OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL COORDINATOR FOR

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH

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

National Hurricane National Hurricane

Operations Plan Operations Plan

FCM-P12-2000

Washington, DC Washington, DC

May 2000 May 2000

Hurricane Floyd - 14 September 1999 Hurricane Floyd - 14 September 1999
THE FEDERAL COMMITTEE FOR

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH (FCMSSR)

DR. D. JAMES BAKER, Chairman

Department of Commerce

DR. ROSINA BIERBAUM

Office of Science and Technology Policy

DR. RAYMOND MOTHA (Acting)

Department of Agriculture

MR. JOHN J. KELLY, JR.

Department of Commerce

CAPT DAVID MARTIN, USN

Department of Defense

DR. ARISTIDES PATRINOS

Department of Energy

DR. ROBERT M. HIRSCH

Department of the Interior

MR. RALPH BRAIBANTI

Department of State

MR. RANDOLPH LYON

Office of Management and Budget

MR. MONTE BELGER

Department of Transportation

MR. MICHAEL J. ARMSTRONG

Federal Emergency Management Agency

DR. GHASSEM R. ASRAR

National Aeronautics and Space

 Administration

DR. MARGARET S. LEINEN

National Science Foundation

MR. BENJAMIN BERMAN

National Transportation Safety Board

MS. MARGARET V. FEDERLINE

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

DR. NORINE NOONAN 

Environmental Protection Agency

MR. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON

Federal Coordinator 

MR. JAMES B. HARRISON, Executive Secretary

Office of the Federal Coordinator for

Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH (ICMSSR)

MR. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON, Chairman

Federal Coordinator

DR. RAYMOND MOTHA

Department of Agriculture

MR. JOHN E. JONES, JR.

Department of Commerce

CAPT DAVID MARTIN, USN

Department of Defense

MR. RICKEY PETTY

Department of Energy

MR. LEWIS T. MOORE

Department of the Interior

MR. JEFFREY MACLURE

Department of State

MR. DAVID WHATLEY

Federal Aviation Administration

Department of Transportation

DR. JONATHAN M. BERKSON

United States Coast Guard

Department of Transportation

MR. FRANCIS SCHIERMEIER

Environmental Protection Agency

MR. JOHN GAMBEL

Federal Emergency Management Agency

DR. RAMESH KAKAR

National Aeronautics and Space

 Administration

DR. STEPHAN P. NELSON

National Science Foundation

MR. DONALD E. EICK

National Transportation Safety Board

MS. LETA A. BROWN

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

MS. JENNIFER BAFFI

Office of Management and Budget

MR. JAMES B. HARRISON, Executive Secretary

Office of the Federal Coordinator for

Meteorological Services and Supporting Research
FEDERAL COORDINATOR 

FOR 

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH

8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1500

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 

NATIONAL HURRICANE OPERATIONS PLAN

FCM-P12-2000

Washington, D.C.

May 2000
ii

CHANGE AND REVIEW LOG

Use this page to record changes and notices of reviews.

Change

Number

Page

Numbers

Date

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 
iii

FOREWORD

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

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM) with the goal

to bring together the cognizant Federal agencies, together with representatives from the user

communities, especially the emergency management community, to address and reach agreement

on items of mutual interest and concern related to the provision of hurricane/tropical cyclone

forecast and warning services. The procedures and agreements reached at the 54th IHC, which

was held in Houston, Texas, February 14-18, 2000, resulted in this publication--the 38th edition

of the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP).

This edition includes a number of significant revisions and changes, plus some new additions.

Seven action items, which were identified prior to the 54th IHC, were addressed during an open

meeting of the Working Group for Hurricane and Winter Storms Operations and Research

(WG/HWSOR). Three of the seven action items were closed through incorporation into the

NHOP. Of the remaining four, two action items were withdrawn, and two were non-NHOP

related and are being staffed by the WG/HWSOR. In addition, two other actions were identified

during the course of the meeting for inclusion in the NHOP. They were the addition of latitudes

and longitudes associated with the defining points for tropical cyclone watches and warnings (new

Appendix B) and the addition of an appendix for Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) products

(new Appendix C). 

Another significant addition is a new appendix (Appendix A) on local National Weather Service

(NWS) Office products; for example, the Hurricane Local Statement, which support the tropical

cyclone forecast and warning program and are tailored to the needs of local users. In Chapter 5,

Aircraft Reconnaissance, the section on Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances was revised to

incorporate the procedures that are documented in a letter of agreement between the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). The updated Chapter 5 also includes a new figure

which reflects the differences in the structure of the Vortex Data Message and the Supplementary

Vortex Data Message between the WC-130H and WC-130J. Chapter 6, Satellite Reconnaissance,

Chapter 8, National Data Buoy Center Reporting Stations, and Chapter 9, Marine Weather

Broadcasts, were also substantially updated.

