteorological information, forecasts, and associated

prognostic reasoning, concerning location, intensity, and forecast movement of tropical

and subtropical cyclones for the Northwest Pacific west of 180E.

• Tropical cyclone forecasts/advisories are the responsibility of the Joint Typhoon

Warning Center (JTWC). The JTWC will consult with the NWS Forecast Office

(NWSFO) Tiyan, Guam, regarding all tropical cyclones affecting Micronesia and

Guam. Consultation will occur prior to issuing initial and final advisories and prior
2-5

to issuing any advisory that indicates a significant change in forecast intensity or

track from the previous advisory.

2.4. DOT 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 DOT 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 its 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.

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 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 NOAA Corps Aircraft Operations Center operations officers will maintain a close

working relationship with the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, the ARTCCs, and the
2-6

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 National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC).

3.2. Products.

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

issued by the NHC and CPHC during their respective hurricane seasons. The 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 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 be disseminated for intergovernmental use only

and 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

by the NHC for all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. In the Eastern Pacific, tropical cyclone public

advisories are issued by NHC for tropical cyclones that are expected to affect land within 48 hours.

In the Central Pacific, tropical cyclone public advisories are issued by CPHC for all tropical cyclones

within the area of responsibility. Scheduled tropical cyclone public advisories are issued at the same

time scheduled tropical cyclone forecast/advisories are issued. Watch and warning break points are

listed in Table 3-1. In the Western Pacific, public advisories are issued by the NWS Forecast Office,

Tiyan, Guam, for all tropical cyclones within the Territory of Guam and Micronesia, using tropical

cyclone forecasts/advisories prepared by the JTWC as guidance.

[NOTE: 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.]
3-2

Table 3-1. Defining points for hurricane/tropical storm watches/warnings

La Pesca, MX Vero Beach, FL

Rio San Fernando, MX Sebastian Inlet, FL

Brownsville, TX Cocoa Beach, FL

Port Mansfield, TX Titusville, FL

Baffin Bay, TX New Smyrna Beach, FL

Corpus Christi, TX Flagler Beach, FL

Port Aransas, TX St. Augustine, FL

Port O'Connor, TX Fernandina Beach, FL

Matagorda, TX Brunswick (Altamaha Sound), GA

Sargent, TX Savannah, GA 

Freeport, TX Edisto Beach, SC

San Louis Pass, TX Cape Romain, SC

High Island, TX Murrells Inlet, SC

Sabine Pass, TX Little River Inlet, SC

Cameron, LA Cape Fear, NC

Morgan City, LA Surf City, NC

Intracoastal City, LA New River Inlet, NC

Grand Isle, LA Bogue Inlet, NC

Mouth of the Mississippi Cape Lookout, NC

 River, LA Ocracoke Inlet, NC

Mouth of the Pearl River, LA Cape Hatteras, NC

Pascagoula, MS Oregon Inlet, NC

Pensacola, FL (The inclusion of Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds

Fort Walton Beach, FL should be on a case-by-case basis.)

Destin, FL Currituck Beach Light, NC

Panama City, FL NC/VA State line

Apalachicola, FL Cape Charles Light, VA

Ochlockonee River, FL Chincoteague, VA

St. Marks, FL (Suggested terminology for Chesapeake Bay:

Aucilla River, FL Below Windmill Point.

Steinhatchee River, FL Tidal Potomac below Patuxent River.

Suwannee River, FL Including Potomac River.)

Cedar Key, FL Cape Henlopen, DE 

Yankeetown, FL Cape May, NJ

Bayport, FL Little Egg Inlet, NJ

Anclote Key, FL Great Egg Inlet, NJ

Tarpon Springs, FL Manasquan Inlet, NJ 

Longboat Key, FL (The inclusion of Delaware Bay should be on a case-byVenice, FL case basis.)

Boca Grande, FL Sandy Hook, NJ

Fort Myers Beach, FL Fire Island Inlet, Long Island (LI), NY

Bonita Beach, FL Moriches Inlet, LI, NY

Everglades City, FL Montauk Point, LI, NY 

East Cape Sable Port Jefferson Harbor, LI, NY

Flamingo, FL New Haven, CT

Dry Tortugas Watch Hill, RI 

Key West, FL Point Judith, RI

Seven Mile Bridge, FL Woods Hole, MA 

Pigeon Key, FL Chatham, MA 

Craig Key, FL Plymouth, MA

Angelfish Key, FL Gloucester, MA

Key Largo, FL Merrimack River, MA 

Florida City, FL Portsmouth, NH

Golden Beach, FL Portland, ME

Hallandale, FL Rockland, ME

Deerfield Beach, FL Bar Harbor, ME

Boynton Beach, FL Eastport, ME

Lake Worth, FL

Jupiter Inlet, FL

Stuart, FL

Fort Pierce, FL
 Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico 1

3-3

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

issued by the 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. Information on the broadcast of tropical

cyclone information to coastal and high-seas shipping can be found in Chapter 8, Marine Weather

Broadcasts.

3.2.5. Probability of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Conditions.

3.2.5.1. When Issued. The probability of hurricane/tropical storm conditions shall

be issued in tabular form at regularly scheduled tropical cyclone public advisory and tropical cyclone

forecast/advisory times, and when public advisories are issued. These probabilities will generally be

carried for all named storms in the Atlantic Basin within 72 hours of forecasted landfall. In addition, 1

NHC may issue probabilities for tropical depressions forecast to become named storms and be a

threat to land within 72 hours. When a tropical cyclone is forecast to track parallel to a coastline,

maximum values over water points should be included, and the tropical cyclone public advisory

should state that the highest probabilities are over water. The 72-hour cumulative probabilities of less

than 5 percent are not included in the transmitted probability tables. 

3.2.5.2. When Computed. The probabilities, which are based on the official forecast

track, should be issued when the 72-hour forecast position approaches the coast and should be carried

in advisories until the storm makes landfall. Two conditions in which probability information should

not be issued are: (1) the hurricane/tropical storm has made landfall and is not expected to reemerge

over water and/or (2) the computed probability values are not significant. NHC may discontinue

issuance of probabilities earlier if other factors arise, such as difficulties with evacuation orders, etc.

At the discretion of the hurricane forecaster, probabilities need not be listed for sites where the

tropical storm or hurricane would likely be over land or less than tropical storm strength at the time

it would affect the site. NHC may include a brief explanation of probabilities in the advisory. 

These probabilities should be computed shortly after synoptic times for the 0-24, 24-36, 36-48, and

48-72 hours. A total probability for the next 72 hours should be shown in the last column and should

represent a total of all forecast periods. The probability of the storm striking a coastal location within

48 hours may be determined by adding the 0-24, 24-36, and 36-48 hour probabilities. If the

probability for a location is less than 1 percent, an "X" will be indicated in the table. If probabilities

are not to be issued, a statement will be included in both the tropical cyclone public advisory and the

tropical cyclone forecast/advisory. Refer to Probability of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Conditions:

A User's Manual for further information.
3-4

3.2.5.3. Locations. When appropriate, specific probabilities will be computed for the

following locations:

Brownsville, TX Fort Pierce, FL

Corpus Christi, TX Cocoa Beach, FL

Port O'Connor, TX Daytona Beach, FL

Galveston, TX Jacksonville, FL

Port Arthur, TX Savannah, GA

New Iberia, LA Charleston, SC

New Orleans, LA Myrtle Beach, SC

Buras, LA Wilmington, NC

Gulfport, MS Morehead City, NC

Mobile, AL Cape Hatteras, NC

Pensacola, FL Norfolk, VA

Panama City, FL Ocean City, MD

Apalachicola, FL Atlantic City, NJ

St. Marks, FL New York City, NY

Cedar Key, FL Montauk Point, NY

Tampa, FL Providence, RI

Venice, FL Nantucket, MA

Fort Myers, FL Hyannis, MA

Marco Island, FL Boston, MA

Key West, FL Portland, ME

Marathon, FL Bar Harbor, ME

Miami, FL Eastport, ME

West Palm Beach, FL 28N 93W

29N 85W 28N 95W

29N 87W 27N 96W

28N 89W 25N 96W

28N 91W

Probabilities are not issued for the west coast of the continental United

States, Hawaii, and the Territory of Guam and Micronesia.

3.2.6. Tropical Cyclone Updates. Tropical cyclone updates are brief statements in lieu of

or preceding special forecasts to inform of significant changes in a tropical cyclone, or to post or

cancel watches and warnings.

3.2.7. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Tropical Cyclone Position Estimates. The hurricane

centers may issue a position estimate between scheduled advisories/forecasts whenever the storm

center is within 200 nm of a U.S. land-based radar and sufficient and regular radar reports are
3-5

available to the center. 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. Storm Summaries. Storm summaries are written by the Hydrometeorological

Prediction Center (HPC) after subtropical and tropical cyclones have moved inland and tropical

cyclone public advisories and tropical cyclone forecast/advisories have been discontinued. Storm

summaries shall continue to be numbered in sequence with tropical cyclone public advisories on

named storms. Also, these storm summaries will reference the former storm's name and be issued as

long as the remnants of the storm pose a serious hydrometeorological threat.

3.2.10. Tropical Weather Discussion. 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 32EN in both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific

east of 140EW. Plain language is used.

3.2.11. Tropical Disturbance Rainfall Estimates. As required, the NHC/CPHC will issue

satellite-based rainfall estimates for tropical disturbances and tropical cyclones within 36 hours of

forecasted landfall.

3.2.12. Satellite Interpretation Message. CPHC issues these messages four times a day to

describe synoptic features and significant weather areas. FAA contractions are used.

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 strength, it shall be named

and the depression number dropped, not to be used again until the following year.

3.3.1.1. Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Depression numbers, ONE,

TWO, THREE, will be assigned by the NHC after advising the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and

Oceanography Center (NAVLANTMETOCCEN) Norfolk.

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

ONE-E, TWO-E, THREE-E, will be assigned by the NHC after advising the Naval Pacific

Meteorology and Oceanography Center (NAVPACMETOCCEN), Pearl Harbor. The assigned

identifier shall be retained even if the depression passes into another warning area.
3-6

3.3.1.3. Pacific West of 140EW and East of 180E. Depression numbers, with suffix

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

NAVPACMETOCCEN, Pearl Harbor.

3.3.1.4. Pacific West of 180E and North of 0E. Depression numbers, with suffix W;

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

3.3.1.5. Subtropical Depressions. The numbering of subtropical cyclones shall

follow the same procedure as above except a separate consecutive numbering sequence beginning

with "ONE" shall be used for subtropical depressions and continues in effect if the system strengthens

into a subtropical storm.

3.3.2. Naming of Tropical and Subtropical Storms and Hurricanes.

3.3.2.1. Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. Once the depression has reached tropical

storm strength, it shall be named and the depression number will be dropped. If a subtropical cyclone

becomes a tropical storm or hurricane, it receives the next available name in the tropical storm naming

sequence. A different set of names will be used each year. After a set is used, it will drop to the end

of the list to be used again in 6 years. Names of significant hurricanes will be retired and replaced.

Lists of Atlantic and Eastern Pacific names are provided in Tables 3-2 and 3-3, respectively.

3.3.2.2. Central Pacific. When a tropical depression intensifies into a tropical storm

or hurricane between 140EW and 180E, the depression number will be discontinued and replaced by

an appropriate name. The CPHC will select the name from the list of Central Pacific names in Table

3-4. All of the names listed in each column, beginning with column 1, will be used before going on

to the next column.

3.3.2.3. Western Pacific. For the Pacific west of 180E, tropical storms and typhoons

are named by JTWC, Guam. The names listed in Table 3-5 are for information only.

3.4. Transfer of Warning Responsibility.

3.4.1. NHC to CPHC. When a tropical or subtropical cyclone approaches 140EW, the

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

advisory issued.

3.4.2. CPHC to JTWC. When a tropical or subtropical cyclone crosses 180Efrom east to

west, the coordinated transfer of warning responsibility from CPHC to JTWC through

NAVPACMETOCCEN, Pearl Harbor, will be made and the appropriate advisory issued.

3.4.3. JTWC to CPHC. When a tropical or subtropical cyclone crosses 180E from west to

east, the coordinated transfer of warning responsibility from JTWC to CPHC will be made through

NAVPACMETOCCEN, Pearl Harbor. The JTWC will append the statement, "Next advisory by

CPHC-HNL" to their last advisory.
 3-7

Table 3-2. Atlantic tropical cyclone names

1997 1998 1999

ANA ALEX ARLENE

BILL BONNIE BRET

CLAUDETTE claw-DET CHARLEY CINDY

DANNY DANIELLE dan-YELL DENNIS

ERIKA ERR-ree-ka EARL EMILY

FABIAN FAY-bee-in FRANCES FLOYD

GRACE GEORGES ZHORZH GERT

HENRI ahn-REE HERMINE her-MEEN HARVEY

ISABEL IS-a-bell IVAN eye-van IRENE

JUAN WAN JEANNE JEEN JOSE ho-ZAY

KATE KARL KATRINA ka-TREE-na

LARRY LISA LEE-sa LENNY

MINDY MITCH MARIA ma-REEH-ah

NICHOLAS NIK-o-las NICOLE ni-COLE NATE

ODETTE o-DET OTTO OPHELIA o-FEEL-ya

PETER PAULA PHILIPPE fe-LEEP

ROSE RICHARD RICH-erd RITA

SAM SHARY SHA-ree STAN

TERESA te-REE-sa TOMAS to-MAS TAMMY

VICTOR VIC-ter VIRGINIE vir-JIN-ee VINCE

WANDA WALTER WILMA

2000 2001 2002

ALBERTO al-BAIR-to ALLISON ARTHUR

BERYL BER-ril BARRY BERTHA BUR-tha

CHRIS CHANTAL shan-TAHL CESAR say-ZAR

DEBBY DEAN DOLLY

ERNESTO er-NES-toe ERIN AIR-in EDOUARD eh-DWARD

FLORENCE FELIX FEEL-ix FRAN

GORDON GABRIELLE gay-bree-EL GUSTAV GOO-stahv

HELENE he-LEEN HUMBERTO oom-BAIR-to HORTENSE HOR-tense

ISAAC EYE-sak IRIS EYE-ris ISIDORE IS-i-door

JOYCE JERRY JOSEPHINE JO-ze-feen

KEITH KAREN KYLE

LESLIE LORENZO LILI LIL-ee

MICHAEL MIKE-el MICHELLE MARCO

NADINE nay-DEEN NOEL NANA NAN-uh

OSCAR OLGA OMAR

PATTY PABLO PA-blow PALOMA pa-LOW-ma

RAFAEL ra-fa-EL REBEKAH RENE re-NAY

SANDY SEBASTIEN say-BAS-tyan SALLY

TONY TANYA TAHN-ya TEDDY

VALERIE VAN VICKY

WILLIAM WENDY WILFRED

If over 21 tropical cyclones occur in a year, the Greek alphabet will be used following the W-named cyclone.
 3-8

Table 3-3. Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone names

1997 1998 1999

ANDRES ahn DRASE AGATHA ADRIAN

BLANCA BLAHN kah BLAS BEATRIZ BEE a triz

CARLOS CELIA CALVIN

DOLORES DARBY DORA

ENRIQUE anh REE kay ESTELLE EUGENE

FELICIA fa LEE sha FRANK FERNANDA fer NAN dah

GUILLERMO gee YER mo GEORGETTE GREG

HILDA HOWARD HILARY

IGNACIO eeg NAH cio ISIS EYE sis IRWIN

JIMENA he MAY na JAVIER ha VEEAIR JOVA HO vah

KEVIN KAY KENNETH

LINDA LESTER LIDIA

MARTY MADELINE MAX

NORA NEWTON NORMA

OLAF OH lahf ORLENE or LEAN OTIS

PAULINE PAINE PILAR

RICK ROSLYN RAMON rah MONE

SANDRA SEYMOUR SELMA

TERRY TINA TODD

VIVIAN VIRGIL VERONICA

WALDO WINIFRED WILEY

XINA ZEE nah XAVIER ZAY vier XINA ZEE nah

YORK YOLANDA yo LAHN da YORK

ZELDA ZEL dah ZEKE ZELDA ZEL dah

2000 2001 2002

ALETTA ah LET ah ADOLPH ALMA AL mah

BUD BARBARA BORIS

CARLOTTA COSME COS may CRISTINA

DANIEL DALILA DOUGLAS

EMILIA ee MILL ya ERICK ELIDA ELL ee dah

FABIO FAH bee o FLOSSIE FAUSTO FOW sto

GILMA GIL mah GIL GENEVIEVE

HECTOR HENRIETTE hen ree ETT HERNAN her NAHN

ILEANA ill ay AH nah ISRAEL ISELLE ee SELL

JOHN JULIETTE JULIO HOO lee o

KRISTY KIKO KEE ko KENNA

LANE LORENA low RAY na LOWELL

MIRIAM MANUEL mahn WELL MARIE

NORMAN NARDA NORBERT

OLIVIA OCTAVE AHK tave ODILE oh DEAL

PAUL PRISCILLA POLO

ROSA RAYMOND RACHEL

SERGIO SIR gee oh SONIA SONE yah SIMON

TARA TICO TEE koh TRUDY

VICENTE vee CEN tay VELMA VANCE

WILLA WALLIS WINNIE

XAVIER ZAY vier XINA ZEE nah XAVIER ZAY vier

YOLANDA yo LAHN da YORK YOLANDA yo LAHN da

ZEKE ZELDA ZEL dah ZEKE

If over 24 tropical cyclones occur in a year, the Greek alphabet will be used following ZEKE or ZELDA.
 3-9

Table 3-4. Central Pacific tropical cyclone names

COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 3 COLUMN 4

Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation

AKONI ah-KOH-nee AKA AH-kah ALIKA ah-LEE-kah ANA AH-nah

EMA EH-mah EKEKA eh-KEH-kak ELE EH-leh ELA EH-lah

HANA HAH-nah HALI HAH-lee HUKO HOO-koh HALOLA hah-LOH-lah

IO EE-oo IOLANA ee-OH-lah-nah IOKE ee-OH-keh IUNE ee-OO-neh

KELI KEH-lee KEONI keh-ON-nee KIKA KEE-kah KIMO KEE-moh

LALA LAH-lah LI LEE LANA LAH-nah LOKE LOH-keh

MOKE MOH-keh MELE MEH-leh MAKA MAH-kah MALIA mah-LEE-ah

NELE NEH-leh NONA NOH-nah NEKI NEH-kee NIALA nee-AH-lah

OKA OH-kah OLIWA oh-LEE-vah OLEKA oh-LEH-kah OKO OH-koh

PEKE PEH-keh PAKA PAH-kah PENI PEH-nee PALI PAH-lee

ULEKI oo-LEH-kee UPANA oo-PAH-nah ULIA oo-LEE-ah ULIKA oo-LEE-kah

WILA VEE-lah WENE WEH-neh 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.