The active 1999 season, which included Hurricanes Floyd and Lenny whose names were retired,

tested our multiagency tropical cyclone warning support system, and, once again, the system

responded in an highly effective manner--a tribute to the dedication and cooperation of the civilian

and military agencies involved.

SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological

 Services and Supporting Research
v

NATIONAL HURRICANE OPERATIONS PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHAPTER 2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COOPERATING FEDERAL AGENCIES . 2-1

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

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

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

2.4. DOT 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

3.4. Transfer of Warning Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

3.5. Alternate Warning Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

3.6. Abbreviated Communications Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

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
vi

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

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

5.6. Reconnaissance Effectiveness Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

5.7. Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Encoding, Reporting,

and Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

5.8. Operational Flight Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

5.9. Aircraft Reconnaissance Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27

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 (SAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

(GMDSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) OFFICE

PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
vii

APPENDIX B DEFINING POINTS FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCHS/

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

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

APPENDIX D FORMAT FOR NHOP/NWSOP FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR

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

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

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

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

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

APPENDIX H WSR-88D OPERATIONS PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

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

2-1. Hurricane Bret, August 22, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. Example Vortex Data Message (VDM) and Supplementary Vortex Data

Message (SVDM) for the WC-130H and WC-130J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

5-7. NHOP coordinated request for aircraft reconnaissance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

5-8. Tropical cyclone plan of the day format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

5-9. Mission evaluation form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

5-10. Flight pattern ALPHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

5-11. Suggested patterns for investigative missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

5-12. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for NOAA P-3 aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29

5-13. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for AFRC WC-130 aircraft . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

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, the Gulf of Mexico,

 and the Great Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

8-2. NDBC moored buoys in the Pacific Ocean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

8-3. C-MAN stations in the coastal U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

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

8-5. Drifting data buoy deployment patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

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

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

G-3. MinOb Description and Sample Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-8

G-4. Example TEMP DROP Message for Tropical Cyclone Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . G-16
ix

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

3-1. Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

3-2. Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

3-3. Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

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

South China Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

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 weather 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 . . . . . . . . . 8-9

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

G-2. Reconnaissance code regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-4

G-3. HDOB Message Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-7

G-4. NOAA MinOb Message Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-9

G-5. TEMP DROP code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-10
1-1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

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

of Defense (DOD) provides the same services for the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean (see Figure

1-1). NOAA, along with other Federal agencies such as the U.S. Navy and the National Aeronautics

and Space Administration (NASA), also conducts supporting research efforts to improve tropical

cyclone 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

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

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. The goal of the IHC is

to bring together the responsible Federal agencies to achieve agreement on items of mutual concern

related to tropical cyclone 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. For completeness, the NHC

will be referred to as TPC/NHC throughout the document.
1-2

Figure 1-1. Tropical cyclone forecast centers' areas of responsibility
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 Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center

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

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

cyclones and disturbances.

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

meteorological data for the Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All

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

! Provide the DOD with basic meteorological information, warnings, forecasts, and

associated prognostic reasoning concerning location, intensity, and forecast

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

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

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

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

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

Meteorology and Oceanography Center (NAVLANTMETOCCEN),

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

any advisory that indicates a significant change in forecast of intensity or

track from the previous advisory. Exchange of information is encouraged

on subsequent warnings when significant changes are made or otherwise

required.

• Eastern Pacific Ocean (north of the equator and east of 140bW). Advisories

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

will consult with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Pearl Harbor,

HI, prior to issuing initial and final advisories and prior to issuing any

advisory that indicates a significant change in forecast of intensity or track

from the previous advisory. Exchange of information is encouraged on

subsequent warnings when significant changes are made or otherwise

required.

• Central Pacific Ocean (north of the equator between 140bW and 180b).

Advisories are the responsibility of the Director, Central Pacific Hurricane

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

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

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

previous advisory. Exchange of information is encouraged on subsequent

warnings when significant changes are made or otherwise required.

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

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

forecasts/advisories prepared by 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 180b 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 TPC/NHC and CPHC satellite data requirements.
2-3

Figure 2-1. Hurricane Bret, August 22, 1999
2-4

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

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

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

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

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

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

of NOAA.

2.3. DOD Responsibilities. The DOD will:

! Disseminate in a timely manner significant meteorological information on tropical and

subtropical cyclones to the NWS.

! Provide TPC/NHC and CPHC current DOD requirements for tropical and subtropical

cyclone advisories.

! Meet DOC requirements for aircraft reconnaissance and other special observations as

agreed to by DOD and DOC (see Appendix C).

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

Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH).

! Designate CARCAH as the liaison to TPC/NHC. CARCAH will serve as TPC/NHC's

point of contact to request special DOD observations in support of this plan; i.e.,

DMSP fixes, additional upper-air observations, etc.

! Provide weather reconnaissance data monitor services to evaluate and disseminate

reconnaissance reports.

! Provide, resources permitting, through the Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA), Offutt

AFB, NE, 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 180b.

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

Warning Center (JTWC). 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
2-5

prior 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 the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center operations officers will maintain a close

working relationship with the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, the ARTCCs, and the
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 Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC) and the Central Pacific

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

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

3.2. Products.

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

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

TWOs for both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Basins. They are transmitted at 0530, 1130, 1730,

and 2230 Eastern Local Time in the Atlantic and at 0400, 1000, 1600, and 2200 Pacific Local Time.

In the Central Pacific, TWOs are transmitted by the CPHC at 0200, 0800, 1400, and 2000 UTC. The

outlook briefly describes significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for tropical

cyclone development out to 48 hours. A tropical weather summary of Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and

Central Pacific tropical cyclone activity will be prepared and issued at the end of each month during

the hurricane season.

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

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

at 0300, 0900, 1500, and 2100 UTC. Discussions will 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 TPC/NHC for all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. In the Eastern Pacific, tropical cyclone

public advisories are issued by TPC/NHC for tropical cyclones that are expected to affect land within

48 hours. 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 Appendix B. 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: To further publicize local products, when a tropical cyclone threatens a land area, the

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

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

advisories use statute miles for distance and miles per hour for speed. Nautical miles and knots may
1

 Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico

3-2

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

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

States is the only country threatened.]

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

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

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

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

tropical cyclone forecasts/advisories are issued by the JTWC; Appendix C provides a listing of the

abbreviated communications headings and titles for JTWC products. Information on the broadcast

of tropical cyclone information to coastal and high-seas shipping can be found in Chapter 9, Marine

Weather Broadcasts.

3.2.5. 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 Basin1

 within 72 hours of forecasted landfall. In

addition, TPC/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.

TPC/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. TPC/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
3-3

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

A User's Manual for further information.

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 Island, 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

Note: 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
3-4

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 summaries will reference the former storm's name and be issued as long

as the remnants of the storm pose a serious hydrometeorological threat. As required, storm

summaries will be issued four times daily at 0500, 1100, 1700, and 2300 UTC. 

3.2.10. Tropical Weather Discussion. TPC/NHC issues these discussions four times a day.

They describe significant features from the latest surface analysis and significant weather areas for

the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and between the equator and 32bN in both the Atlantic and

Eastern Pacific east of 140bW. Plain language is used.

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

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

of forecasted landfall.

3.2.12. 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 TPC/NHC after advising the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and

Oceanography Center (NAVLANTMETOCCEN) Norfolk.

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

ONE-E, TWO-E, THREE-E, will be assigned by the TPC/NHC after advising the Joint Typhoon
3-5

Warning Center (JTWC), Pearl Harbor, HI. The assigned identifier shall be retained even if the

depression passes into another warning area.

3.3.1.3. Pacific West of 140bW and East of 180b. Depression numbers, with suffix

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

3.3.1.4. Pacific West of 180b and North of 0b. 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 140bW and 180b, 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 180 degrees, the names of tropical

storms and typhoons are assigned by RSMC Tokyo. The names listed in Table 3-5 (International

Tropical Cyclone Names for the Western Pacific and South China Sea) are for information only.

The meaning of each name, its phonetic pronunciation, and, in most instances, the name pronounced

by a native speaker is available on the Hong Kong Observatory web site:

www.weather.gov.hk/informtc/sound/tcname2000e.htm. A special program is required to hear the

names pronounced by a native speaker; those names appear in blue. The program is available for

downloading from the web site.

3.4. Transfer of Warning Responsibility.

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

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

appropriate advisory issued.
3-6

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

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

be made and the appropriate advisory issued. At the same time, the CPHC will coordinate with the

RSMC, Tokyo so that they are aware that CPHC will be suspending the issuance of advisories.

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

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

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

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

will be assuming the issuance of advisories.