Table 3-5. Western Pacific tropical cyclone names

COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 3 COLUMN 4

ANN AN ABEL A-bel AMBER AM-ber ALEX AL-x

BART BART BETH BETH BING BING BABS BABS

CAM KAM CARLO KAR-lo CASS KASS CHIP CHIP

DAN DAN DALE DAY-l DAVID DAY-vid DAWN DAWN

EVE EEV ERNIE ER-nee ELLA EL-lah ELVIS EL-vis

FRANKIE FRANK-ee FERN FERN FRITZ FRITZ FAITH FAITH

GLORIA GLOR-ee-uh GREG GREG GINGER JIN-jer GIL GIL

HERB HERB HANNAH HAN-ah HANK HANK HILDA HIL-dah

IAN EE-an ISA EE-sah IVAN I-van IRIS I-ris

JOY JOY JIMMY JIM-ee JOAN JOAN JACOB JAY-kob

KIRK KIRK KELLY KEL-ee KEITH KEETH KATE KATE

LISA LEE-sah LEVI LEE-vi LINDA LIN-dah LEO LEE-o

MARTY MAR-tee MARIE ma-REE MORT MORT MAGGIE MAG-ee

NIKI NI-kee NESTOR NES-tor NICHOLE nik-KOL NEIL NEEL

ORSON OR-son OPAL O-pel OTTO OT-tow OLGA OL-gah

PIPER PI-per PETER PEE-ter PENNY PEN-ee PAUL PAUL

RICK RICK ROSIE RO-zee REX REX RACHEL RAY-chel

SALLY SAL-lee SCOTT SCOTT STELLA STEL-lah SAM SAM

TOM TOM TINA TEE-nah TODD TODD TANYA TAHN-yah

VIOLET VI-uh-let VICTOR vik-TOR VICKI VIK-ee VIRGIL VER-jil

WILLIE WIL-lee WINNIE WIN-ee WALDO WAL-doh WENDY WEN-dee

YATES YATES YULE YOU-lee YANNI YAN-nee YORK YORK

ZANE ZANE ZITA ZEE-tah ZEB ZEB ZIA ZEE-uh

Pronunciation Pronunciation Pronunciation Pronunciation

NOTE: Names will be assigned in rotation, alphabetically, starting with ANN for the first tropical cyclone of

1996. When the last name in Column 4 (ZIA) has been used, the sequence will begin again with the first name

in Column 1 (ANN).
 3-10

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

NHC National Centers for Environmental Prediction

Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)

Camp Springs, MD

CPHC NHC

CARCAH 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS)

JTWC NAVPACMETOCCEN

3.5.2. Notification. The NAVLANTMETOCCEN, Norfolk, and NAVPACMETOCCEN,

Pearl Harbor, will be advised by NHC, CARCAH, and CPHC, as appropriate, of impending or actual

transfer of responsibility by the most rapid means available. The NAVPACMETOCCEN, Pearl

Harbor, will advise CPHC and NHC of impending or actual transfer of JTWC responsibilities. In the

event of an operational failure of CARCAH, direct communication is authorized between 53 WRS

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

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

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 communication procedures.

[NOTE: 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: WTNT31 KNHC 180400.]
 3-11

Abbreviated communication headers for the areas of responsibility follow:

3.6.1. Atlantic.

ABNT20 KNHC Tropical Weather Outlook

ABNT30 KNHC Tropical Weather Summary (monthly)

WTNT41-45 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Discussion

WTNT31-35 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory

WTNT21-25 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory

WTNT71-75 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Strike Probabilities

WTNT61 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Update

WTNT51 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate

WONT41 KNHC Special Tropical Disturbance Statement

3.6.2. Pacific.

 3.6.2.1. Advisories. All advisories on hurricanes, tropical storms, and

depressions are under WT abbreviated headings, as follows:

ABPZ30 KNHC Tropical Weather Outlook

ABPA30 PHNL Tropical Weather Summary (monthly)

TYPS10 PHNL Southern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclone Summary

WTPZ21-25 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory

WTPA21-25 PHNL Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory

WTPZ31-35 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory

WTPA31-35 PHNL Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory

WTPQ31-35 PGUM Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory
 3-12

3.6.2.2. 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.

ABPA20 PHNL Tropical Weather Summary (monthly)

ABPZ20 KNHC Tropical Weather Outlook

WTPZ41-45 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Discussion

WTPA41-45 PHNL Tropical Cyclone Discussion

WTPZ51 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate

WTPA51 PHNL Tropical Cyclone Position Estimate

WTPZ61 KNHC Tropical Cyclone Update

WTPA61 PHNL Tropical Cyclone Update

WOPZ41 KNHC Special Tropical Disturbance Statement

WOPA41 PHNL Special Tropical Disturbance Statement

FXUS01 KWBC 1 - 2 Day Discussion

FXUS02 KWBC 3 - 5 Day Forecast

FXUS04 KWBC Precipitation Discussion
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 National Hurricane Center (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 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 Automatic Digital Weather Switch (ADWS) hub at

Tinker AFB, OK, 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 NHC and CPHC. The public advisory from the NWS Forecast Office Tiyan, Guam, will

be issued at the same time. 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:

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

Conditions require a hurricane or tropical storm watch or warning to be issued.
4-2

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.]

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

issued by the NHC and CPHC will contain appropriate information as shown in Figure 4-1. Tropical

cyclone public advisories issued by the NWS Forecast Office, Tiyan, Guam, will contain appropriate

information as shown in Figure 4-2. The forecast will contain 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72-hour forecast

positions. A code string is appended at the end of the line "NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

MIAMI FL." This is the Automated Tropical Cyclone System (ATCF) Storm Identification

Character String recognized by the WMO for tracking and verification of tropical cyclones. The

ATCF storm identifier is three spaces after "FL" and uses the format below.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL BSNOYR

where: BS is the basin (AL, EP, or CP)

NO is the storm number (01, 02, 03,...99)

YR is the last two digits of the year.

4.3.4. Numbering of Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisories. All tropical cyclone

forecast/advisories will be numbered sequentially; e.g.,

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
4-3

ZCZC NHCTCMAT3 ALL

TTAAOO KNHC DDHHMM

HURRICANE BOB FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 12

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL AL0291

2200Z SUN AUG 18 1991

AT 6 PM EDT...HURRICANE WARNINGS ARE EXTENDED NORTH AND EASTWARD

FROM CAPE HENLOPEN DELAWARE THROUGH PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS. THE

WARNING AREA INCLUDES LONG ISLAND...LONG ISLAND SOUND...CONNECTICUT

EAST OF NEW HAVEN...AND CAPE COD. HURRICANE WARNINGS NOW EXTEND

FROM LITTLE RIVER INLET NORTH CAROLINA TO PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS.

TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ARE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE DELAWARE BAY...AND

CONTINUE FOR THE LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY SOUTH OF THE MOUTH OF PATUXENT

RIVER INCLUDING THE GREATER NORFOLK AREA. A HURRICANE WATCH IS ALSO

ISSUED NORTHWARD FROM PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS THROUGH EASTPORT MAINE.

CENTER LOCATED NEAR 33.9N 76.0W AT 18/2200Z

POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN 20NM

CURRENT MOTION TOWARD THE NORTH OR 010 DEGREES AT 16 KT

SYNOPTIC CENTER LOCATED NEAR 33.6N 75.9W AT 18/1800Z

DIAMETER OF EYE 20NM

MAX WNDS 100KT...GUSTS 120 KT

64 KT......100NE 100SE 25SW 25NW WIND RADII IN NM

50 KT......125NE 125SE 50SW 50NW

34 KT......150NE 150SE 75SW 75NW

12 FT SEAS 150NE 150SE 75SW 75NW

FORECAST VALID 19/0600Z 36.5N 74.5W

MAX WND 100 KT...GUSTS 120 KT

64 KT...100NE 100SE 25SW 25NW

50 KT...125NE 125SE 50SW 50NW

34 KT...150NE 150SE 75SW 75NW

FORECAST VALID 19/1800Z 41.0N 71.0W

MAX WND 100 KT...GUSTS 120 KT

64 KT...100NE 100SE 25SW 25NW

50 KT...125NE 125SE 50SW 50NW

34 KT...150NE 150SE 75SW 75NW

FORECAST VALID 20/0600Z 46.0N 66.0W

MAX WND 90 KT...GUSTS 105 KT

64 KT... 75NE 75SE 25SW 25NW

50 KT...125NE 125SE 50SW 50NW

34 KT...150NE 150SE 75SW 75NW

STORM SURGE OF 4 TO 7 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE IS POSSIBLE IN THE

WARNED AREA OF NORTH CAROLINA AND 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE REMAINDER OF

THE WARNED AREA. IN ADDITION...LARGE WAVES WITH BEACH EROSION WILL

BE EXPERIENCED IN THE WARNED AREAS.

REQUEST FOR 3 HOURLY SHIP REPORTS WITHIN 300 MILES OF 33.9N 76.0W

EXTENDED OUTLOOK...USE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY...ERRORS MAY BE LARGE

OUTLOOK VALID 20/1800Z 50.5N 60.0W

MAX WNDS 70 KT...GUSTS 85 KT

50 KT...125NE 125SE 50SW 50NW

OUTLOOK VALID 21/1800Z 56.0N 47.0W

MAX WNDS 60 KT...GUSTS 75 KT

50 KT...125NE 125SE 50SW 50NW

NEXT ADVISORY AT 19/0300Z

Figure 4-1. Tropical cyclone forecast/advisory format
4-4

WTPQ31 PGUM 070500

BULLETIN

TYPHOON DALE PUBLIC ADVISORY NUMBER 20

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TIYAN GUAM

300 PM LST THU NOV 07 1996

...A TYPHOON WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR GUAM AND ROTA..

...A TYPHOON WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR TINIAN AND SAIPAN...

...A TYPHOON WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR ULITHI

AT 1 PM GUAM TIME...TYPHOON DALE AS LOCATED NEAR 11.2N 147.5E OR ABOUT 235 STATUTE MILES

SOUTHEAST OF GUAM AND 250 STATUTE MILES SOUTHEAST OF ROTA... AND ABOUT 300 STATUTE MILES

SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF SAIPAN.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS WERE 75 MPH WITH GUSTS 90 MPH NEAR THE CENTER OF DALE. TYPHOON

DALE IS MOVING WEST AT 10 MPH WHICH IS SLIGHTLY SLOWER THAN EARLIER MOVEMENT.

TYPHOON DALE IS FORECAST TO PASS SOUTH OF GUAM FRIDAY MORNING BRINGING DESTRUCTIVE

WINDS TO GUAM FROM 1 AM FRIDAY THROUGH 7 AM FRIDAY. CLOSEST POINT OF APPROACH TO GUAM IS

NOW EXPECTED AT 5 AM FRIDAY MORNING WHEN TYPHOON DALE PASSES 115 STATUTE MILES SOUTH

OF GUAM. ALTHOUGH TYPHOON DALE IS NOW FORECAST TO PASS FURTHER SOUTH THAN PREVIOUSLY

EXPECTED...SATELLITE DATA INDICATES THE 60 MPH WINDS HAVE EXPANDED OUTWARD FROM THE

CENTER AND HENCE WILL STILL AFFECT GUAM. CLOUDY SKIES WITH HEAVY SHOWERS AND

THUNDERSHOWERS CAN BE EXPECTED ON ALL ISLANDS FROM GUAM NORTHWARD TO SAIPAN.

FORECAST FOR GUAM...

THIS AFTERNOON...WINDS NORTHEAST 25 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH.

TONIGHT...WINDS NORTHEAST 30 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH INCREASING TO 50 TO 60 MPH WITH

GUSTS TO 75 MPH AFTER 1 AM. MAXIMUM WINDS WILL BE EASTERLY 60 TO 65 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 85

MPH AS DALE MAKES IT CLOSEST POINT OF APPROACH. .FRIDAY...WINDS SOUTHEAST SLOWLY

DECREASING TO 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

FORECAST FOR ROTA...

THIS AFTERNOON WINDS NORTHEAST 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH.

TONIGHT WINDS NORTHEAST 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH. MAXIMUM WINDS EAST 45 TO 50

MPH WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH EARLY FRIDAY MORNING AS DALE PASSES SOUTH OF ROTA.

FRIDAY WINDS SOUTHEAST SLOWLY DECREASING TO 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH FRIDAY

AFTERNOON.

CIVIL DEFENSE OFFICIALS URGE ALL RESIDENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM BEACHES AND REEFS DUE TO

VERY HAZARDOUS SURF CONDITIONS AND STRONG TREACHEROUS CURRENTS. GUAM WILL BE

PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO HIGH SURF ESPECIALLY ON NORTHEAST THROUGH SOUTHEAST

EXPOSURES. SEAS VERY ROUGH 13 TO 15 FEET WITH SURF VERY HAZARDOUS 14 TO 20 FEET. LOW

LEVEL FLOODING ALONG SHORELINE ROADS ARE EXPECTED DUE TO HIGH SEAS AND SURF. 

RESIDENTS OF THE MARIANAS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR OFFICIAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

BULLETINS AND STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO AND LOCAL MEDIA SOURCES FOR UPDATED

INFORMATION. ON GUAM NOAA WEATHER RADIO IS BROADCAST ON 162.4 MEGAHERTZ AND AVAILABLE

BY DIALING 711 OR 477-2991.

THE NEXT SCHEDULED BULLETIN WILL ISSUED AT 8 PM THURSDAY GUAM TIME OR SOONER IF

NECESSARY.

Figure 4-2. Tropical cyclone public advisory format
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 C), DOC has identified a

requirement for, and the Department of Defense (DOD) maintains aircraft to support, up to five

sorties per day (see Figure 5-1). Requirements exceeding five sorties will be accomplished on a

"resources-permitting" basis. Congress has directed the DOD to fund an AFRC flying hour program

of 1600 hours in support of hurricane reconnaissance coverage. In times of national emergency or

war, some or all DOD reconnaissance resources may not be available to fulfill DOC needs.

5.2. Responsibilities.

5.2.1. DOD. The DOD, through AFRC's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS)

is responsible for:

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

missions, and investigative flights in response to DOC needs.

• 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.

5.2.3 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. It should 
5-2

Figure 5-1. WC-130 Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft

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

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

be noted that more expeditious handling of reconnaissance aircraft will result by following the

procedures outlined in the FAA/AFRC/NOAA Letter of Agreement (LOA) entitled, Meteorological

Reconnaissance Flights, and the AFRC/NOAA LOA, as found in Appendix C.

[NOTE: These LOAs are currently being updated to include the National Aeronautics and Space

Administration (NASA) to reflect NASA's participation in multiagency research efforts to improve

the tropical cyclone warning system.] 

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.
5-4

• 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.

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

• Wind profile data for surface and flight level.

• 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 lEC.

• Flight level: within lEC.
5-5

5.4.2.6. Dew-Point Temperature.

• From -20EC to +40EC: within lEC.

• Less than -20EC: within 3EC.

5.4.2.7. Absolute Altitude: Within 10 m.

5.4.2.8. Vertical Sounding.

• Pressure: within 2 hPa.

• Temperature: within 1EC.

• Dew-point temperature:

From -20EC to +40EC: within lEC.

Less than -20EC: within 3EC.

• Wind direction: within 10 deg.

Wind speed: within 5 kt.

[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 time, latitude, longitude, pressure altitude, D-value, radar altitude, peak winds, flight-level

wind speed and direction, temperature, and dew-point temperature. 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

contact CARCAH immediately to determine whether a backup aircraft is required and available.

5.4.4. Synoptic Surveillance Data Requirements. When required, the NHC will request

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

States. The NHC and HRD will coordinate to provide specific tracks including control points,

control times and dropwindsonde frequency allocations to Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance

Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) for coordination with the reconnaissance units.

5.4.5. Required Frequency and Content of Observations. Requirements, where applicable,

are summarized in Table 5-1.

5.4.5.1. Horizontal Observations. Standard RECCO Section 1, plus 4ddff and

9VTTT, if applicable, (9-groups are not required for WC-130s). The format is as specified in

Appendix G of the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP).

• En route. Horizontal observations will be taken and transmitted

approximately every 30 minutes. If an automated system is not in use, encode observations every 15

minutes when over water within 15 degrees of the tasked coordinates, and transmit hourly.
 SVD = Supplementary Vortex Data 1

 DVDM = Detailed Vortex Data Message 2

 AVDM = Abbreviated Vortex Data Message 3

5-6

• Fix Missions. A horizontal observation is required at the end point of

each Alpha pattern leg. If HD/HA data are not available, then one additional horizontal observation

is required midway between the outbound leg and inbound leg of the Alpha pattern.

• Invest Missions. A horizontal observation is required every 15 minutes

and at major turn points.

Table 5-1. Requirement for aircraft reconnaissance data

RECCO VORTEX SVD VERTICAL 1

EN ROUTE Approximately every NA NA Every 400 nm while

30 minutes while over over water

water.

INVEST Every 15 minutes and After closing the NA NA

major turn points. circulation.

FIX At the end points of Tasked: Two per mission. Each scheduled fix

Alpha pattern legs. DVDM at 700 mb and

(non HD/HA) (non HD/HA) above, and as

At end points and Intermediate: tasked.

midway between AVDM One per fix. Others at crew 

outbound and inbound or DVDM discretion.

legs.