3.5. Alternate Warning Responsibilities. 

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

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

in accordance with existing directives and retained there until resumption of responsibility can be

made. Alternate facilities are as follows: 

PRIMARY ALTERNATE

TPC/NHC National Centers for Environmental Prediction

Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)

Camp Springs, MD

CPHC TPC/NHC

CARCAH 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS)

JTWC NAVPACMETOCCEN Yokosuka

NWSO Tiyan, Guam CPHC

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

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

responsibility by the most rapid means available. JTWC will advise CPHC and TPC/NHC of

impending or actual transfer of JTWC responsibilities. In the event of an operational failure of

CARCAH, direct communication is authorized between the 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).
 3-7

Table 3-1. Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names

2000

ALBERTO

BERYL

CHRIS

DEBBY

ERNESTO

FLORENCE

GORDON

HELENE

ISAAC

JOYCE

KEITH

LESLIE

MICHAEL

NADINE

OSCAR

PATTY

RAFAEL

SANDY

TONY

VALERIE

WILLIAM

al-BAIR-to

 BER-ril

er-NES-toe

he-LEEN

EYE-sak

MIKE-el

nay-DEEN

ra-fa-EL 

2001

ALLISON

BARRY

CHANTAL

DEAN

ERIN

FELIX

GABRIELLE

HUMBERTO

IRIS

JERRY

KAREN

LORENZO

MICHELLE

NOEL

OLGA

PABLO

REBEKAH

SEBASTIEN

TANYA

VAN

WENDY

shan-TAHL

AIR-in

FEEL-ix

gay-bree-EL

oom-BAIR-to

EYE-ris

PA-blow

say-BAS-tyan

TAHN-ya

2002

ARTHUR

BERTHA

CRISTOBAL

DOLLY

EDOUARD

FAY

GUSTAV

HANNA

ISIDORE

JOSEPHINE

KYLE

LILI

MARCO

NANA

OMAR

PALOMA

RENE

SALLY

TEDDY

VICKY

WILFRED

BUR-tha

CRIS-to-ball

eh-DWARD

GOO-stahv

IS-i-door

JO-ze-feen

LIL-ee

NAN-uh

pa-LOW-ma

re-NAY

2003

ANA

BILL

CLAUDETTE

DANNY

ERIKA

FABIAN

GRACE

HENRI

ISABEL

JUAN

KATE

LARRY

MINDY

NICHOLAS

ODETTE

PETER

ROSE

SAM

TERESA

VICTOR

WANDA

claw-DET

ERR-ree-ka

FAY-bee-in

ahn-REE

IS-a-bell

WAN

NIK-o-las

o-DET

te-REE-sa

VIC-ter

2004

ALEX

BONNIE

CHARLEY

DANIELLE

EARL

FRANCES

GASTON

HERMINE

IVAN

JEANNE

KARL

LISA

MATTHEW

NICOLE

OTTO

PAULA

RICHARD

SHARY

TOMAS

VIRGINIE

WALTER

dan-YELL

GAS-tone

her-MEEN

eye-van

JEEN

LEE-sa

ni-COLE

RICH-erd

SHA-ree

to-MAS

vir-JIN-ee

2005

ARLENE

BRET

CINDY

DENNIS

EMILY

FRANKLIN*

GERT

HARVEY

IRENE

JOSE

KATRINA

LEE*

MARIA

NATE

OPHELIA

PHILIPPE

RITA

STAN

TAMMY

VINCE

WILMA

ho-ZAY

ka-TREE-na

ma-REEH-ah

o-FEEL-ya

fe-LEEP

If over 21 tropical cyclones occur in a year, the Greek alphabet will be used following the Wnamed cyclone. Franklin and Lee replace the retired names of Floyd and Lenny.
 3-8

Table 3-2. Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names

2000

ALETTA

BUD

CARLOTTA

DANIEL

EMILIA

FABIO

GILMA

HECTOR

ILEANA

JOHN

KRISTY

LANE

MIRIAM

NORMAN

OLIVIA

PAUL

ROSA

SERGIO

TARA

VICENTE

WILLA

XAVIER

YOLANDA

ZEKE

ah LET ah

ee MILL ya

FAH bee o

GIL mah

ill ay AH nah

SIR gee oh

vee CEN tay

ZAY vier

yo LAHN da

2001

ADOLPH

BARBARA

COSME

DALILA

ERICK

FLOSSIE

GIL

HENRIETTE

ISRAEL

JULIETTE

KIKO

LORENA

MANUEL

NARDA

OCTAVE

PRISCILLA

RAYMOND

SONIA

TICO

VELMA

WALLIS

XINA

YORK

ZELDA

COS may

hen ree ETT

KEE ko

low RAY na

mahn WELL

AHK tave

SONE yah

TEE koh

ZEE nah

ZEL dah

2002

ALMA

BORIS

CRISTINA

DOUGLAS

ELIDA

FAUSTO

GENEVIEVE

HERNAN

ISELLE

JULIO

KENNA

LOWELL

MARIE

NORBERT

ODILE

POLO

RACHEL

SIMON

TRUDY

VANCE

WINNIE

XAVIER

YOLANDA

ZEKE

AL mah

ELL ee dah

FOW sto

her NAHN

ee SELL

HOO lee o

oh DEAL

ZAY vier

yo LAHN da

2003

ANDRES

BLANCA

CARLOS

DOLORES

ENRIQUE

FELICIA

GUILLERMO

HILDA

IGNACIO

JIMENA

KEVIN

LINDA

MARTY

NORA

OLAF

PATRICIA

RICK

SANDRA

TERRY

VIVIAN

WALDO

XINA 

YORK

ZELDA

ahn DRASE

BLAHN kah

anh REE kay

fa LEE sha

gee YER mo

eeg NAH cio

he MAY na

OH lahf

ZEE nah

ZEL dah

2004

AGATHA

BLAS

CELIA

DARBY

ESTELLE

FRANK

GEORGETTE

HOWARD

ISIS

JAVIER

KAY

LESTER

MADELINE

NEWTON

ORLENE

PAINE

ROSLYN

SEYMOUR

TINA

VIRGIL

WINIFRED

XAVIER

YOLANDA

ZEKE

EYE sis

ha VEE AIR

or LEAN

ZAY vier

yo LAHN da

2005

ADRIAN

BEATRIZ

CALVIN

DORA

EUGENE

FERNANDA

GREG

HILARY

IRWIN

JOVA

KENNETH

LIDIA

MAX

NORMA

OTIS

PILAR

RAMON

SELMA

TODD

VERONICA

WILEY

XINA

YORK

ZELDA

BEE a triz

fer NAN dah

HO vah

rah MONE

ZEE nah

ZEL dah

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

Table 3-3. Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Names

COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2

Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation

AKONI ah-KOH-nee AKA AH-kah

EMA EH-mah EKEKA eh-KEH-kak

HANA HAH-nah HALI HAH-lee

IO EE-oo IOLANA ee-OH-lah-nah

KELI KEH-lee KEONI keh-ON-nee

LALA LAH-lah LI LEE

MOKE MOH-keh MELE MEH-leh

NELE NEH-leh NONA NOH-nah

OKA OH-kah OLIWA oh-LEE-vah

PEKE PEH-keh PAKA PAH-kah

ULEKI oo-LEH-kee UPANA oo-PAH-nah

WILA VEE-lah WENE WEH-neh

COLUMN 3 COLUMN 4

Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation

ALIKA ah-LEE-kah ANA AH-nah

ELE EH-leh ELA EH-lah

HUKO HOO-koh HALOLA hah-LOH-lah

IOKE ee-OH-keh IUNE ee-OO-neh

KIKA KEE-kah KIMO KEE-moh

LANA LAH-nah LOKE LOH-keh

MAKA MAH-kah MALIA mah-LEE-ah

NEKI NEH-kee NIALA nee-AH-lah

OLEKA oh-LEH-kah OKO OH-koh

PENI PEH-nee PALI PAH-lee

ULIA oo-LEE-ah ULIKA oo-LEE-kah

WALI WAH-lee WALAKA wah-LAH-kah

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

language are pronounced, including double or triple vowels.
 3-10

Table 3-4. International Tropical Cyclone Names

 for the Western Pacific and South China Sea 

I II III IV V

Contributor NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME

Cambodia Damrey Kong-rey Nakri Krovanh Sarika

China Longwang Yutu Fengshen Dujuan Haima

DPR Korea Kirogi Toraji Kalmaegi Maemi Meari

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

Japan Tembin Usagi Kammuri Koppu Tokage

Lao PDR Bolaven Pabuk Phanfone Ketsana Nock-ten

Macau Chanchu Wutip Vongfong Parma Muifa

Malaysia Jelawat Sepat Rusa Melor Merbok

Micronesia Ewiniar Fitow Sinlaku Nepartak Nanmadol

Philippines Bilis Danas Hagupit Lupit Talas

RO Korea Kaemi Nari Changmi Sudal Noru

Thailand Prapiroon Vipa Megkhla Nida Kularb

U.S.A. Maria Francisco Higos Omais Roke

Viet Nam Saomai Lekima Bavi Conson Sonca

Cambodia Bopha Krosa Maysak Chanthu Nesat

China Wukong Haiyan Haishen Dianmu Haitang

DPR Korea Sonamu Podul Pongsona Mindulle Nalgae

HK, China Shanshan Lingling Yanyan Tingting Banyan

Japan Yagi Kajiki Kujira Kompasu Washi

Lao PDR Xangsane Faxai Chan-hom Namtheun Matsa

Macau Bebinca Vamei Linfa Malou Sanvu

Malaysia Rumbia Tapah Nangka Meranti Mawar

Micronesia Soulik Mitag Soudelor Rananim Guchol

Philippines Cimaron Hagibis Imbudo Malakas Talim

RO Korea Chebi Noguri Koni Megi Nabi

Thailand Durian Ramasoon Hanuman Chaba Khanun

U.S.A. Utor Chataan Etau Kodo Vicente

Viet Nam Trami Halong Vamco Songda Saola

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

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

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

(Damrey).
 3-11

3.6. Abbreviated Communications Headings. Abbreviated communications headings are

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