2

3

5.4.5.2. HD/HA Data. HD/HA data are collected every 30 seconds, organized into

a HDOB message with a 30-second, 1-minute, or 2-minute data encoding interval and transmitted

to NHC. See Appendix G for the WC-130 HD/HA data message formats.

5.4.5.3. Vortex and Supplemental Vortex Observations. Vortex and supplemental

vortex observations are collected, encoded, and transmitted in accordance with NHOP pattern

requirements (see para 5.8). See Figures 5-4 and 5-5; see Table 5-2 for data formats.

5.4.5.4. Vertical Observations. The frequency of vertical observations en route to

and from the storm or invest area will be approximately every 400 nm over water, unless otherwise

specified. Center dropwindsonde data will be provided for scheduled fixes made at 700 hPa or above.

The format for all vertical observations is WMO TEMP DROP code (FM 37-VII). See Appendix

G for the format.
5-7

5.5. Reconnaissance Planning and Flight Notification.

5.5.1. DOC Requests for Aircraft Reconnaissance Data.

5.5.1.1. Coordination. The National Hurricane Center (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 5-6.

Amendments will be provided as required. 

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

Figure 5-6, CARCAH will publish the Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day (TCPOD). The format for

the TCPOD is shown in Figure 5-7. When DOC reconnaissance needs exceed DOD and DOC

resources, CARCAH will coordinate with the NHC to establish priorities of requirements.

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 55EW 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.

< One synoptic surveillance mission per 24-hour period for potentially

landfalling storms.

• 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 OB

(ABBREVIATED) (DETAILED) VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

A Z DATE AND TIME OF FIX

B

DEG MIN N S LATITUDE OF VORTEX FIX

DEG MIN E W LONGITUDE OF VORTEX FIX

C MB M MINIMUM HEIGHT AT STANDARD LEVEL

D KT ESTIMATE OF MAXIMUM SURFACE WIND OBSERVED

E DEG NM BEARING AND RANGE FROM CENTER OF MAXIMUM SURFACE WIND

F DEG KT MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL WIND NEAR CENTER

G DEG NM BEARING AND RANGE FROM CENTER OF MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL WIND

H MB MINIMUM SEA LEVEL PRESSURE COMPUTED FROM DROPSONDE OR EXTRAPOLATED

FROM FLIGHT LEVEL. IF EXTRAPOLATED, CLARIFY IN REMARKS.

I C/ M MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL TEMP/PRESSURE ALTITUDE OUTSIDE EYE

J C/ M MAXIMUM FLIGHT LEVEL TEMP/PRESSURE ALTITUDE INSIDE EYE

K C/ C 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

DEG MIN N S CONFIRMATION OF FIX: Coordinates and time

DEG MIN E W

Z

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

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

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

7 - 700 mb; 5 - 500 mb; 4 - 400 mb; 3 - 300 mb; 2 - 200 mb; NA - Other.

P  ́ NM NAVIGATION FIX ACCURACY/METEOROLOGICAL ACCURACY

Q REMARKS

 MAX FL WIND_________________KT_________QUAD_____________________________Z

 SLP EXTRAP FROM (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 for scheduled fixes and at the ARWO's discretion for unscheduled (intermediate) fixes.

Figure 5-4. Vortex data message worksheet
5-9

SUPPLEMENTARY VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

WX MISSION ID OB

 

SUPPLEMENTARY VORTEX DATA MESSAGE LEGEND

(L L L ) (L L L L ) (jHHH) (TTT T ) (ddfff) a a a

01 1 1 1

o o o o d d

01 INDICATOR FOR DATA COLLECTED

APPROXIMATELY 105 NM FROM STORM

CENTER (INBOUND) OR APPROXIMATELY 15 NM FROM CENTER (OUTBOUND)

OTHER INDICATORS (02/2, 03/3...) FOR

DATA AT APPROXIMATELY 15 NM INTERVALS INBOUND OR OUTBOUND FROM 

STORM CENTER. INDICATORS MAY BE

EXPANDED BEYOND 07(08,09...) AS

NECESSARY AT APPROXIMATELY 15NM

INTERVALS.

MF = INDICATOR FOR MAXIMUM FLIGHT

 LEVEL WIND OBSERVED

fff = SPEED OF WIND IN KNOTS

dd = TRUE DIRECTION OF FLIGHT LEVEL

 WIND SPEED IN TENS OF DEGREES

02 2 2 2

03 3 3 3

04 4 4 4

05 5 5 5

06 6 6 6

07 7 7 7

(L L L ) (L L L L ) (fff) MF a a a M MF o o o o

OBS 01 AT: OBS 01 SFC WND: Z OBS AT Z

(L L L ) (L L L L ) (jHHH) (TTT T ) (ddfff) a a a 01 1 1 1 TTT T = TEMP/DEWPOINT IN DEGREES o o o o d d

d d

 CELSIUS: ADD 50 FOR NEGA-

 TIVE VALUES

jHHH = PRESSURE HEIGHT DATA IN RECCO

 FORMAT

LaLaLa = LATITUDE IN DEGREES/TENTHS

L L L L = LONGITUDE IN DEGREES/ o o o o

 TENTHS

/ = DATA UNKNOWN/UNOBTAINABLE

02 2 2 2

03 3 3 3

04 4 4 4

05 5 5 5

06 6 6 6

07 7 7 7

(L L L ) (L L L L ) (fff) a a a

MF M MF

o o o o

OBS 01 AT: OBS 07 SFC WND:

 Z OBS AT Z

REMARKS (end of message)

Figure 5-5. Supplementary vortex data message
5-10

Table 5-2. Vortex data message entry explanation

 

 DATA ITEM ENTRY

MISSION IDENTIFIER As determined in Chapter 5, paragraph 5.7.6.

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

the observation is transmitted from the aircraft.

(ABBREVIATED) An abbreviated message has at least item ALPHA (DETAILED)

VORTEX through GOLF, item HOTEL (when extrapolated DATA

MESSAGE from flight level) and a maximum flight level wind remark in item

QUEBEC.

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 center in item QUEBEC, 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.

 
5-11

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 item

QUEBEC 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.

 
5-12

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) Flight level center coordinates (same as item BRAVO).

O (OSCAR) 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.

P (PAPA) 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.

Q (QUEBEC) 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 method of

deriving the central SLP when extrapolated; and (4) the bearing

and range of the surface center and/or maximum flight level

temperature if not within 5 nm of the flight level center.

 
5-13

NHOP COORDINATED REQUEST FOR AIRCRAFT RECONNAISSANCE

__ Original

__ Amendment

 (Check One)

 I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS

 STORM NAME

 DEPRESSION #

 SUSPECT AREA

FIX OR ON

STATION

TIME

COORDINATESFLIGHT

PATTERN

FCST

MVMT

NHC

PRIORITY

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK ___________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 REMARKS 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 II. CENTRAL PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS

 STORM NAME

 DEPRESSION #

 SUSPECT AREA

FIX OR ON

STATION

TIME

COORDINATESFLIGHT

PATTERN

FCST

MVMT

NHC

PRIORITY

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK ___________________________________________________________________ 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 REMARKS 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

 (Resources permitting if applicable)

 __________________________Z

B. __________________________ MISSION IDENTIFIER

C. __________________________Z DEPARTURE LOCATION/TIME

D. __________________________ FORECAST POSITION

E. __________________________ DESTINATION

F. __________________________Z TIME ON STATION

G. __________________________ ALTITUDE(S) ON STATION

H. __________________________ 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. CENTRAL 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 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 NHC and CPHC

directors have authority to declare an emergency.

5.5.3. Reconnaissance Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day.

5.5.3.1. Preparation. The CARCAH will coordinate the TCPOD (Figure 5-7) 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.

• The CARCAH will coordinate the TCPOD with NHC, the 53 WRS, and

NOAA AOC before publication.

• The TCPOD will list all DOC and DOD required tropical and subtropical

cyclone reconnaissance operational missions and coordinated research missions. The remarks section

of the TCPOD will include appropriate comments whenever research and operational flights overlap.

• The DOD-required tropical or subtropical cyclone reconnaissance

missions in the Atlantic or the Pacific west to 180E 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 AFOS users and under

"NOUS42 KNHC: for AFMEDS/AWDS users. The TCPOD can also be seen on the Internet at

www.hurricanehunters.com/wxdata.htm and clicking on Plan of the Day.]

5.5.4. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances. 

5.5.4.1. Air Traffic Control Clearances. Flight plans for reconnaissance and

research flights shall be filed with the FAA as soon as practicable before departure time. 

5.5.4.2. Prior Coordination. The 53 WRS Current Operations/mission commander

and participating research aircraft mission representatives will contact the FAA Air Traffic Control

System Command Center (ATCSCC) at (703) 904-4525 prior to departure and relay the following

data:

• Mission call-sign.

• Departure point and estimated time of departure.

• Approximate route to be flown.

• Requested altitude(s).

• Any special requests.

The ATCSCC will then coordinate with all impacted FAA facilities.

5.5.4.3. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Separation. ATC will provide separation

between all aircraft on instrument flight rules in other than Class G airspace. Nonparticipating aircraft

may be operating near storm areas; therefore, adherence to ATC clearances is mandatory for safety.

When appropriate, military pilots shall clearly state to ATC that a segment of flight will be conducted

under the provisions of "due regard."

5.5.4.4. Assigned Altitudes. When storm aircraft are unable to maintain assigned

altitudes due to turbulence, ATC shall be advised. When deviation from assigned altitude is required,

the pilot shall coordinate with ATC and obtain a clearance prior to changing altitudes. When

numerous changes in altitude will be required, the pilot should request a "block altitude" clearance

from ATC. Any deviations from ATC clearance shall first be coordinated with the appropriate ATC

facility.
5-17

5.5.4.5. Release of Dropsondes. When operationally feasible, dropsonde releases

shall be coordinated with the appropriate ATC facility and with participating aircraft at least 10

minutes prior to sensor release. Contact between participating aircraft will be made using the

frequencies listed in paragraph 5.9.3.

5.5.4.6. ATC Communications Backup. Those TEAL aircraft that have the

capability to communicate digitally may use CARCAH for communications relay with ATC when

voice communications are either unavailable or unusable. This capability should only be used to

preclude an emergency or other safety related situations.

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.]

5.6.1.2. Tropical Cyclone Investigative Missions. 

• ON-TIME. An observation must be taken within 250 nm of the specified

coordinates by the scheduled time.
5-18

• 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 250 nm of the specified

coordinates by the scheduled time plus 2 hours.

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 parameters listed in para A. above are not satisfied.

5.6.2. Mission Assessment. The NHC or CPHC will provide CARCAH a written assessment

of the reconnaissance mission anytime its timeliness or quality is outstanding or substandard (see

Figure 5-8). 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 missions actually flown to satisfy NHC-levied requirements. 

5.7. Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Encoding, Reporting, and Coordination. 

5.7.1. Vortex Data. The detailed vortex data message (Figure 5-4) will be prepared with all

observed vortex fix information for all scheduled fixes. For intermediate fixes, either an abbreviated

or detailed vortex data message (AVDM or DVDM) may be transmitted, depending upon availability

of information and forecaster requirements.

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. All aircraft radar fix reports will be made in plain text and appended to a

RECCO observation taken at fix time or to a supplementary vortex data message completed up to

the time of the radar fix, e.g., RADAR CENTER FIX 21.5N 83.0W, POOR RADAR

PRESENTATION, NAV ACCURACY 5Nm. The remark stating the type of radar fix and quality

of the radar presentation is in accordance with Chapter 7, paragraph 7.3.3.

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 encoded and reported

as specified in Table 5-1.
5-19

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
 AF plus last 3 digits of tail number 1

 NOAA, plus last digit of aircraft registration number 2

 A=Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico, C=Central Pacific, W=Western Pacific 3

5-20

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.

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.

5.7.6. Mission Identifier. Regular weather and hurricane reconnaissance messages will

include the five-digit agency/aircraft indicator followed by the CARCAH-assigned mission/stormsystem indicator. Elements of the mission identifier follow:

Agency/Aircraft Mission Storm System Indicator

Agency + Aircraft Sequential Depression number Location Storm name

 Number number of or XX/YY/ZZ, if A,C, or W or words 1,2 3

mission in not a depression CYCLONE,

this storm or greater INVEST, or

TRAIN

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,

acquired the name Carlos, then moved in the Central

Pacific.)

NOAA2 01XXA INVEST (NOAA aircraft 42RF on the first mission to investigate

a suspect area in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico or

Caribbean.)

NOAA3 WX01A AGNES (NOAA aircraft 43RF on a non-tasked mission into

AGNES.)
5-21

5.7.7. Observation Numbering and Content. The mission identifier will be the first

mandatory remark followed by the observation number and the four-letter International Civil Aviation

Organization (ICAO) identifier for the station that copied and disseminated the observation--a change

initiated for the 1998 hurricane season.

5.7.7.1. First Weather Observation. In addition, the first weather observation will

have appended as remarks the four-letter ICAO identifier for the departure station, time of departure,

and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the invest points, coordinates of the storm, or control point,

as applicable.

-EXAMPLEURNT11 KNHC DDZZZZ

97779 TEXT TEXT... 

RMK AF987 0308A EMMY OB 01 KNHC DPTD KBIX AT 10/2100Z ETA 31.5N 75.0W

11/0015Z

NNNN

5.7.7.2. Numbering Scheme. All observations (RECCO, vortex, supplemental, and

dropsonde) from the first to the last will be numbered sequentially. The Improved Weather

Reconnaissance System (IWRS) will automatically number HDOB sequentially, but separately from

other observations. When an aircraft is diverted from its original mission to fulfill NHC requirements,

conclude the original mission by using the last report remark. The next observation from the diverted

aircraft will be labeled OB 01, will use the CARCAH-assigned mission identifier, and will include time

of diversion and ETA of coordinates of interest.

-EXAMPLEURNT10 KNHC DDZZZZ

97779 TEXT TEXT...

RMK AF987 0lXXA INVEST OB 01 KNHC DPTD AF987 WX MISSION AT 05/1235Z ETA

18N 85W 05/1630Z

NNNN

5.7.7.3. Final Weather Observation. Append to the final weather observation a

remark that includes ETA, destination, number of observations (excluding HDOB), and monitor(s)

that copied the observations.

-EXAMPLEURNT10 KNHC DDZZZZ

97779 TEXT TEXT... 

RMK AF987 0317A JOAN OB 16 KNHC ETA KBIX 15/2030Z. LAST REPORT OBS 01

THRU 16 TO KNHC.

NNNN
5-22

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 5-9. 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. If it is a scheduled fix, the detailed vortex data message will be completed

using data gathered on the inbound track since the previous fix and will be transmitted immediately.

If it is an intermediate (non-scheduled) fix, an abbreviated vortex data message using data gathered

on the inbound track since the previous fix may be prepared in lieu of the detailed message and

transmitted immediately. Center dropsonde data will also be provided for scheduled fixes made at

700 hPa or above. The dropsonde will be released at the flight-level center coordinates (item

BRAVO of the vortex data message). When making a fix from 925 hPa, 850 hPa, or 700 hPa, the

sea-level pressure will be extrapolated using the tables in Appendix F or by using an approved

computer program.
5-23

5.8.1.3. Supplementary Vortex Messages (SVDM). Two SVDM (one ALPHA

pattern) will normally be provided per fix mission. Requests for additional SVDM will be directed

to CARCAH. When high density data is not available, supplementary vortex data messages will be

provided with each fix.

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 detailed 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 5-10. Turns are usually made to take advantage of tailwinds whenever possible.

Figure 5-10. Suggested patterns for investigative missions 
5-24

• 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 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.

[NOTE: The depicted pattern may be converted to a mirror image if entry is made from a different

direction.]

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.

5.9. Aircraft Reconnaissance Communications

5.9.1. General. The U.S. Air Force and NOAA WP-3D aircraft will normally transmit

reconnaissance observations via the Air Force Satellite Communications System (AFSATCOM),

Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link (ASDL), or high frequency (HF) radio phone patch. The NOAA G-IV

will normally transmit WMO Temp Drop messages via INMARSAT 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 Network

(AWN) or to the weather communications facility in Suitland, MD. 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 the Miami

Weather Monitor (CARCAH). In the Central Pacific, Hickam Weather Monitor (Letterman) is
5-25

available if communications with CARCAH are difficult.

5.9.3. Air-to-Air Communications. When more than one reconnaissance aircraft is known

to be operating in a particular area of interest, the following frequencies will be used for airplane-toairplane communications and coordination unless otherwise directed by air traffic control:

• Primary: VHF 123.05 MHz.

• Secondary: UHF 304.8 MHz.

• Backup: HF 4701 KHz USB.

5.9.4. Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link (ASDL)-Equipped Aircraft. Aircraft so equipped

have the option to utilize the ASDL system. Figure 5-11 depicts these communications links.

5.9.4.1. Data Transmission Test. 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. Improved Weather Reconnaissance System (IWRS)-Equipped Aircraft. The

AFRC aircraft equipped with IWRS will use the SATCOM data link with ground stations at

TPC/NHC and at Keesler AFB, MS, to relay data to the NHC and the AWN. Figure 5-12 depicts

these communications links. 
Figure 5-11. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for NOAA P-3 aircraft

5-26
Figure 5-12. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for AFRES WC-130 aircraft

5-27
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-8 at 75EW and GOES-9 at 135EW support the operational twoGOES 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 new 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 135EW and 75EW, 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, GOES schedules provide two views of the CONUS (GOES-9 view is termed PACUS)

every 30 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 GOES. As an option, access

to generated analog products can be acquired via GOES-TAP, a terrestrial satellite imagery

dissemination service.

Generated from full resolution GOES imager data, GOES-TAP products are available at varying 1,

2, 4, and 8 km resolutions for daytime and nighttime applications. The higher resolution of GOES-8

and GOES-9 data on GOES-TAP is a vast improvement--4 km in the infrared imagery and 8 km in

the water vapor. Channel 2 or 3.9 micron data are also available for the detection of low clouds, fog,

and stratus. The IR data may be enhanced to emphasize various features. A suite of digital and

analog GOES-TAP products are delivered in near real-time to the National Environmental Satellite,

Data, and Information Service's (NESDIS) Satellite Analysis Branch, Satellite Field Distribution

Facilities (SFDF) (regional communication hubs), National Centers for Environmental Prediction

(NCEP), Weather Service Forecast Offices (WSFOs), academic community, and other federal and

private agencies (see Figure 6-1).