numbers or storm name and standard communications procedures.

[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.]

Abbreviated communications 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
 3-12

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

3.6.2.2. 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

WTPQ51-55 PGUM 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 Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC) and

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

subtropical cyclone observations that they receive.

4.3. Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisories.

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

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

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

cyclone forecast/advisories will be disseminated through the National Weather Service (NWS)

communications facility at Suitland, MD, to the 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 TPC/NHC and CPHC. The public advisories issued by the NWS Forecast Office

(NWSO) Tiyan, Guam, are issued 1 hour after the JTWC guidance. Advisories will continue to be

issued until the system is classified below the depression intensity level. In addition, special

forecasts will be issued whenever the following criteria are met:

` 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 TPC/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 Forecasting (ATCF)

System 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

forecast/advisories will be numbered sequentially; for example,

Tropical Depression ONE Forecast/Advisory Number 1

Tropical Depression ONE Forecast/Advisory Number 2

Tropical Storm Anita Forecast/Advisory Number 3

Hurricane (Typhoon) Anita Forecast/Advisory Number 4

Tropical Depression Anita Forecast/Advisory Number 5
4-3

MIATCMAT3

TTAAOO KNHC 182100

HURRICANE BOB FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 12

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL AL0291

2100Z SUN AUG 18 1991

AT 5 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

BEEN POSTED FOR A PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST COAST FROM PLYMOUTH

MASSACHUSETTS NORTHWARD THROUGH EASTPORT MAINE.

HURRICANE CENTER LOCATED NEAR 33.9N 76.0W AT 18/2100Z

POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN 20NM

PRESENT MOVEMENT TOWARD THE NORTH OR 010 DEGREES AT 16 KT

ESTIMATED MINIMUM PRESSURE...960 MB

EYE DIAMETER 20NM

MAX SUSTAINED WINDS 100KT WITH GUSTS 120 KT

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

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

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

12 FT SEAS 150NE 150SE 75SW 75NW

ALL QUADRANT RADII IN NAUTICAL MILES

REPEAT...CENTER LOCATED AT 33.9N 76.0W AT 18/2100Z

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

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

RAPPAPORT

STRIKE PROBABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ADVISORY NUMBER CAN BE FOUND UNDER

AFOS HEADER MIASPFAT2 AND WMO HEADER WTNT72 KNHC

NNNN

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

WTPQ31 PGUM 011600

BULLETIN

SUPER TYPHOON STORMY ADVISORY NUMBER 14

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE TIYAN GU

2AM LST MON NOV 02 1998

...STORMY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A SUPER TYPHOON...

TYPHOON WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR GUAM...ROTA...TINIAN AND SAIPAN IN THE

MARIANA ISLANDS.

AT 1AM...1500Z...THE CENTER OF SUPER TYPHOON STORMY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE

13.0 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 149.2 DEGREES EAST...OR ABOUT 300 MILES EAST OF

GUAM.

STORMY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST AT 15 MPH... AND IS EXPECTED TO

CONTINUE MOVING IN THE SAME DIRECTION FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON ITS PRESENT

COURSE TYPHOON CONDITIONS WILL BEGIN TO AFFECT THE MARIANAS AROUND NOON

TODAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE 150 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. TYPHOON FORCE WINDS

EXTEND OUTWARD 60 MILES FROM THE CENTER AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS

EXTEND OUTWARD 150 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SURF IN EXCESS OF 20 FEET AND TORRENTIAL RAINS OF 7 TO 9

INCHES ARE EXPECTED AS STORMY MOVES THROUGH THE MARIANAS TONIGHT. BEACH

EROSION AND FLOODING OF LOW-LYING AREAS ARE LIKELY.

THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL TYPHOON AND IS A VERY SERIOUS THREAT TO THE MARIANAS. 