6.1.1.1. GOES-8. GOES-8 supporting a GOES-East station at 75EW, continues to

serve NOAA operations including 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 portion of the East Pacific. In

particular, greater detail in the imagery facilitates tropical cyclone monitoring and analysis, and the

addition of the 3.9 micron channel to the GOES imager has vastly improved the detection of low-level

circulation centers at night to assist in storm positioning. Moisture retrievals from the GOES

sounder, specifically four layers of derived precipitable water, are now being incorporated into
Figure 6-1. The GOES satellite system

6-2
6-3

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,

and surface and cloud temperatures. 

During the 1996 hurricane season, NESDIS instituted a specialized GOES-8 sounder schedule

consisting of four sectors covering distinct areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Event driven, one of the four

"hurricane" sounder sectors would be selected as "primary" by the TPC/NHC. The "primary" 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 Cooperative Institute Mesoscale Meteorological Studies

(CIMSS), University of Wisconsin. The same specialized "hurricane" sounder schedule will continue

to be employed for the 1998 hurricane season.

6.1.1.2. GOES-9. GOES-9, a clone of GOES-8, uses the same 3-axis stabilization

principle to maintain orbit control at 135EW. The routine scanning mode of GOES-9 emulates

GOES-8 routine operations, providing coverage of the Northern Hemisphere, CONUS, and Southern

Hemisphere every half hour with the exception of a 3-hourly full disk. The additional PACUS

(combination of CONUS and Pacific Ocean coverage) scan allows two views of the U.S. and eastern

Pacific Ocean every 30 minutes. Serving the missions of the both TPC/NHC and the CPHC, GOES-9

provides ample coverage of developing tropical storms over the East and Central Pacific. The DOD

and other federal agencies are also supported.

6.1.1.3. GOES-10. The latest in the series of the current program, GOES-10, was

launched on April 24, 1997. The spacecraft will carry the same specified imager and sounder

instruments as GOES-8 and GOES-9. Following the checkout period at 105EW, GOES-10 will be

stored on-orbit and activated in the event of a catastrophic failure or loss of primary instrument

functionality on the current operational GOES-8 or GOES-9. Dependent on overall GOES system

status, the on-orbit storage position will be evaluated and determined by NESDIS and the NWS.

6.1.2. EUMETSAT Meteosat Geostationary Satellites. After replacing all missions of

Meteosat-5 at 0E in February 1997, Meteosat-6 is now providing vital coverage of developing

tropical waves off the African Coast and western Atlantic Ocean. Conventionally, the full disk IR,

visible (VIS), and water vapor have a 5 km resolution whereas specialized VIS sectors provide a

maximum 2.5 km resolution. The digital data are transmitted to NESDIS and NCEP at the NOAA

Science Center (NSC) in Camp Springs, MD. They are also transmitted to the TPC and the Storm

Prediction Center (SPC). Meteosat WEFAX data are also available and distributed on GOES-Tap

circuits.

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.

users are allowed access via a domestic satellite to non-encrypted 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.
6-4

6.1.3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Polar-Orbiting

Satellites. Two primary operational NOAA polar orbiting satellites, NOAA-12 and NOAA-14,

provide imaging coverage four times a day over a respective area in 5 spectral channels. These

Advanced Television Infrared Observation Satellites (NOAA Series) cross the United States twice

daily near the equatorial crossing times indicated in Table 6-1. Data are available via direct

readout--high resolution picture transmission (HRPT) or automatic picture transmission (APT)--or

central processing. Data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) are

available on a limited basis through the GOES distribution system (Figure 6-1). The Air Force

Weather 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, AL, and Wallops, VA, acquire recorded global area coverage data, 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. New ground equipment installed at various NWS

regions including Kansas City and Miami (TPC), enable direct readout and data processing of

AVHRR data from NOAA-12 and NOAA-14. The high resolution polar data and products generated

at TPC complement other satellite data sources to support tropical mission objectives.

6.1.3.1. NOAA-K. Scheduled for launch in May 1998, NOAA-K (15) is slated to

replace NOAA-12, currently one of the operational POES, after completion of checkout. Full

NOAA-15 operations will be achieved approximately 6 months following launch. The type of data

and products provided will be the same as the current operational polar orbiting satellites, NOAA-12

and NOAA-14, except for the addition of the Advanced Microwave Sounder Unit (AMSU) and an

AVHRR shortwave channel at 1.6 microns. New sounder-based derived products will include rain

rate, total precipitable water, and surface winds over water.

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 H.

6.2.2. Products. There are four types of satellite products issued by the centers and their

alternates. Chapter 3 describes these products, their communications headings, and their schedules.

The products include:

C Satellite tropical weather discussions.

C Marine interpretation messages.

C Tropical weather discussions.

C Tropical disturbance rainfall estimates.

6.2.3. Satellite Tropical Weather Discussion. The Miami and Honolulu WSFOs distribute

satellite discussions for prescribed oceanic regions at the times indicated in Table 6-1. The Miami

WSFO is responsible for the tropical regions of the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific; Honolulu WSFO

monitors the tropical regions of the Central and Western Pacific. These satellite discussions describe
6-5

significant weather in tropical regions including tropical storm activity over the Atlantic, Eastern

Pacific, Central Pacific, and Western Pacific Oceans.

6.3. NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB). The SAB operates 24 hours a day to provide

satellite support to the HPC/MPC, TPC, CPHC, and other worldwide users. SAB coordinates, as

conditions warrant, four times per day with TPC and CPHC, relaying pertinent information on

tropical cyclone development, including location, tracking, and intensity analysis. A Satellite Weather

Bulletin for the Indian Ocean and West Pacific Ocean, providing current position and current intensity

of tropical cyclones, is also disseminated four times per day at the times indicated in Table 6-1. A

satellite tropical disturbance summary for the Indian Ocean, including location and current intensity

of tropical storms, is also disseminated twice per day at the times indicated in Table 6-1. 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. Telephone

numbers for the SAB are located in Appendix H.

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 locally at several direct readout sites. The USAF uses all

available meteorological satellite data when providing fix and intensity information to NWS hurricane

forecasters. The DOD will provide DMSP coverage of tropical and subtropical cyclones whenever

possible.

6.4.1. North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Surveillance. AFWA readouts will augment

NESDIS surveillance for the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. AFWA will, resources permitting,

transmit twice daily teletype bulletins, describing the location and intensity classification of the

system, using format shown in Figure 6-2 to the TPC/NHC on organized disturbances evident at the

tropical classification of one point five (T-1.5) or higher. AFWA will, resources permitting, provide

gale wind radius analysis utilizing SSM/I data for all systems with maximum intensities greater than

50 kt.

6.4.2. Central Pacific Surveillance. AFWA will maintain the capability to provide

surveillance support cited in para 6.4.1 to the CPHC. 15th Operations Support Squadron will

provide fix and intensity information to the CPHC on systems upon request.
6-6

Table 6-1. Communications headings for satellite tropical weather discussion summaries

WMO HEADING TIME ISSUED OCEANIC AREA TYPE OF DATA

TCIO11 KWBC 2200 UTC Indian Ocean IR Night

TCIO10 KWBC 1000 UTC Indian Ocean VIS/IR Day

TCPW11 PHNL 1000 UTC Western Pacific IR

(north and south)

from 100 E to 180 o o

TCPW10 PHNL 2200 UTC Western Pacific VIS/IR

(north and south)

from 100 E to 180 o o

TCPA11 PHNL 1000 UTC Central Pacific IR

(north and south)

from 180o to 140oW

TCPA10 PHNL 2200 UTC Central Pacific VIS/IR

(north and south)

from 180o to 140oW

AXNT20 KNHC 00,06,12,18 UTC Atlantic Ocean VIS/IR

South of 32EN to

Equator....

Caribbean, Gulf

of Mexico

AXPZ20 KNHC 0135, 0735 Eastern Pacific VIS/IR

1335, 1935 UTC South of 32EN

to the Equator....

east of 140E W

WWUSX KWBC 0400, 1000, Indian VIS/IR

1600, 2200 UTC

WWUSX KWBC 0400, 1000, Western Pacific VIS/IR

1600, 2200 UTC (north and south)
6-7

MESSAGE HEADING:

TPNT KGWC (Atlantic) or TPPZ1 KGWC (Eastern and Central Pacific)

A A. Designator of tropical cyclone category including name/number. When a cloud system

CYCLONE DESIGNATOR has not yet been designated by name/number enter TROPICAL DISTURBANCE.

Sample entry: TROPICAL STORM AMY (15)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B B. Date and nodal crossing time in Zulu; round time to nearest minute. Sample entry: 

DATE/TIME (Z) OF FIX 252303Z.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

C C. Latitude to nearest tenth of degree (N or S), followed by checksum. Sample entry: 

LATITUDE OF POSITION 29.9N/0

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D D. Longitude to nearest tenth of degree followed by checksum. Sample entry: 56.7

LONGITUDE OF POSITION W/8

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E E. Enter SSM/I Confidence Number and source of data (DMSP, NOAA, etc.). Spell out

VIS/IR POSITION CODE NUMBER VIS/IR Position Code Number (PCN). Select MI Confidence Number and PCN number

SSM/I CONFIDENCE NUMBER from code below:

GEOGRAPHICAL GRIDDING EPHEMERIS GRIDDING

ONE: eye fix TWO: eye fix 

THREE: well defined FOUR: well defined

circulation circulation

center center

FIVE: poorly defined SIX: poorly defined

circulation circulation

center center

Sample entry: MI4/DMSP/SIX

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

F F. Dvorak classification for storm intensity as described in NOAA Technical Report NESDIS

DVORAK CLASSIFICATION 11. Dvorak classification will be made a minimum of twice each day based on infrared

and/or visual data. If a new Dvorak classification number cannot be derived, use the last

reported number. Include in parentheses the date and nodal time of the data on which

the Dvorak analysis is based. 

Sample entry: T 4.5/4.5/D1.0/25HRS (252305Z)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

G G. Include information, as appropriate, on data type, eye characteristics, spiral rainbands,

REMARKS unexpected changes in storm movement, departures from Dvorak (modeled) intensities,

etc.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

H H. Include crosstrack distance in degrees latitude between fix center and satellite nadir

NADIR REFERENCE DISTANCE subtrack.

Sample Entry: Center WAS 5.4 DEG EAST OF NADIR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I I. Experimental gale wind (34kt) radius boundary utilizing image mapped SSM/I ocean

GALE WIND RADIUS ANALYSIS surface wind speed algorithm estimates.

Sample Entry: Gale Wind Radius Anal-Boundary Compass Points

DIR DIST-NM LAT LONG

1. N 140 29.4N 88.2W

2. NE 130 28.9N 86.6W

3. E 80 27.0N 86.7W

4. SE 65 26.2N 87.4W

5. S 65 25.9N 88.2W

6. SW 65 26.3N 89.3W

7. W 80 27.0N 89.7W

8. NW 95 28.5N 89.2W

Figure 6-2. Center fix data form and message format (satellite)
6-8

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-8 Multispectral Imager Every 30 min, in 1. 1, 2, 4, and 8 km

at 75EW and Sounder Routine Scan Mode, resolution visible standard

GOES-9 with prescribed 2. 4 km equivalent

at 135EW coverages: Northern resolution IR sectors.

GOES-10 Extended NH; resolution IR enhanced

(to be stored on- CONUS or PACUS; imagery.

orbit) and Southern 4. Full disk IR every 3

provides 3 sectors sectors.

Hemisphere (NH) or 3. Equivalent and full

Hemisphere. hours.

Exception is 5. 8 km water vapor

transmission of full sectors.

disk every 3 hours. 6. Quantitative

(Available Rapid precipitation estimates; high

Scan Operations yield density cloud and water

increased vapor motion wind vectors;

transmissions to 7.5 and experimental visible and

minute intervals to sounder winds.

capture rapidly 7. Operational moisture

changing, dynamic sounder data (precipitable

weather events). 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.
 D - descending 1

 A - ascending 2

6-9

Table 6-2. Satellite and satellite data availability for the current hurricane season

(continued)

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS

METEOSAT-6 Multi-spectral (24 hr/day) 1. 2.5 km resolution digital

Spin-Scan VIS imagery; 5 km

Radiometer resolution digital 

IR imagery.

2. 5 km resolution VIS and

IR WEFAX imagery.

3. 5 km water vapor

imagery.

4. Tropical storm 

monitoring and derivation of

intensity analysis.

NOAA-14 AVHRR 0258D /1958A 1. 1 km resolution HRPT

NOAA-12 same as NOAA-14 0552D/1752A 3. Mapped imagery.

NOAA-K same as NOAA-14 0730D/1930A data types) at DMSP sites.

(NOAA-15) plus AMSU data 5. Sea-surface temperature

(will replace analysis.

NOAA-12) 6. Soundings.

GAC and LAC and Local Area Coverage

(recorded) (LAC) data. 

HRPT and APT 2. 4 km resolution APT and

(direct) RTOVS Global Area Coverage

1 2

(GAC) data.

4. Unmapped imagery (all

7. Moisture profiles.

8. Remapped GAC 

sectors.

9. Sounding-derived

products--total precipitable

water, rain rate, and surface

winds under sounding

(NOAA-15).
Table 6-2. Satellite and satellite data availability for the current hurricane season

(continued)

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS

6-10

DMSP F-11 OLS Imagery (turned 0715D/1915A 1. 0.3 nm (regional) and 1.5

DMSP F-12 OLS Imagery 0917D/2117A (visual and infrared)

off), SSM/I, SSM/T- nm (global) resolution

1, SSM/T-2 moisture (visual and infrared)

sounder imagery available via stored

(direct)(150GHZ data recovery through

channels non- AFWA.

functional) 2. Regional coverage at 0.3

(recorded and direct), imagery available from

SSM/I (non- numerous DOD tactical

functional), SSM/T-1 terminals.

(non-functional), 3. SSM/T-1, SSM/T-2,

SSM/T-2 (recorded SSM/I data transmitted to

and direct) NESDIS and FNMOC from

nm and 1.5 nm resolution

AFWA.

DMSP F-13 OLS Imagery 0549D/1749A

DMSP F-14 (recorded and direct), 0839D/2039A

(recorded and direct),

SSM/I, SSM/T-1

OLS Imagery

SSM/I, SSM/T-1

(inop) SSM/T-2
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 a triagency agreement. The WSR-88D

is a 750 kilowatt, 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 selected depends upon

which weather phenomena are under surveillance. Once collected, the radar data are 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 dial-up connection. CPHC

controls and operates four WSR-88Ds in Hawaii and obtains the products directly. 

7.3. Procedures. 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 Operational Support Facility (OSF), has developed an operations

plan for use during tropical cyclone events (see Appendix X for details). The plan is also available

via facsimile from the OSF hotline at 1-800-643-3363. A formal agreement between the NWS and

DOD on the use of the plan at DOD facilities is pending. 

7.3.1. Radar Observation Requirements, WSR-88D. Chief among the requirements is the

appropriate display of hurricane-force winds. The WSR-88D, with default settings, will not display

winds greater than 64 kt. Changes must be made at the radar site in order to deal effectively with

hurricane conditions; the procedures are detailed in Appendix H, "WSR-88D Operations Plan for

Tropical Cyclone Events." The physical characteristics of the tropical cyclone are best represented

by use of the precipitation mode, usually VCP 11 or 21, depending upon range. Radar characteristics

of hurricanes are given in Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 11 (FMH-11), Part B, "Doppler

Radar Theory and Meteorology," Chapter 9. Further discussion of product usage appears in FMH11, Part D, "Unit Description and Operational Applications." A recommended product list appears

in FMH-11 Part D, Chapter 4, Table 4-1 (Application versus Product).
The criterion for selection is that the radar site lie within approximately 124 nm 1

(maximum velocity range) of the coastline.

7-2

Table 7-1. Participating radar stations1

LOCATION RADAR TYPE LATITUDE LONGITUDE

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADARS

U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts

Albany, NY WSR-88D 42E35' N 74E04' W

Atlanta, GA WSR-88D 33E22' N 84E34' W

Baton Rouge, LA WSR-88D 30E20' N 89E49' W

Binghamton, NY WSR-88D 42E12' N 75E59' W

Birmingham, AL WSR-88D 33E10' N 86E46' W

Boston, MA WSR-88D 41E57' N 71E08' W

Brownsville, TX WSR-88D 25E55' N 97E25' W

Caribou, ME WSR-88D 46E02' N 67E48' W

Charleston, SC WSR-88D 32E33' N 80E47' W

Columbia, SC WSR-88D 32E39' N 81E03' W

Corpus Christi, TX WSR-88D 27E47' N 97E31' W

Ft. Worth, TX WSR-88D 32E34' N 97E18' W

Greer, SC WSR-88D 34E53' N 82E13' W

Houston, TX WSR-88D 29E28' N 95E05' W

Jackson, MS WSR-88D 32E19' N 90E05' W

Jacksonville, FL WSR-88D 30E29' N 81E42' W

Key West, FL WSR-88D 24E36' N 81E42' W

Lake Charles, LA WSR-88D 30E07' N 93E13' W

Melbourne, FL WSR-88D 28E07' N 80E39' W

Miami, FL WSR-88D 25E37' N 80E25' W

Mobile, AL WSR-88D 30E41' N 88E15' W

Morehead City, NC WSR-88D 34E46' N 76E53' W

New Orleans, LA WSR-88D 30E20' N 89E50' W

New York City, NY WSR-88D 40E52' N 72E52' W

Philadelphia, PA WSR-88D 39E57' N 74E25' W

Portland, ME WSR-88D 43E53' N 70E15' W

Raleigh/Durham, NC WSR-88D 35E40' N 78E29' W

Roanoke, VA WSR-88D 37E01' N 80E16' W

San Antonio, TX WSR-88D 30E43' N 97E23' W

Shreveport, LA WSR-88D 32E27' N 93E50' W

State College, PA WSR-88D 40E55' N 78E00' W

Sterling, VA WSR-88D 38E58' N 77E29' W

Tallahassee, FL WSR-88D 30E24' N 84E20' W

Tampa, FL WSR-88D 27E42' N 82E24' W

Wakefield, VA WSR-88D 36E59' N 77E00' W

Wilmington, NC WSR-88D 33E59' N 78E26' W
7-3

Table 7-1. Participating radar stations (continued)

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADARS

U.S. Southwest

Phoenix, AZ WSR-88D 33E17' N 111E40' W

San Diego, CA WSR-88D 33E49' N 117E38' W

Tucson, AZ WSR-88D 31E57' N 110E54' W

Yuma, AZ WSR-88D 32E40' N 114E37' W

FAA RADARS

Molokai, HI WSR-88D 21E08'N 157E11'W

Kohala, HI WSR-88D 20E06'N 155E45'W

San Juan, PR WSR-88D 18E07'N 66E05'W

South Hawaii, HI WSR-88D 19E06'N 155E34'W

South Kauai, HI WSR-88D 21E54'N 159E33'W

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts

Dover AFB, DE WSR-88D 38E50'N 75E26'W

Eglin AFB, FL WSR-88D 30E34'N 85E55'W

Fort Hood, TX WSR-88D 30E43'N 97E23'W

Fort Polk, LA WSR-88D 31E09'N 92E58'W

Fort Rucker, AL WSR-88D 31E28'N 85E28'W

Maxwell AFB, AL WSR-88D 32E32'N 85E47'W

Moody AFB, GA WSR-88D 30E33'N 83E00'W

Robins AFB, GA WSR-88D 32E40'N 83E21'W

 (NHC has dial-in access to the above DOD sites.)
7-4

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 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 nm 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 established on one 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/or an event that prevents the TPC/NHC from obtaining the

necessary radar data, the local National Weather Service Office may be called upon to estimate the

radar position and render a qualitative assessment of the circulation. Other radar facilities not having

weather transmission capability, but wishing to provide information deemed important, should call

the nearest National Weather Service Office or the TPC/NHC. 
8-1

CHAPTER 8 

NATIONAL DATA BUOY CENTER REPORTING STATIONS

8.1. General.

8.1.1. Automated Reporting Stations. The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) maintains

automated reporting stations in the Gulf of Mexico, off the east and west coasts of the United States,

at coastal land areas, and in Micronesia. Also, a limited number of drifting buoys are available at this

time for special projects, including rapid response deployment ahead of tropical cyclones. These data

acquisition systems obtain measurements of meteorological and oceanographic parameters for

operations and research purposes. Moored buoy station locations and configurations are given in

Table 8-1. The locations of Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations are listed in

Table 8-2. Figures 8-1 through 8-3 show the locations of all moored buoys and C-MAN stations.

Figure 8-4 is a detailed chart of the current and planned Gulf of Mexico network. The operational

status and measurement capability of stations can be obtained from NDBC Data Systems Division,

Building 1100, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000, phone 601-688-1720, or on-line via NDBC's

home page on the World Wide Web (www) at http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov.

8.1.2. Data Acquisition. Moored buoy and C-MAN stations routinely acquire, store, and

transmit data every hour. Data obtained operationally include sea level pressure, wind speed and

direction, and air temperature. Sea-surface temperature and wave spectra data are measured by all

moored buoys and a limited number of C-MAN stations.

8.1.3. Drifting Buoys. A limited number of NDBC wind speed and direction (WSD) drifting

buoys may be available again in 1997 for strategic deployment in advance of storms. WSDs measure

sea level pressure, wind speed and direction, air temperature, and sea-surface temperature (Figure

8-5). Reports are collected on an asynoptic basis through Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites

(POES). 

8.2. Requests for Drifting Buoy Deployment. The Department of Commerce (DOC) through the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will initiate a request through the Office

of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research to the 53rd Weather

Reconnaissance Squadron through HQ Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) for each desired aerial

deployment of drifting data buoys for a prestorm array in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. Requests

for deployment should allow at least a 30-day lead time. For deployments in advance of a U.S.

land-threatening hurricane, a 36- to 48-hour notification is required. All requests will include

specifics regarding onloading base, accompanying technicians, desired pickup times, offload points,

reimbursement funding, and other pertinent data.
8-2

Table 8-1. Moored buoy locations and configurations

SITE STATION ID LOCATION HULL SIZE (m) ANEMOMETER

HEIGHT (m)

GULF OF MEXICO 42001 25.9EN 89.7EW 10 10

42002 25.9EN 93.6EW 10 10

42003 25.9EN 85.9EW 10 10

42007 30.1EN 88.8EW 12 10 1

42019 27.9EN 95.0EW 3 5

1

42020 27.0EN 96.5EW 3 5

1

42035 29.2EN 94.4EW 3 5

1

42036 28.5EN 84.5EW 3 5

1

42039 28.8EN 86.0EW 3 5

1

42040 29.2EN 88.2EW 3 5

1

ATLANTIC OCEAN 41001 34.7EN 72.6EW 6 5

41002 32.3EN 75.2EW 6 5

41004 32.5EN 79.1EW 3 5

1

41008 31.4EN 80.8EW 3 5

41009 28.5EN 80.2EW 3 5

1

41010 28.9EN 78.5EW 6 5

1

44004 38.5EN 70.6EW 6 5

44005 42.9EN 68.9EW 6 5

44007 43.5EN 70.1EW 3 5

1

44008 40.5EN 69.4EW 3 5

44009 38.4EN 74.7EW 3 5

44011 41.1EN 66.6EW 6 5

1

44013 42.4EN 70.8EW 3 5

1

44014 36.6EN 74.8EW 3 5

1

44025 40.3EN 73.2EW 3 5

1

PACIFIC OCEAN 46002 42.5EN 130.4EW 6 5

(SOUTH OF 45EN) 46006 40.8EN 137.7EW 6 5

46011 34.9EN 120.9EW 3 5

1

46012 37.4EN 122.7EW 3 5

1

46013 38.2EN 123.3EW 3 5

1

46014 39.2EN 124.0EW 3 5

1

46022 40.7EN 124.5EW 3 5

1

46023 34.4EN 120.7EW 3 5

1

46025 33.7EN 119.1EW 3 5

1

46026 37.7EN 122.7EW 3 5

46027 41.8EN 124.4EW 3 5

1

46028 35.8EN 121.9EW 3 5

1

46030 40.4EN 124.5EW 3 5

1

46042 36.8EN 122.4EW 3 5

1

46045 33.8EN 118.4EW 3 5

1

46050 44.6EN 124.5EW 3 5

1

46053 34.2EN 119.8EW 10 10 1

46054 34.3EN 120.4EW 10 10 1

46059 38.0EN 130.0EW 6 5

1

46062 35.1EN 121.0EW 10 10 1

46063 34.2EN 120.2EW 6 5

1

51001 23.4EN 162.3EW 6 6

51002 17.2EN 157.8EW 6 6

51003 19.3EN 160.8EW 6 6

51004 17.4EN 152.5EW 6 5

51028 0.0EN 152.5EW 3 5

1

Temporary site established with other special funding. 1
8-3

Table 8-2. C-MAN sites 

SITE STATION ID LOCATION STATION NAME

GULF OF MEXICO BURL1 28.9EN 84.4EW Southwest Pass, LA

CDRF1 29.1EN 83.0EW Cedar Key, FL 1

CSBF1 29.7EN 85.4EW Cape San Blas, FL

DPIA1 30.2EN 88.1EW Dauphin Island, AL

DRYF1 24.6EN 82.8EW Dry Tortugas, FL 1

GDIL1 29.3EN 90.0EW Grand Isle, LA

KTNF1 29.8EN 83.6EW Keaton Beach, FL 1

LONF1 24.8EN 80.5EW Long Key, FL 1

PTAT2 27.8EN 97.1EW Port Aransas, TX

SRST2 29.7EN 94.1EW Sabine, TX

VENF1 27.1EN 82.4EW Venice, FL

ATLANTIC OCEAN ALSN6 40.5EN 73.8EW Ambrose Light, NY

BUZM3 41.4EN 71.0EW Buzzards Bay, MA

CHLV2 36.9EN 75.7EW Chesapeake Light, VA

CLKN7 34.6EN 76.5EW Cape Lookout, NC

DSLN7 35.2EN 75.3EW Diamond Shoals, NC

DUCN7 36.2EN 75.7EW Duck Pier, NC

FBIS1 32.7EN 79.9EW Folly Island, SC

FPSN7 33.5EN 77.6EW Frying Pan Shoals, NC

FWYF1 25.6EN 80.1EW Fowey Rocks, FL 1

IOSN3 43.0EN 70.6EW Isle of Shoals, NH

LKWF1 26.6EN 80.0EW Lake Worth, FL

MDRM1 44.0EN 68.1EW Mt. Desert Rock, ME

MISM1 43.8EN 68.9EW Matinicus Rock, ME

MLRF1 25.0EN 80.4EW Molasses Reef, FL

SANF1 24.5EN 81.8EW Sand Key, FL 1

SAUF1 29.9EN 81.3EW St. Augustine, FL

SMKF1 24.6EN 81.2EW Sombrero Key, FL

SPGF1 26.7EN 79.0EW Settlement Point, GBI

TPLM2 38.9EN 76.4EW Thomas Point, MD

EASTERN PACIFIC CARO3 43.3EN 124.4EW Cape Arago, OR

OCEAN (SOUTH OF NWPO3 44.6EN 124.1EW Newport, OR

45EN) PTAC1 39.0EN 123.7EW Point Arena, CA

PTGC1 34.6EN 120.6EW Point Arguello, CA

Temporary site established with other special funding. 1
Figure 8-1. NDBC moored buoys in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes

8-4
Figure 8-2. NDBC moored buoys in the Pacific Ocean

8-5
8-6
8-7
8-8

Figure 8-5. A wind speed and direction (WSD) drifting buoy

8.2.1. National Hurricane Center (NHC). NHC forecasters will issue through the Tropical

Cyclone Plan of the Day (TCPOD) an alert or outlook for drifting buoy deployment 48 hours prior

to the planned deployment. Hard tasking for the deployment will be issued 24 hours prior to the

event via the TCPOD. 

8.2.2. Deployment Buoys. DOC may request the deployment of up to four drifting buoys

between 185 and 333 km (100 and 180 nm) from the storm center, depending on the dynamics of the

storm system. DOC will ensure the buoys and mission-related DOC personnel are available for

pickup by AFRC aircraft. 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.

8.2.3. Deployment Position. The final deployment position will be provided prior to the

flight crew briefing. Two examples of possible buoy deployment patterns are shown in Figure 8-6.

8.3. Communications. Moored buoy and C-MAN data are transmitted by ultrahigh frequency

communications via the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) to the National

Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) and then are relayed to the NWS

Telecommunications Gateway (NWSTG) for processing and dissemination. Moored buoy data are

formatted into the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) FM13-IX SHIP code, and C-MAN
8-9

data are formatted into C-MAN code, which is very similar to the WMO FM 12-IX SYNOP code.

The SHIP code is defined in Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 2, Surface Synoptic Codes.

Code forms are shown in Table 8-3. The C-MAN code is contained in the C-MAN Users' Guide,

which is available from NDBC Data Systems. Drifting buoy data are telemetered through the NOAA

polar orbiting satellites to the U.S. Argos Global Processing Center, Landover, MD, for processing.

These data are formatted by Service Argos into the WMO FM18 BUOY code defined in the WMO

Manual on Codes, Volume I, and then are routed to the NWSTG for distribution and dissemination

to users in the United States and overseas over the Global Telecommunications System.

Figure 8-6. Drifting data buoy deployment patterns 
8-10

Table 8-3. Code forms for moored data buoys, C-MAN stations, and drifting buoys

FORM CODE

FM 13-IX (SHIP) MiMiMjMj A1bwnbnbnb YYGGiw 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLoLo

REPORT OF SYNOPTIC

SURFACE OBSERVATION irix/// /ddff 1snTTT (2snTdTdTd) 3P0POP0P0 4PPPP 5appp 9GGgg

FROM A SEA STATION

(AUTOMATIC WEATHER 22200 QssTwTwTw 1PwaPwaHwaHwa 70 HwaHwaHwa 8swTbTbTb

STATION)

333 912ff (00fff) 

555 11fff 22fff (3GGgg 4ddfmfm)

(6G G g g d d d f f f d d d f f f ) d d d f f f d d d f f f c c c c 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 6 6 6 6 6 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

d d d f f f d d d f f f 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5

U.S. NATIONAL CMAN YYGGiw

(C-MAN LAND STATION)

MODIFIED FM 12-IX XXXXnt iRi

xhVV Nddff (00fff) 1snTTT 2snTdTdTd 3P0POP0P0

4PPPP 5appp 6RRRtR 9GGgg

222// 0snTwTwTw 1waPwaPwaHwaHwa 70HwaHwaHwa

333 912ff (00fff) 

444 1P P P /

av av av

555 11fff 22fff (3GGgg) (4ddfmfmfm)

(6G G g g d d d f f f d d d f f f ) d d d f f f d d d f f f d d d f f f c c c c 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 6 6 6 6 6 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4

d d d f f f (TIDE1111) 5 5 5 5 5 5

FM 18 BUOY Section 0: ZZYY A b n n n YYMMJ GGggi Q L L L L L L L L L L L (6Q Q Q /) 1 w b b b w c a a a a a 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 t d

REPORT OF A

DRIFTING BUOY Section 1: 111Q Q Oddff (1s TTT) ((2s T T T ) or (29UUU)) (3P P P P ) d x n n d d d o o o o

OBSERVATION (4PPPP) (5appp)

Section 2: 222Q Q (0S T T T ) (1P P H H ) (20P P P ) (21H H H ) d x n w w w wa wa wa wa wa wa wa wa wa wa

Section 3: 333Q Q 8887k 66k 9k (2z z z z ) (2z z z z ) (2z z z z ) (2z z z z ) d1 d2 2 6 3 0 0 0 0 n n n n 0 0 0 0 n n n n

(3T T T T ) (3T T T T ) (d d c c c ) (d d c c c ) (4S S S S ) (4S S S S ) 0 0 0 0 n n n n 0 0 0 0 0 n n n n n 0 0 0 0 n n n n

Section 4: 444 ((Q L L L L L (7V V d d ) (1Q Q Q Q ) L L L L L L ) c a a a a a B B B B p 2 tw 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

 (8V V V V ) or (2Q Q Q /) (YYMMJ GGgg/)) (9i Z Z Z Z ) i i i i n L d d d d d d
9-1

CHAPTER 9 

MARINE WEATHER BROADCASTS 

9.1. General. The Department of Transportation's United States Coast Guard (USCG) 

broadcasts 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 in 1988. 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. 

GMDSS consists of many separate systems which are being implemented in a coordinated and

agreed-upon manner. The NWS participates directly in the GMDSS by preparing weather

forecasts and warnings for broadcast via two primary GMDSS systems--NAVTEX and InmarsatC 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 USCG facilities listed in Table 9.l. 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 the International Mobile Satellite

Organization (Inmarsat) 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 are in the process of transitioning to voice synthesis. The network provides nearcontinuous coverage of the coastal U.S., Great Lakes, Hawaii, and 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 the high seas are

broadcast over scheduled HF radiotelephone channels from USCG communications stations using

a very distinctive and recognizable computer-synthesized voice. Limited offshore forecasts are

also available.

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.
9-3

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

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 broadcasts can be found at

the following Internet sites--http://www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/marcomms.htm and

http://weather.noaa.gov/fax/marine.shtml. In addition, NIMA Publication 117 contains detailed

information on USCG radio schedules. This publication is available from your local National

Ocean Service chart agent; it can also be ordered by calling 1-800-638-8972 or 301-436-8301 or

by visiting the Internet site at http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov. The cost is $18.10. 

 

Table 9-1. U.S. NAVTEX Stations

STATION IDENTIFIERS LOCATION

NMF Boston, MA

NMN Chesapeake, VA

NMA Miami, FL

NMR San Juan, PR

NMG New Orleans, LA

NMC Point Reyes, CA

NMC Cambria, CA

NMC Astoria, WA

NOJ Kodiak, AL

NMO Honolulu, HI

NRV Guam

 
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 

1020 Balch Boulevard

Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-5005

Hq Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC/PA) 

Robins AFB, GA 31093

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (J3/JRC)

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

ABBREVIATIONS

-AAB Data type header for Tropical Weather Outlook 

ADWS Automatic Digital Weather Switch 

AFB Air Force Base 

AFMEDS Air Force Meteorological Data System (replaced COMEDS)

AFOS Automation of Field Operations and Services 

AFRC Air Force Reserve Command 

AFSATCOM Air Force Satellite Communications System 

AIM Airman's Information Manual

AMOS Automated Meteorological Observing Station

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

AVDM Abbreviated Vortex Data Message

AVHRR Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer 

AWN Automated Weather Network

-CCARCAH Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes

CARF Central Altitude Reservation Function

C.I. Current Intensity 

C-MAN Coastal-Marine Automated Network 

COM Commercial (telephone) 

CONUS Continental United States 

CPHC Central Pacific Hurricane Center 

EC degree/degrees Celsius 

-DDA Daylight Ascending 

DCS Data Collection System 
A-2

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 

DVDM Detailed Vortex Data Message

-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 

FL flight level 

FLT LVL flight level 

FMH Federal Meteorological Handbook 

FNMOC Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (USN)

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
A-3

-HHA High Accuracy 

HD High Density 

HF High Frequency 

hPa hectopascal/hectopascals 

h hour/hours 

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 

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 

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)
A-4

-Mm meter/meters 

MANOP communications header 

MAX maximum 

METEOSAT European Space Agency geostationary meteorological satellite 

min/MIN minute 

MINOB Minute Observation (IWRS) 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

MPC Marine Prediction Center (NCEP)

mph mile/miles per hour 

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

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)

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

OSF Operational Support Facility (WSR-88D)

OSS Operations Support Squadron (USAF)
A-5

-PPA Public Affairs 

PANC ICAO identifier for Anchorage, AK 

PCN Position Confidence Number 

PHNL 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 

RPS routine product set (WSR-88D)

-SSAB Synoptic Analysis Branch 

SFC surface 

SFDF Satellite Field Distribution Facility

SLP Sea Level Pressure 

SSM/I Mission Sensor Microwave Imager (DMSP)

SSM/T Mission Sensor Microwave Temperature Sounder 

SST Sea Surface Temperature 

SPC Storm Prediction Center (NCEP)

SVD Supplementary Vortex Data

-TTAFB Tropical Analysis Forecast Branch (TPC)

TCD Tropical Cyclone Discussion 

TCPOD Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day 

TD Tropical Depression 

TEMP temperature 

TEMP temporary 

TEMP DROP Dropwindsonde Code 

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 

TPC Tropical Prediction Center

TS Thermal Smooth 

TWO Tropical Weather Outlook 
A-6

-UUCP 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) 

VDUC VAS Data Utilization Center 

VIS Visible

VISSR Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer

VMI velocity measurement increment (WSR-88D)

VTPR Vertical Temperature Profile Radiometer 

-WWEFAX Weather Facsimile 

WESTPAC Western Pacific

WMO World Meteorological Organization 

WND wind 

WO Data type header for special tropical disturbance statements 

WRS Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

WS (National) Weather Service 

WS Weather Squadron 

WSD Wind Speed and Direction (data buoy) 

WSFO Weather Service Forecast Office 

WSR-88D Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler

WT Data type header for hurricane bulletins 

WW Data type header for subtropical storm bulletins 

-XXMTD transmitted 

-ZZ Zulu (UTC)
B-1

APPENDIX B 

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 realtime 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).
B-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 two-way 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. 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
B-3

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.