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE ONSET OF DAMAGING WINDS...ESPECIALLY BY PEOPLE

LIVING ALONG THE COASTLINE AND IN POORLY DESIGNED STRUCTURES...SHOULD BE

COMPLETED IMMEDIATELY. RESIDENTS SHOULD SEEK SAFE SHELTER AND REMAIN INSIDE

UNTIL THE ALL-CLEAR IS GIVEN BY CIVIL DEFENSE OFFICIALS.

REPEATING THE 1 AM POSITION...13.0 NORTH LATITUDE AND 149.2 EAST LONGITUDE MOVING

WEST-NORTHWEST AT 15 MPH WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS OF 150 MPH.

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY IS SCHEDULED TO BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER

SERVICE AT 5AM GUAM LST...FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY ISSUED AT 8AM

LST.

NNNN

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 F), 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. The Global Decision Support System (GDSS) JCS Priority Code for tasked, operational

weather reconnaissance is 1A3 (IAW DOD Regulation 4500.9-R and Joint Publications 4-01 and

4-04). The Force Activity Designator (FAD)/Urgency of Need Designator (UND) Supply Priority

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

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

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

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

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

research missions. 

5.2.1. DOD. The DOD is responsible for:

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

missions, and investigative flights in response to DOC needs.

• Developing operational procedures and deploying data buoys to satisfy DOC

needs.

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

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

• Augment AFRC aircraft reconnaissance when DOC needs exceed the capabilities

of DOD resources (see Figure 5-3).

• Assume responsibility for hurricane reconnaissance over foreign airspace that may

be restricted for military operations.

• Conduct research flights.
5-2

Figure 5-1. WC-130 Weather Reconnaissance Aircraft

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

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

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

within airspace controlled by the FAA. This includes offshore oceanic airspace. To expedite the

handling of reconnaissance aircraft, paragraph 5.5.4, Air Traffic Control Procedures, has been

significantly revised to update and incorporate the procedures in the FAA/AFRC/NOAA Letter of

Agreement (LOA) entitled, Meteorological Reconnaissance Flights, found in Appendix F.

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

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

5.4. Reconnaissance Requirements.

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

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

position of the surface center, if known.

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

1,500 ft of the sea surface or from the computed 925 hPa or 850 hPa height.
5-4

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

• Wind 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 lbC.

• Flight level: within lbC.

5.4.2.6. Dew-Point Temperature.

• From -20bC to +40bC: within lbC.

• Less than -20bC: within 3bC.
5-5

5.4.2.7. Absolute Altitude: Within 10 m.

5.4.2.8. Vertical Sounding.

• Pressure: within 2 hPa.

• Temperature: within 1bC.

• Dew-point temperature:

From -20bC to +40bC: within lbC.

Less than -20bC: within 3bC.

• 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 TPC/NHC will

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

United States. The TPC/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.

• 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.
 1

 SVD = Supplementary Vortex Data

 2 VDM = Vortex Data Message

5-6

Table 5-1. Requirement for aircraft reconnaissance data

RECCO VORTEX SVD1 VERTICAL

EN ROUTE Approximately every

30 minutes while

over water.

NA NA Every 400 nm

while over water

INVEST Every 15 minutes and

major turn points.

After closing the

circulation.

NA NA

FIX At the end points of

Alpha pattern legs.

(non HD/HA)

At end points and

midway between

outbound and

inbound legs.

Tasked:

 VDM2

 Intermediate:

 VDM2

Two per mission.

(non HD/HA)

One per fix. 

Each scheduled fix

at 700 mb and

above, and as

tasked.

Others at crew 

discretion.

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 TPC/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. Figure 5-6

depicts the differences in the structure of the Vortex Data Message (VDM) and the Supplementary

Vortex Data Message (SVDM) between the WC-130H and the WC-130J.

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 distribution of vertical observations for eyewall and outer-wind field sampling are

specified in paragraph 5.8.4. 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 Tropical Prediction/National Hurricane Center

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

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

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

coordinated request will be provided to CARCAH as soon as possible, but not later than 1630 UTC

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

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

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

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

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

5.5.1.3. 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:

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

landfall and west of 55bW in the Atlantic.

Y 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.