-EEye. 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 Season. The portion of the year having a relatively high incidence of hurricanes. The

seasons for the specific areas are as follows: 

C Atlantic, Caribbean, 

and the Gulf of Mexico June 1 to November 30

C Eastern Pacific May 15 To November 30

C Central Pacific June 1 to November 30 

Hurricane Warning Offices. The designated hurricane warning offices follow: 

C National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida 

C Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 

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. 
B-4

-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.

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.

-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. 
B-5

-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 low pressure system that develops over subtropical waters that initially has

a non-tropical circulation but in which some elements of tropical cyclone cloud structure are

present. 

Subtropical Depression. A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed

(l-min mean) is 33 kt (38 mph) or less. 

Subtropical Storm. A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed

(l-min mean) is 34 kt (39 mph) or greater. 

Super Typhoon. A "super" typhoon is one that is classified as having winds of 130 kts (150 mph)

or greater.

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, nonfrontal low pressure system of synoptic scale that develops

over tropical or subtropical waters and has a definite organized surface circulation. 

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. 
B-6

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. 

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. 

-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. 
C-1

APPENDIX C

OFFICIAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS

The following enclosures are Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

between the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), dated May 4,

1992; Letter of Agreement (LOA) between the AFRC, Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) and NOAA, dated February 16, 1996;

and a Letter of Agreement (LOA) between the AFRC and NOAA

Corps Air Operations, dated August 3, 1993. The purpose of these

MOAs and LOAs is to establish policies, principles, and procedures

under which the FAA, AFRC and NOAA Corps will provide aircraft

weather reconnaissance to NOAA.

Note: The two LOAs are currently in coordination to update

procedures and to add the National Aeronautics and Space

Administration's (NASA) participation. 
D-1

APPENDIX D

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.
E-1

APPENDIX E

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION LISTING 

CARIBBEAN BASIN 

Abaco AB-a-KO 

Anguilla ang-GWIL-a 

Antigua an-TEE-gua 

Antilles an-TILL-leez 

Aruba ah-ROO-ba 

Azores uh-ZOHRZ 

Bahamas ba-HAHM-ahs 

Barahona ba-ra-HO-na 

Barbuda bar-BOO-dah 

Barranquilla bahr-rahn-KEE-yah

Basse-Terre baha-TER 

Bermuda ber-MYOO-da 

Biloxi bi-LUX-ee 

Bimini BIM-i-ni 

Bonaire ba-NAIR 

Cap Haitien kahp ah-ee-SYAN 

Caracas kah-RAH-kahs 

Caribbean kar-a-BE-an 

Castries KAS-tree 

Cayman kay-MAHN 

Charlotte Amalie SHAR-lot a-MAHL-ye 

Cozumel koh-soo-MEL 

Curacao koor-a-SOH 

Dominica dom-i-NEE-ka 

Eleuthera el-OO-thera 

Exuma ek-SOO-ma 

Flores FLO-rish 

Fort de France for-de-FRAHCS 

Grenada gre-NAY-dah 

Guadaloupe GWAH-deh-loop 

Guatemala gwaht-eh-MAH-la 

Leeward LEE-ward 

Maracaibo mar-a-KYE-boh 

Maracay mah-rah-KYE 

Marigot ma-ree-GOH 

Mayaguez may-yah-GWAYS

Merida MAY-re-thah 

Miami mye-AM-ee 

Montego mon-TEE-go 

Montserrat mont-se-RAT 

Nicaragua nik-a-RAH-gwah 

Ocho Rios OH-cho REE-os 

Oranjestad o-RAHN-yuh-stat 

Paramaribo par-a-MAR-i-boh 

Parguera par-GWER-a 

Pointe-a-Pitre pwan-ta-PEE-tr 

Ponce PON-sa 

Port-au-Prince port-oh-PRINS 

Saba SAH-ba 

Sao Miguel (Azores) soun ME-gel 

St. Croix SAINT croy 

St. Lucia SAINT LOO-she-a 

Soufriere soo-free-AR 

Surinam SOOR-i-nam 

Tampico tam-PEE-ko 

Tela TAY-lah 

Tobago to-BAY-go 

Yucatan yoo-ka-TAN
F-1

APPENDIX F

SEA-LEVEL PRESSURE EXTRAPOLATION TABLES

Table F-1. Surface pressure as a function of 925 hPa heights and temperatures

925 hPa Temperature ( C) B

Heights 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32

860 1023 1022 1021 1020 1020 1019 1018 1017 1017

840 1020 1019 1019 1018 1017 1017 1016 1015 1014

820 1018 1017 1016 1016 1015 1014 1014 1013 1012

800 1016 1015 1014 1013 1013 1012 1011 1011 1010

780 1013 1012 1012 1011 1010 1010 1009 1008 1008

760 1011 1010 1010 1009 1008 1008 1007 1006 1006

740 1008 1008 1007 1007 1006 1005 1005 1004 1003

720 1006 1006 1005 1004 1004 1003 1002 1002 1001

700 1004 1003 1003 1002 1001 1001 1000 1000 999

680 1001 1001 1000 1000 999 999 998 997 997

660 999 999 998 997 997 996 996 995 995

640 997 996 996 995 995 994 994 993 993

620 995 994 993 993 992 992 991 991 990

600 992 992 991 991 990 990 989 989 988

580 990 989 989 988 988 987 987 987 986

560 988 987 987 986 986 985 985 984 984

540 985 985 984 984 984 983 983 982 982

520 983 983 982 982 981 981 980 980 980

500 981 980 980 980 979 979 978 978 977

480 978 978 978 977 977 976 976 976 975

460 976 976 975 975 975 974 974 974 973

Lapse Rate Used: -6.5 Deg C/km. Assumed dew point depression of 10 deg C.

This table is based on the identical computations used by IWRS to extrapolate SLP from aircraft

platform data.
F-2

Table F-2. Surface pressure as a function of 850 hPa heights and temperatures

850 hPa Temperature (EC)

 Heights 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

1560 1020 1018 1017 1016 1014 1013 1012 1010 1009

1540 1017 1016 1015 1014 1012 1011 1010 1008 1007

1520 1015 1014 1013 1011 1010 1009 1007 1006 1005

1500 1013 1012 1010 1009 1008 1006 1005 1004 1003

1480 1010 1009 1008 1007 1005 1004 1003 1002 1000

1459 1008 1007 1006 1004 1003 1002 1001 999 998

1440 1006 1005 1003 1002 1001 1000 999 997 996

1420 1004 1002 1001 1000 999 998 996 995 994

1400 1001 1000 999 998 996 995 994 993 992

1380 999 998 997 995 994 993 992 991 990

1360 997 995 994 993 992 991 990 989 987

1340 994 993 992 991 990 989 988 986 985

1320 992 991 990 989 988 986 985 984 983

1300 990 989 988 986 985 984 983 982 981

1280 987 986 985 984 983 982 981 980 979

1260 985 984 983 982 981 980 979 978 977

1240 983 982 981 980 979 978 977 976 975

1220 981 980 979 978 977 976 975 974 972

1200 978 977 976 975 974 973 972 971 970

1180 976 975 974 973 972 971 970 969 968

 1160 974 973 972 971 970 969 968 967 966

1140 972 971 970 969 968 967 966 965 964

1120 969 968 967 967 966 965 964 963 962

1100 967 966 965 964 963 963 962 961 960

1080 965 964 963 962 961 960 960 959 958

1060 963 962 961 960 959 958 957 957 956

1040 960 959 959 958 957 956 955 954 954

1020 958 957 957 956 955 954 953 952 951

1000 956 955 954 953 953 952 951 950 949

Lapse Rate Used: -6.5 Deg C/km. Assumed dew point depression of 10 deg C.

This table is based on the identical computations used by IWRS to extrapolate SLP from aircraft

platform data.
F-3

Table F-3. Surface pressure as a function of 700 hPa heights and temperatures

700 hPa Temperature (EC)

Heights 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 

3000 990 987 985 982 980 978 975 973 970

2980 988 985 983 980 978 976 973 971 968

2960 985 983 981 978 976 973 971 969 966

2940 983 981 978 976 974 971 969 967 964

2920 981 979 976 974 972 969 967 965 962

2900 979 976 974 972 969 967 965 962 960

2880 977 974 972 970 967 965 963 960 958

2860 974 972 970 968 965 963 961 958 956

2840 972 970 968 965 963 961 959 956 954

2820 970 968 966 963 961 959 957 954 952

2800 968 966 963 961 959 957 954 952 950

2780 966 964 961 959 957 955 952 950 948

2760 964 961 959 957 955 953 950 948 946

2740 961 959 957 955 953 951 948 946 944

2720 959 957 955 953 951 948 946 944 942

2700 957 955 953 951 949 946 944 942 940

2680 955 953 951 949 946 944 942 940 938

2660 953 951 949 946 944 942 940 938 936

2640 951 949 946 944 942 940 938 936 934

2620 949 946 944 942 940 938 936 934 932

2600 946 944 942 940 938 936 934 932 930

2580 944 942 940 938 936 934 932 930 928

2560 942 940 938 936 934 932 930 928 926

2540 940 938 936 934 932 930 928 926 924

2520 938 936 934 932 930 928 926 924 922

2500 936 934 932 930 928 926 924 922 920

2480 934 932 930 928 926 924 922 920 918

2460 932 930 928 926 924 922 920 918 916

2440 929 928 926 924 922 920 918 916 914

2420 927 925 924 922 920 918 916 914 912

2400 925 923 922 920 918 916 914 912 910

2380 923 921 919 918 916 914 912 910 908

2360 921 919 917 916 914 912 910 908 907

2340 919 917 915 914 912 910 908 906 905

2320 917 915 913 912 910 908 906 904 903

2300 915 913 911 910 908 906 904 903 901

2280 913 911 909 908 906 904 902 901 899

2260 911 909 907 905 904 902 900 899 897

2240 909 907 905 903 902 900 898 897 895

2220 907 905 903 901 900 898 896 895 893

2200 904 903 901 899 898 896 894 893 891

2180 902 901 899 897 896 894 893 891 889

2160 900 899 897 895 894 892 891 889 887

2140 898 897 895 893 892 890 889 887 885

2120 896 895 893 891 890 888 887 885 884

2100 894 893 891 890 888 886 885 883 882

Lapse rate used: -6.5 deg C/km. Assumed dew point depression of 10 deg C.

This table is based on the identical computations used by IWRS to extrapolate SLP from aircraft platform data.
G-1

APPENDIX G

RECCO, HDOB, AND TEMP DROP CODES, TABLES AND REGULATIONS
Figure G-1. Reconnaissance code recording form

G-2
G-3

Table G-1. Reconnaissance code tables

TABLE 1 XXX TABLE 6 d TABLE 11 C

222 Sec One Observation without radar 0 Cirrus (Ci)

capability 1 Cirrocumulus (Cc)

555 Sec Three (intermediate) 2 Cirrostratus (Cs)

observation with or without radar 3 Altocumulus (Ac)

capability 4 Altostratus (As)

777 Sec One Observation with radar 5 Nimbostratus (Ns)

capability 6 Stratocumulus (Sc)

TABLE 2 i 8 Cumulus (Cu) d

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 -50EC 00 Less than 100

or colder 01 100 ft

3 No dew point capability/acft at or above 02 200 ft

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -50EC 03 300 ft

or colder etc, etc

4 Dew point capability/acft below 10,000 49 4,900 ft

meters 50 5,000 ft

5 Dew point capability/acft at or above 51-55 Not used

10,000 meters 56 6,000 ft

6 Dew point capability/acft below 10,000 57 7,000 ft

meters and flight lvl temp -50EC or etc, etc

colder 79 29,000 ft

7 Dew point capability/acft at or above 80 30,000 ft

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -50EC 81 35,000 ft

or colder 82 40,000 ft

TABLE 3 Q 89 Greater than 70,000 ft

0 0E -90E W Northern // Unknown

1 90E W - 180E Northern 

2 180E - 90E E Northern TABLE 13 d

3 90E - 0E E Northern 

4 Not Used

5 0E - 90E W Southern 

6 90E W - 180E Southern 

7 180E - 90E E Southern 

8 90E - 0E 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

t

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) 0 No report 5 SW

3 Altitude 700 mb surface in geopotential 1 NE 6 W

meters (thousands fig omitted) 2 E 7 NW

4 Altitude 500 mb surface in geopotential 3 SE 8 N

decameters 4 S 9 all directions

5 Altitude 400 mb surface in geopotential

decameters TABLE 14 W

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) TABLE 15 S S S

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)

7 Stratus (St)

9 Cumulonimbus (Cb)

/ Cloud type unknown due to darkness or

other analogous phenomena

TABLE 12 h h H H h h H H s s t t i i i i

etc, etc

w

s

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

b e s

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 S )

s
G-4

Table G-1. Reconnaissance code tables (continued)

TABLE 16 w TABLE 23 V d

0 No report

1 Signs of a tropical cyclone 1 Inflight visibility 0 to and including 1 nautical mile

2 Ugly threatening sky 2 Inflight visibility greater than 1 and not exceeding 3 nautical miles

3 Duststorm or sandstorm 3 Inflight visibility greater than 3 nautical miles

4 Fog or ice fog

5 Waterspout

6 Cirrostratus shield or bank

7 Altostratus or altocumulus shield or

bank

8 Line of heavy cumulus RECCO SYMBOLIC FORM 

9 Cumulonimbus heads or

thunderstorms

TABLE 17 Ir

7 Light

8 Moderate

9 Severe ddfff TTT T w /jHHH

/ Unknown or contrails

TABLE 18 I SECTION TWO (ADDITIONAL) t

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 S E ,E r, w l

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

i

SECTION ONE (MANDATORY)

9XXX9 GGggi YQL L L L L L Bf h h h d d

d a a a o o o c a a a t a

d d

1k N N N Ch h H H ..... ..... 4ddff n s s s s s t t

6W S W d 7I I S S 7h h H H 8d d S O s s d w r t b e i i i i r r r e

8E E c i 9V T T T w l e e i w w w

SECTION THREE (INTERMEDIATE)

9XXX9 GGggi YQL L L L L L Bf h h h d d

d a a a o o o c a a a t a

ddfff TTT T w /jHHH d d
G-5

Table G-2. Reconnaissance code regulations

1. At the time of the observation the aircraft observing 8. When j is reported as a /, HHH is encoded as ///.

platform is considered to be located on the axis of a right

vertical cylinder with a radius of 30 nautical miles 9. If the number of cloud layers reported exceeds 3, k in

bounded by the earth's surface and the top atmosphere. the first 1-group reports the total number of cloud layers. 

Present weather, cloud amount and type, turbulence, The second 1-group reports the additional number of

and other subjective elements are reported as occurring layers being reported exclusive of those previously

within the cylinder. Flight level winds, temperature, reported. In those cases where a cloud layer(s) is

dew point, and geopotential values are sensed or discernible, but a descriptive cloud picture of the

computed and reported as occurring at the center of the observation circle is not possible, use appropriate remarks

observation circle. Radar echoes, significant weather such as "Clouds Blo" or "As Blo" to indicate the presence

changes, distant weather, and icing are phenomena that of clouds. In such cases, coded entries are not made for

may also be observed/reported. Code groups identifying group 9. The sequence in which cloud amounts are

these phenomena may be reported as necessary to encoded depends upon type of cloud, cloud base, and

adequately describe met conditions observed. vertical extent of the cloud. The cloud with the largest

2. The intermediate observation (Section Three) is regardless of coverage, base, or vertical extent. Among

reported following Section One (or Section Two if clouds of the same cloud type code, sharing a common

appended to Section One) in the order that it was taken. base, the cloud of greatest vertical extent is reported first. 

3. Plain language remarks may be added as appropriate. as though no other clouds were present. The total amount

These remarks follow the last encoded portion of the of clouds through one altitude shared by several clouds

horizontal or vertical observation and will clearly convey will not exceed 8 oktas. Only use code figure 0 as a place

the intended message. Vertical observations will not holder when you can determine that no additional cloud

include meteorological remarks. These remarks must layers exist. In case of undercast, overcast, etc., use

begin with a letter or word-e.g. "FL TEMP" vice "700 MB code figure 9 as a placeholder.

FL TEMP." The last report plain language remarks are

mandatory, i.e., "LAST REPORT. OBS 01 thru 08 to 10. Due to limitations in the ability to distinguish sea

KNHC, OBS 09 and 10 to KBIX." state features representative of wind speeds above 130

4. The hundreds digit of longitude is omitted for not be encoded. Wind speeds of 100 to 130 knots

longitudes from 100E to 180E. inclusive will be encoded by deleting the hundreds figure

5. Describe conditions along the route of flight actually dd is reported without adding 50 and ff is encoded as //

experienced at flight level by aircraft. with a plain language remark added, i.e., "SFC WIND

6. TT, T T . When encoding negative temperatures, 50 d d

is added to the absolute value of the temperature with the 11. Significant weather changes which have occurred

hundreds figure, if any, being omitted. A temperature of since the last observation along the track are reported for

-52EC is encoded as 02, the distinction between -52EC W

and 2EC being made from i . Missing or unknown d

temperatures are reported as //. When the dew point is

colder than -49.4EC, Code T T as // and report the d d

actual value as a plain language remark - e.g. "DEW

POINT NEG 52EC".

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.

n

numerical value of cloud type code (C) is reported first, 

The summation principle is not used; each layer is treated

knots, surface wind speeds in excess of 130 knots will

and adding 50 to dd. For wind speeds above 130 knots, 

ABOVE 130 KNOTS."

s.

12. When aircraft encounters icing in level flight, the

height at which the icing occurred will be reported for

h h . The H H will be reported as //. i i i i
G-6

HDOB messages are created automatically by IWRS. Each HDOB consists of 20 lines of HD/HA data. Each HD/HA

data line is composed of 30 second averages for each parameter reported, except max wind which is a 10 second

average. The highest max wind recorded during the encoding interval is used in the HDOB.

The encoding interval of the HD/HA data lines in the HDOB message is operator adjustable to 30 seconds, 1 minute

or 2 minutes. A 30 second encoding interval encodes every HD/HA data line and creates an HDOB every 10 minutes.

A 1 minute interval encodes every other HD/HA data line and generates an HDOB every 20 minutes. Likewise, a 2

minute interval encodes every fourth HD/HA data line and generates an HDOB every 40 minutes. Regardless of the

encoding interval selected, the highest max wind value since the previous encoded HD/HA data line will be reported

in the observation. Samples of each type message is shown below. Each complete message would have 20 data lines.

SXXX50 KNHC 040952

AF967 1017A OPAL HDOB 39 KNHC

0942. 2643N 08846W 03036 5374 127 106 140 136 112 02680 0000000000

0943 2641N 08847W 03036 5442 116 116 136 136 120 02612 0000000000

0943. 2640N 08849W 03065 5521 100 087 140 140 099 02561 0000000000

0944 2638N 08850W 03028 5591 087 059 186 160 074 02454 0000000000

0944. 2637N 08850W 03053 5630 097 028 202 158 036 02440 0000000000

0945 2635N 08850W 03059 5647 197 009 218 148 018 02429 0000000000

.

.

.

30 second data interval

SXXX50 KNHC 040952

AF967 1017A OPAL HDOB 39 KNHC

0942 2644N 08844W 03039 5333 135 094 138 136 096 02724 0000000000

0943 2641N 08847W 03036 5442 116 116 136 136 120 02612 0000000000

0944 2638N 08850W 03028 5591 087 059 186 160 099 02454 0000000000

0945 2635N 08850W 03059 5647 197 009 218 148 036 02429 0000000000

0946 2632N 08849W 03028 5632 274 052 226 148 067 02413 0000000000

0947 2628N 08849W 03057 5488 271 118 194 130 124 02587 0000000000

.

.

.

one minute data interval

SXXX50 KNHC 040952

AF967 1017A OPAL HDOB 39 KNHC

0942 2644N 08844W 03039 5333 135 094 138 136 096 02724 0000000000

0944 2638N 08850W 03028 5591 087 059 186 160 120 02454 0000000000

0946 2632N 08849W 03028 5632 274 052 226 148 067 02413 0000000000

0948 2625N 08849W 03050 5378 263 113 172 140 124 02690 0000000000

0950 2620N 08849W 03047 5268 259 094 142 134 109 02797 0000000000

0952 2614N 08849W 03044 5217 262 075 162 108 090 02845 0000000000

.

.

.

two minute data interval

Figure G-2. Sample HDOB messages
G-7

Table G-3. HDOB message format

HHMMLaLammH LoLoLommH PPPPP DDDD WWW SSS TTT ddd MMM RRRRR FFFFFFFFFF

HHMM: The time of observation in hours and minutes (UTC). A period following

HHMM indicates a data time of 30 seconds past the minute.

LaLammH: The latitude of the observation in degrees, minutes and hemisphere

(N or S). 

LoLoLommH: The longitude of the observation in degrees, minutes and hemisphere

(E or W). 

PPPPP: The pressure altitude in meters. 

DDDD: The absolute value of the D-value in meters (a 5 occupies the thousands

place if the D-value is negative. For example, -34m is encoded as 5034. 

WWW: The wind direction in degrees, with 0 being true north, increasing

clockwise. 

SSS: The wind speed in knots. 

TTT: The air temperature in degrees and tenths Celsius. The tenths digit is even

for temperatures at or above 0EC, odd for temperatures below 0EC.

ddd: The dew point temperature, encoded the same way as air temperature. 

MMM: The maximum wind speed in knots measured during the minute. This is the

peak wind speed averaged over a 10-sec period. 

RRRRR: Radar altitude in meters 

FFFFFFFFFF:Default status for the MINOB/HDOB data. A "1" indicates the parameter is

defaulted (suspect value) or based on a parameter that is defaulted. A "0"

indicates the value is not defaulted. The field indicate default for (in order):

latitude, longitude, pressure altitude, D-value, wind direction, wind speed,

air temperature, dew point, maximum wind speed, radar altimeter. 
G-8

Table G-4. TEMP DROP CODE

EXTRACT FROM: WMO-No. 306 MANUAL ON CODES

FM 37-IX Ext. TEMP DROP - Upper-level pressure, temperature, humidity and wind report from a sonde

released by carrier balloons or aircraft. See Figure G-3 for an example TEMP DROP message for tropical

cyclone operations.

CODE FORM:

PART A

SECTION 1 MiMiMjMj YYGGId 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLoLo MMMULaULo

SECTION 2 99P P P T T T D D d d f f f o o o o o ao o o o o o o o

 P P h h h T T T D D d d f f f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 a1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

 P P h h h T T T D D d d f f f n n n n n n n an n n n n n n n

SECTION 3 88P PP T T T D D d d f f f t t t t t at t t t t t t t

or

88999

SECTION 4 77PmPmPm dmdmfmfmfm (4v v v v ) b b a a

 or

 66PmPmPm dmdmfmfmfm (4v v v v ) b b a a

 or

 77999

SECTION 9 51515 (through 59595) Code groups to be developed regionally.

SECTION 10 61616 (through 69696) Code groups to be developed nationally.

 

PART A

SECTION 1 - IDENTIFICATION AND POSITION

MiMiIdentification letters of the report = XX

MjMjIdentification letters of the part of the report = AA

YY Day of the month (GMT). When wind data are included 50 is added to YY.

GG Actual time of the observation, to the nearest whole hour (GMT).

Id Highest mandatory level for which wind is available. 7=700 mb, 5=500 mb, etc. If flight level is

above a standard surface, for example 495, report a 5 for 500 mb in the I group. d

Note the following clarification was approved at the 52d IHC: I will specify in hundreds of mb (Part d

A) or tens of mb (Part C) the highest mandatory isobaric level for which the wind is reported. For

example, in Part A, Id = 7 indicates 700 mb, but in Part C, Id = 7 indicates 70 mb. Id = 0 refers to the

1000 mb level. The surface wind group should always be present.
G-9

(1) The wind group shall be omitted at all levels above the level specified by Id, except as noted in

(3) and (4) below.

(2) The wind group shall be present at all levels at and below the level specified by Id. At levels

below that specified by I for which the wind is missing, encode the wind group as "/////." d

(3) When the highest mandatory level for which the wind is reported is 250 mb, encode I as 2. If d

other information is available above 250 mb, encode the 200 mb wind group as "/////."

(4) When the highest mandatory level for which the wind is reported is 150 mb, encode I as 1. If d

other information is available above 150 mb, encode the 100 mb wind group as "/////."

(5) When no winds are reported for any level, encode Id as "/," encode the surface wind group as

"/////," and omit all wind groups above the surface. 

99 Indicator for data on position follow.

L L L Latitude, in tenths of a degree. a a a

Qc Quadrant of the globe. The earth is divided by the Greenwich meridian and the equator into

quadrants. The code figure reported depends on the latitude and longitude of the observation

position.

L L L L Longitude, in tenths of a degree. o o o o

MMM Marsden square. The number of the marsden square for aircraft position at the time of the

observation is reported for MMM. Always report three digits for MMM, with zeros reported for the

hundreds and tens digits when required. When an observation is within a depicted 10 degree

square, report the number of that square. When on an even 10 degree latitude or longitude circle,

the marsden square for MMM is obtained by moving in the direction of larger latitude and/or

longitude. EXAMPLE: Assuming a position of 18.1N, 131.4W, MMM is 050; assuming a position of

30.0N, 140.0E, MMM is 130. At the equator or on the prime meridian, report the marsden square

compatible with the Q reported. c

U Units digit in the reported latitude. La

U Units digit in the reported longitude. Lo

SECTION 2 - SURFACE AND STANDARD ISOBARIC SURFACES

99 Indicator for data for the surface level follow.

PoPoPo Pressure of specified levels in whole millibars, thousands digits omitted. (PoPoPo is always surface

level.)

P P Pressure of standard isobaric surfaces in units of tens of millibars. (1000mbs=00, 1 1

P P 925mbs=92, 850mbs=85, 700mbs=70, etc.) n n

h h h Height of the standard pressure level in geopotential meters or decameters above the surface. 1 1 1

Encoded in meters up to but not including 500mbs. Encoded in decameters at and

h h h above 500mbs omitting, if necessary, the thousands or tens of thousands digits. Add 500to hhh for n n n

negative 1000mb heights. Report 1000mb groups as 00/// ///// when surface pressure is less than

950mbs.
G-10

ToTo Tens and units digit of air temperature (not rounded off) in degrees Celsius, at specified

T T levels beginning with surface. 1 1

TnTn

T Approximate tenths value and sign (plus or minus) of the air temperature. ao

T Even = plus; Odd = minus. al

Tan

DoDo Dewpoint depression (with respect to water) at standard isobaric surfaces beginning with

D1D1 surface level. When the depression is 4.9C or less encode the units and tenths digits of the

DnDn depression. Encode depressions of 5.0C through 5.4C as 50. Encode depressions of 5.5C through

5.9C as 56. Dewpoint depressions of 6.0C and above are encoded in tens and units with 50 added.

Dewpoint depressions for relative humidities less than 20% are encoded as 80. When air

temperature is below -40C report D D as two solidi. n n

dodo True direction from which wind is blowing rounded to nearest 5 degrees. Report hundreds

d d and tens digits. The unit digit (0 or 5) is added to the hundreds digit of wind speed. 1 1

dndn

f f f Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of hundreds digit of speed and unit digit of o o o

f f f direction, i.e. 295 at 125 kts encoded as 29625. (Notes 1&2) 1 1 1

o

f f f n n n

NOTE: 1. When flight level is just above a standard surface and in the operator's best meteorological

judgement, 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 /////.

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/////.

SECTION 3 - DATA FOR TROPOPAUSE LEVELS

88 Indicator for data for tropopause level(s) follow.

PPP Pressure at the tropopause level reported in whole millibars. t t t

T T Air temperature in whole degrees Celsius, at the tropopause level. t t

T Approximate tenths value and sign (plus or minus) of the air temperature at the tropopause level. at

D D Dew point depression at the tropopause level. t t

d d True direction at the tropopause level rounded to nearest 5 degrees. Report hundreds and t t

tens digits. The unit digit (0 or 5) is added to the hundreds digit of wind speed.

f f f Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of hundreds digit of speed and unit digit of t t t

direction, i.e. 295 at 125 kts encoded as 29625. o

88999 Indicator that tropopause data have not been observed.

SECTION 4 - MAXIMUM WIND DATA

66 Indicator that data for maximum wind level and for vertical wind shear follow when max wind

occurs at flight level.

77 Indicator that data for maximum wind level and for vertical wind shear follow when max wind

level does not coincide with flight level.
G-11

PmPmPm Pressure at maximum wind level in whole millibars.

dmdm True direction from which wind is blowing at the maximum wind level 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.

fmfmfm Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of hundreds digit of speed and unit digit of direction, i.e.

295 at 125 kts encoded as 29625. o

4 Data for vertical wind sheer follow.

v v Absolute value of vector difference between max wind and the wind 3000 feet BELOW the level of b b

maximum wind, reported to the nearest knot. Use "//" if missing and 4 group is reported. A vector

difference of 99 knots or more is reported with the code figure "99".

v v Absolute value of vector difference between max wind and the wind 3000 feet ABOVE the level of a a

maximum wind, reported to the nearest knot. Use"//" if missing and 4 group is reported. A vector

difference of 99 knots or more is reported with the code figure "99".

77999 Indicator that maximum wind data have not been observed.

SECTION 10 - NATIONAL PRACTICES

61616 Mission identifier followed by the observation number and the four-letter ICAO identifier for the station

that copied and disseminated the observation (e.g., 61616 NOAA9 0403A CLAUDETTE OB 01

KWBC)

62626 Remarks (e.g., EYEWALL, SST28.2, SFC WND AT 7M)
G-12

CODE FORM:

PART B

SECTION 1 MiMiMjMj YYGG/ 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLo MMMULaULo

SECTION 5 nonoPoPoPo ToToTaoDoDo

n1n1P1P1P1 T1T1Ta1D1D1

nnnnPnPnPn TnTnTanDnDn

SECTION 6 21212 n n P P P d d f f f o o o o o o o o o o

n n P P P d d f f f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

n n P P P d d f f f n n n n n n n n n n

SECTION 7 31313 srrarasasa 8GGgg

SECTION 9 51515 101A A or df df

101A A 0P P P' P' . or df df n n n n

101Adf Adf PnPnhnhnhn 

SECTION 10 61616 Repeat national practice encoded in Part A.

62626 Repeat national practice encoded in Part A.

PART B

SECTION - 1 IDENTIFICATION AND POSITION

MM Identification letters of the part of the report = BB. j j

/ Filler figure for last digit of YYGG group. No wind groups reported for any of the significant isobaric

surfaces.

All other groups are the same as reported in Part A - Section 1

SECTION 5 - DATA FOR SIGNIFICANT TEMPERATURE

AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVELS

n n Number of level, starting with surface level. Only surface level will be numbered as "00." o o

n n When a standard level is also selected as significant, repeat the level in section 5. Encode 1 1

n n significant levels to indicate missing data as nn/// /////. n n

P P P Pressure at specified levels in whole millibars, beginning with surface. o o o

P1P1P1

PnPnPn

Temperature and humidity data groups are reported in the same manner as the temperature and humidity data

in Part A - Section 2.
G-13

SECTION 6 - DATA FOR SIGNIFICANT WIND LEVELS

21212 Data for significant levels with respect to wind follow. Wind data groups are reported in the same

manner as the wind data in Part A - Section 2.

SECTION 7 - SOUNDING SYSTEM INDICATION

31313 Data on sounding system.

s Identifies solar and infrared radiation correction. Always report as zero--no correction. r

r r Identifies dropsonde/sounding system used. Always report as "96"--descending radiosonde. a a

s s Identifies tracking technique/status of system used. Reported as "00" or "08." a a

"0" - Aircraft system has no windfinding capability.

"8" - Automatic satellite navigation.

8 Indicator for time of observation.

GG Actual time of dropsonde launch to the nearest whole hour UTC.

gg Actual time of dropsonde launch in minutes UTC. 

SECTION 9 - ADDITIONAL DATA GROUPS

101A A Specifications of regional additional data being reported. df df

0 Group indicator.

P P Pressure of specified levels in tens of millibars. (1007 mb=01, 945 mb=95, 726 mb=73). n n

P' P' n n

P P h h h Data reported in the same manner as in Part A - Section 2. n n n n n

51515 Additional data in regional code follow.

10166 Geopotential data are doubtful between the following levels, 0PnPnP'nP'n. This code figure is used

only when geopotential data are doubtful from a level to termination of the descent. NOTE: When

radar altimeter is inoperative and surface reference is used, or if the ARWO advises that

geopotential platform data is doubtful, a 10166 is reported for the entire run.

10167 Temperature data are doubtful between the following levels: 0PnPnP'nP'n. This code figure shall be

reported when only 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.

10190 Extrapolated altitude data follows:

1. When the sounding begins within 25mbs below a standard surface, the height of the surface is

reported in the format 10190 P P h h h . The temperature group is not reported. EXAMPLE: n n n n n

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 B as 10190 30966.

2. 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 in Part

B of the code in the format 10190 P P h h h . EXAMPLE: Assume termination occurred at n n n n n

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.
G-14

10191 Extrapolated surface pressure precedes. Extrapolated surface pressure is only reported when the

termination occurs between 850mbs and surface. Surface pressure is reported in Part A as

99PoPoPo///// and in Part B as 00Po Po Po /////. When surface pressure is extrapolated, the 10191

group is the last additional data group reported in Part B.

FIGURE G-3. EXAMPLE TEMP DROP MESSAGE FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE OPERATIONS

 

UZNT13 KWBC 141910

XXAA 64193 99272 70775 08077 99017 27657 11003 00146 26456 07505 92829 20844 03501 85557

16659 00000 70183 07260 ///// 50587 08156 23007 40757 19166 22014 30965 34964 17018 25089

45163 20234 579// 88999 77999

61616 NOAA9 0403A CLAUDETTE OB 01 KWBC

62626 EYEWALL, SST28.2, SFC WIND AT 7M

XXBB 6419/ 99272 70775 08077 00017 27657 11956 22837 22872 17650 33832 16063 44789 12444

55704 07458 66692 06867 77658 04062 88640 03070 99598 00956 11588 01363 22578 02336 33559

04327 44528 06350 55520 06961 66513 07347 77492 08759 88482 09957 99460 11759 11410 17957

22401 18966 33393 20162 44381 21569 55361 24364 66353 25570 77318 31359 88302 34564 99238

47962 11192 605//

21212 00017 11003 11435 22512 22419 20510 33397 22014 44330 16017 55292 18017 66270 16521

77192 19014

31313 09608 81833

61616 NOAA9 0403A CLAUDETTE OB 01 KWBC

62626 EYEWALL, SST28.2, SFC WIND AT 7M 

NNNN
H-1

APPENDIX H

WSR-88D OPERATIONS PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE EVENTS 

The following procedures are used to modify WSR-88D operations in support of the tropical

cyclone warning system:

At the Unit Control Position (UCP):

 

1. Operational mode--precipitation mode. Either VCP 11 (14 elevations in 5 minutes) or VCP

21 (9 elevations in 6 minutes). VCP 21 will cause less wear on antenna gearing, and offers

reduced potential for loadshedding. For convection within 80 nm of the radar, VCP 11 offers

denser vertical resolution above tilt 5 and is thus preferred for close-in cases and overpasses.

2. Velocity data levels (display levels) for the 8-data level products should be set to display

hurricane-force winds. Note that default settings, which display a maximum of 64 kt, will be

exceeded by even a minimal category one hurricane. 

UCP commands: SE, WXMAN1, VE (enter appropriate menu)

then D, 5 <--display Table 5 first

then M (modify Table 5)

suggested values are -100, -80

then E (save edits)

then D, 7 <-- now display Table 7

M (modify Table 7)

suggested values are -135, -115

then E (save edits)

This modifies the 8-level products ONLY. The routine 16-level products are not affected. By

entering the negative values above, corresponding positive values are automatically supplied. 

Table 5 will be used if the velocity increment is 1 kt (0.97 kt or 0.5 m/s) while Table 7 will be

used if the velocity increment is increased to 2 kt (1.94 kt or 1 m/s). See paragraph 3 below. 

Note: These are good initial settings for pre-event preparedness. As the hurricane comes into

radar range, examine the velocities in the eyewall. Settings (as time allows) may be adjusted by

5 or 10 kt increments to produce a clean maximum (a 'bulls-eye') in the area of the velocity

maximum. This velocity maximum is usually found on the right side of the eyewall (right side

defined as standing behind the hurricane and looking forward along the direction of motion).
H-2

3. If velocities are expected to exceed 124 kt, increase the velocity increment from 1 to 2 kt. 

 

UCP commands: RD, PR (turn off auto pulse repetition frequency (PRF))

V (display current VCP)

V, 1.94 (switch velocity measurement increment (VMI) of 

current VCP)

E (save edits)

RD, DO, 0 (download modified VCP)

RD, PR (turn on auto PRF)

Note: If the velocity increment is 1 kt, Table 5 above applies; if the velocity increment is 2

kt, Table 7 above applies.

4. Allow non-associated Principal User Processors (NAPUP) (e.g. TPC/NHC) access to:

a. 8-data level Velocity product (product #24).

b. 0.54 nm Composite Reflectivity product (product #37).

These may be added to the Generation and Distribution Control list, Adaptation list 'A,' with a 'Y' in

the NAPUP column. (Note: SRM, product #56, should already appear with a 'Y' for NAPUP.

UCP commands: AD, WXMAN1, G, A

then M, 9 (modify line 9)

AUT AUT STO NA

SLICE GEN ARC STO TIM PUP

-2.0 1 0 1 60 Y (con't)

then M, 22 (modify line 22)

AUT AUT STO NA

SLICE GEN ARC STO TIM PUP

 1 0 1 60 Y

then E (save edits)

G, R, A (replace current list with copy of changes)

G, E (save edits)

5. Make certain that Archive II is active. 

6. If range-folding is obscuring velocities beyond about 70-80 nm, shown in extreme cases as a solid

purple band surrounding the 'good' velocities, auto-PRF is not working effectively. Consider turning

auto PRF off. Auto PRF uses only the 4 highest PRFs (5 through 8). To alleviate the purple band

problem and extend the range of usable velocities, set PRF to PRF #4.
H-3

UCP commands: RD, PR (turn off auto PRF)

F1 (return to main menu)

V (enter VCP menu)

S, 94 (set Rmax to 94 nm)

E (save edits)

then F1 (return to main menu)

RD, DO, 0 (down load the modified VCP)

To return to normal: RD, PR (turn auto PRF back on)

7. Applications terminal, associated PUPs (APUP):

a. Suggested minimum routine product set (RPS) lists follow these instructions. Sites may wish

to add Mesocyclone (M), Tornadic Vortex Signature (TVS), Storm Tracking (STI), and Echo Tops

(ET) to the list. Storm Relative Velocity products (SRM, SRR) should be generated as One-Time

Requests, with storm motion determined by the forecaster. The system software may not be able to

produce a useful motion due to the rotation of the tropical cyclone. One-Hour Precip (looped) can

also be useful in finding the tropical cyclone center in poorly defined cases. 

b. Initiate a local product archive (Archive IV). This will copy the PUP database onto the

optical disk for later assessment. This record has proven to be extremely useful even if Archive II

is also running and can become crucial if Archive II fails. 

Most important here, for both APUPs and NAPUPs, is the 8-data level velocity product, and, in the

event of velocities exceeding 124 knots, changing the velocity increment from 1 to 2 knots. 

The advantage of using the 8-level velocity product is that the location of strong hurricane force

winds can be displayed, while leaving the standard 16-level velocity product (-64 kt to +64 kt) for

display of surrounding areas. The data resolution (i.e., "width" of the display levels) is maintained

to aid identification of mesocyclones which may occur in rainbands.

Note that the key 8-level velocity product and the 0.54 nm composite reflectivity product are not

available to non-associated users (e.g. TPC) by default, although some stations may already have

granted access. These products can be made available to NAPUPs by inserting them into the

Generation and Distribution Control list. Ideally, this amendment to the distribution list would be

done in anticipation of an event, so that everything is ready to go should a hurricane approach.

Again, local Unit Radar Coordinator approval should be sought as necessary--in advance--so that the

change can be made operationally as the need arises. 

Additional note: For improved WSR-88D algorithm performance during tropical cyclone events,

the Threshold Pattern Vector (TPV) adaptable parameter for the Mesocyclone algorithm should be

reduced to improve detection of small diameter features. From the main menu:
H-4

UCP commands: AD, ******, M, ******, M (display the mesoscale adaptable

parameter menu)

change TPV (page forward to page 2) to 6

then E (save edits)

The default Z-R relationship does not perform well in tropical cyclones. Change the default Z-R

(300R ) to the tropical Z-R, (250R ) to provide better precipitation estimates. 1.4 1.2

 

From the main menu:

UCP commands: AD,******, M, ******, Z (display Z-R parameters)

then change CZM to 250

and change CZP to 1.2

then E (save edits)

Table H-1. Suggested minimum WSR-88D RPS lists for tropical cyclones.

 

Tropical cyclone range > 124 nm 

Product Elevation angle Data resolution Data levels

Base Reflectivity 0.5E 1.1 nm 16

1.5 1.1 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 16

 1.5 0.54 nm 16

 2.4 0.54 nm 16

3.4 0.54 nm 16

Base velocity 0.5 0.54 nm 16

 1.5 0.54 nm 16

 2.4 0.54 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 8

Composite 

Reflectivity 0.54 nm 16

VIL, Storm Total Precip

 
H-5

 

Tropical cyclone range 62 - 124 nm 

Product Elevation angle Data resolution Data levels

Base Reflectivity 0.5E 1.1 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 16

1.5 0.54 nm 16

2.4 0.54 nm 16

3.4 0.54 nm 16

6.0 0.54 nm 16

Base velocity 0.5 0.54 nm 16

1.5 0.54 nm 16

Product Elevation angle Data resolution Data levels

Base Velocity 2.4 0.54 nm 16

(con't) 3.4 0.54 nm 16 

0.5 0.54 nm 8

Composite 

Reflectivity 0.54 nm 16

VIL, Storm Total Precip 

 

Tropical cyclone range > 32 - 62 nm 

Product Elevation angle Data resolution Data levels

Base Reflectivity 0.5E 1.1 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 16

1.5 0.54 nm 16

2.4 0.54 nm 16

4.3 0.54 nm 16

6.0 0.54 nm 16

Base velocity 0.5 0.54/0.27 nm 16

1.5 0.54/0.27 nm 16

2.4 0.54 nm 16

4.3 0.54 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 8

Composite 

Reflectivity 0.54 nm 16

VIL, Storm Total Precip 

 
H-6

 

Tropical cyclone range 0 - 32 nm

Product Elevation angle Data resolution Data levels

Base Reflectivity 0.5E 1.1 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 16

1.5 0.54 nm 16

2.4 0.54 nm 16

3.4 0.54 nm 16

6.0 0.54 nm 16

9.9 0.54 nm 16

Product Elevation angle Data resolution Data levels

Base velocity 0.5 0.54/0.27/0.13 nm 16

1.5 0.54/0.27 nm 16

2.4 0.54 nm 16

0.5 0.54 nm 8

1.5 0.54 nm 8

Composite 

Reflectivity 0.54 nm 16

VIL, Storm Total Precip 

 
I-1

APPENDIX I 

TELEPHONE AND TELETYPE LISTING

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AGENCY LOCATION TTY TELEPHONE 1

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

- Dir/Coord COM 808-973-5272

- Operations FAX 808-973-5281

CPHC Satellite Coordinator Honolulu, HI B COM 808-973-5285

NDBC - Data Systems Division SSC, MS COM 601-688-1720

NESDIS SAB Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8444

NHC Miami, FL AB COM 305-229-4470

TAFB Lead Forecaster (TPC/NHC) Miami, FL AB COM 305-229-4425

Hydrometeorological Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8096

 Prediction Center (HPC)

NCEP Senior Duty Met (Data QC) Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8298

NWS Hydrometeorological Silver Spring, MD COM 301-713-1726

 Services Core (Headquarters) FAX 301-713-1598

INTERDEPARTMENTAL

OFCM Silver Spring, MD COM 301-427-2002

DSN 851-1460

A AFMEDS 1

B AFOS
I-2

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

AGENCY LOCATION TTY TELEPHONE

AFGWC Offutt AFB, NE B COM 402-294-2586

DSN 271-2586

CARCAH OLA, 53 WRS Miami, FL AB 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

15 OSS/OSW Hickam AFB, HI B COM 808-449-1634/7638

 (Weather Monitor) DSN 315-449-1634/6262

325 OSS/OSW Tyndall AFB, FL B COM 904-283-2845

 (Southeast Air Defense Sector/WE) DSN 523-2845

Keesler AFB Command Post Keesler AFB, MS COM 601-377-4330

DSN 597-4330

NAVLANTMETOCCEN Norfolk, VA B COM 804-444-7750/3770

 DSN 564-7750/3770

NAVPACMETOCCEN Pearl Harbor, HI B COM 808-471-0353

COM 808-474-4856

DSN 474-4856

NAVPACMETOCCEN WEST/JTWC Guam COM 671-349-5240/5302

DSN 315-349-5240/5302

FAX 671-344-6106

53 WRS/DO Keesler AFB, MS B COM 601-377-2409

DSN 597-2409

53 WRS (Office) Keesler AFB, MS COM 601-377-3207

DSN 597-3207

53 WRS (Alternate CARCAH) Keesler AFB, MS B COM 601-377-1939

 DSN 597-1939
I-3

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

ARTCC ARTCC PHONE DIRECTORY

ID TMO ADMINISTRATION AREA MANAGER

ANCHORAGE ZAN 907-269-1108 907-269-1137 907-269-1103

ALBUQUERQUE ZAB 505-856-4590 505-856-4500 505-856-4500

CHICAGO ZAU 708-906-8268 708-906-8220 708-906-8341

BOSTON ZBW 603-886-7666 603-886-7675 603-886-7635

WASHINGTON ZDC 703-771-3471 703-771-3440 703-771-3470

DENVER ZDV 303-651-4246 303-651-4261 303-651-4248

FT. WORTH ZFW 817-858-7537 817-858-7520 817-858-7503

HOUSTON ZHU 713-230-5577 713-230-5540 713-230-5560

INDIANAPOLIS ZID 317-247-2243 317-247-2222 317-247-2242

JACKSONVILLE ZJX 904-549-1543 904-549-1578 904-549-1537

KANSAS CITY ZKC 913-791-8505 913-791-8450 913-791-8500

LOS ANGELES ZLA 805-265-8250 805-265-8200 805-265-8205

SALT LAKE CITY ZLC 801-320-2581 801-320-2500 801-320-2560

MIAMI ZMA 305-716-1540 305-716-1500 305-716-1588

MEMPHIS ZME 901-368-8250 901-368-8103 901-368-8234

MINNEAPOLIS ZMP 612-463-5116 612-463-5130 612-463-5180

NEW YORK ZNY 516-468-1010 516-468-1001 516-468-1080

OAKLAND ZOA 510-745-6332 510-745-6475 510-745-6331

CLEVELAND ZOB 216-774-0228 216-774-0119 216-774-0226

SEATTLE ZSE 206-351-3525 206-351-3500 206-351-3520

ATLANTA ZTL 404-946-7697 404-946-7883 404-946-7622

HONOLULU HNL N/A 808-734-6667

SAN JUAN SJU 787-253-4567 Note:

TMO - Traffic Management

Officer

 Area Manager - Watch

Supervisor

ARTCC - Air Route Traffic

Control Center

TORONTO YYZ 800-837-3801

MONTREAL YUL 514-636-3289

MONCTON YOM 506-851-7381

OTTAWA YOW 613-954-7425

WINNIPEG YWG 203-983-8338

EDMONTON YEG 403-890-8397

GANDER YQX 709-256-6770

VANCOUVER YVR 604-666-6673
I-4

AIR TRAFFIC OPERATIONS ATO-100 COM 202-267-9320

AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SERVICE COM 703-904-4401

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL 800-333-4286

SYSTEM COMMAND CENTER - ATO 200

HERNDON, VA.

CENTRAL ALTITUDE 703-904-4427

RESERVATION FUNCTION (CARF) DSN 725-3331/725-3333

NATIONAL NOTAM CENTER

WASHINGTON, D.C. 202-267-3390

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 603-886-7698

New York ARTCC 516-468-1083

Washington ARTCC 703-771-3480

Jacksonville ARTCC 904-549-1839

Miami ARTCC 305-716-1635

Houston ARTCC 713-230-5676

Los Angeles ARTCC 805-265-8258

Oakland ARTCC 510-745-3457

Seattle ARTCC 206-351-3741

Anchorage ARTCC 907-269-1145
J-1

APPENDIX J 

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
J-2

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

OFFICE OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF 

Joint Staff/J3/ROD and JRC 2

UNIFIED/SPECIFIED COMMANDS

USACOM/J335 1

USCENTCOM/J3-W 1

USCINCEUR/J3-OD-WE 1

USFORSCOM/FCJ2-WE 1

USCINCPAC/J316 (ENV.GP) 1

USCINCSO/SCJ3-SWO 1

USTRANSCOM/TCJ3/J4-OW 1

USSOCOM/SOJ3-W 1

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HQ USAF/XOW 3

HQ ACC/DOW 34

HQ AFMC/DOW 2

HQ AFSPC/DOW 5

HQ AFSOC/DOW 1

HQ AMC/DOW 10

HQ ANGRC/DOSW 48

HQ AOC/XPPD 1

HQ AETC/TTO 2

HQ AETC/DOTW 10

HQ AU/WE 1

HQ AFWA/XO 6

HQ AFCCC/TECH LIBRARY (DOL) 1

HQ PACAF/DOW 6

HQ USSTRATCOM/J-3615 2

HQ USAFE/DOOW 2

15 OSS/OSW 1

45 SPW/XP and SE 4

24 WS/CC 1

45 WS/CC 3

46 WS/CC 2

78 OSS/OSW 1

325 OSS/OSW 1

3395 TCHTG/TTKO 2

Phillips Laboratory/GPAS 1

SM-ALC/LHFBB 2

Det 13, 1st Weather Group 2
J-3

AFRC

HQ USAF/REO 3

HQ AFRC/DOO 2

403 AW/DO 3

53 WRS 75

CARCAH (OL-A 53 WRS) 10

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 

HQ Department of the Army/DAMI- POI 2

Topographic Engineering Center 1

COE/CEWES-CD-P 1

607th Weather Squadron 1

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

Commandant of the Marine Corps (DCS/Aviation) 7

Oceanographer of the Navy 2

NAVMETOCCOM 5

Commanding Officer, NAVOCEANO (N2513) 75

Commanding Officer, NAVLANTMETOCCEN 2

NAVPACMETOCCEN West/JTWC, Guam 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

Coastal System Station (Code 05W) 1

AFWTF, Roosevelt Roads, PR 1

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Air Traffic Plans and Requirements Service ATR-1 1

Air Traffic Program Management Director ATZ-1 1

Air Traffic Operations ATO-1 1

Air Traffic Operations ATO-110 1

Air Traffic Operations ATO-130 3

Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) ATO-200 9
J-4

Air Traffic System Effectiveness ATH-1 2

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

AAC-932 Oklahoma City, OK 1

AIA-101 3

ALM-400 1

AOP-41

APA-200 3

ATH-150 1

ATR-200 1

Houston AIFSS 3

Miami (QAS) AIFSS 2

New York AIFSS 1

San Juan AIFSS 2

U.S. COAST GUARD 

Commandant, USCG Headquarters (G-NIO) 2

Commandant, USCG (FLAGPLOT) 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
J-5

Commander, (RE) Seventh Coast Guard District 3

Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District 3

Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District 1

Commander, Fourteenth Coast Guard District 2

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Barbers Point, HI 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY 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, Kodiak, AK 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, McClellan AFB, CA 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, New Orleans, LA 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Opa Locka, FL 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Reserve Training Center 1

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

World Agriculture Outlook Board 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

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FEMA, Mitigation Directorate 1

FRC Region I 1

OTHER U.S.

General Services Administration, Federal Information Center 1

Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress 1

University of Chicago Library, The Joseph Regenstein Library 1
J-6

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

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

Maritime Weather Centre (AES), Bedford 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