Y 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

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

 

 Ë

FIX DETERMINED BY/FIX LEVEL. FIX DETERMINED BY: 1 - Penetration; 2 - Radar; 3 - Wind; 4 -

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

flight level centers only when same): 0 - Surface; 1 - 1500ft; 9-925mb; 8 - 850 mb; 7 - 700 mb; 5 -

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

O É NM NAVIGATION FIX ACCURACY/METEOROLOGICAL ACCURACY

p 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

(LaLaLa)

01

(LoLoLoLo)

1

(jHHH)

1

(TTTdTd)

1

(ddfff)

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

(LaLaLa) MF (LoLoLoLo) M (fff) MF

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

(LaLaLa) 01 (LoLoLoLo) 1 (jHHH) 1 (TTTdTd) 1 (ddfff) TTTdTd = TEMP/DEWPOINT IN DEGREES

 CELSIUS: ADD 50 FOR NEGA-

 TIVE VALUES

jHHH = PRESSURE HEIGHT DATA IN RECCO

 FORMAT

LaLaLa = LATITUDE IN DEGREES/TENTHS

LoLoLoLo = LONGITUDE IN DEGREES/

 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

(LaLaLa)

MF

(LoLoLoLo)

M

(fff)

MF

OBS 01 AT:

 Z OBS AT Z

OBS 07 SFC WND:

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.

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) Fix determined by: Always report 1. Report 2 if radar indicates

curvature or banding consistent with fix location. Report 3 if

recorded or observed winds indicate a closed center. Report 4

if the fix pressure is lower than all reported on the inbound leg.

Report 5 if the fix temperature is at least higher than any

reported on the inbound leg.

Fix level: Report 0 alone if fix is made solely on surface winds.

Report 0 and the flight-level code if the centers are within 5 nm

of each other.

O (OSCAR) Navigational and meteorological accuracy are reported as the

upper limit of probable error. Meteorological accuracy is

normally reported as one-half of the diameter of the light and

variable wind center.

P (PAPA) Remarks to enhance the data reported above. Required remarks

include: (1) mission identifier and observation number; (2) the

maximum flight level wind observed, time of observation, and

the relative quadrant of the storm of the observed wind on the

latest pass through any portion of the storm; (3) the 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

WC-130H

URNT12 KNHC 161821

VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

A. 16/1821Z

B. 15 DEG 30 MIN N

 68 DEG 53 MIN W

C. 700 MB 2818 M

D. 70 KT

E. 263 DEG 13 NM

F. 329 DEG 81 KT

G. 263 DEG 53 NM

H. 967 MB

I. 10 C/ 3073 M

J. 18 C/ 3098 M

K. 8 C/ NA

L. OPEN SOUTH

M. E34/30/20

N. 12345/7

O. 0.1/2 NM

P. AF866 1016A LENNY OB 07

 MAX FL WIND 81 KT W QUAD 1806Z

WC-130J 

URNT12 KNHC 162129

VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

A. 16/21:16:20Z

B. 15 DEG 41 MIN N

 068 DEG 07 MIN W

C. NA MB 2743 M

D. NA KT

E. NA DEG NM

F. 121 DEG 087 KT

G. 034 DEG 010 NM

H. EXTRAP 957 MB

I. 7 C/ 3056 M

J. 16 C/ 3040 M

K. 10 C/ NA

L. OPEN W

M. E270/30/20

N. 12345/07

O. 0.02 / 3 NM

P. AF301 WXWXA LENNYTEST1 OB 05

MAX FL WIND 87 KT NE QUAD 21:13:30Z

SLP EXTRAP FROM 700 MB

URNT14 KNHC 161853

SUPPLEMENTARY VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

01154 10713 13080 11106 32035

02154 20710 23074 21008 32039

03154 30708 33074 31107 32031

04154 40705 43064 41008 32036

05154 50703 53052 51007 33042

06154 60700 63029 61007 34056

07154 70697 73006 70909 35045

MF154 M0698 MF081 

OBS 01 AT 1746Z 

OBS 09 AT

OBS 01 SFC WND 01030 

01156 10687 13852 11509 13040

02158 20686 23937 21010 14082

03160 30684 33001 31010 16060

04162 40682 43028 41109 16046

05163 50680 53041 51008 17045

06165 60678 63046 61006 17055

07167 70676 73058 70908 17052

MF158 M0686 MF091

OBS 01 AT 1825Z

OBS 07 AT 1849Z

OBS 07 SFC WND /////

RMK AF866 1016A LENNY OB 11

URNT14 KNHC 162152

SUPPLEMENTARY VORTEX DATA MESSAGE

 INBOUND

 LAT LON jHHH TTDD ddfff

01166 10672 13038 10606 16031

02164 20674 23019 20906 17050

03162 30676 33985 30707 15052

04161 40678 43954 40909 16059

05159 50680 53868 51009 14073

MF158 M0680 MF087

OBS 01 AT 20:53:20Z

OBS 05 AT 21:12:00Z

OBS 01 SFC WND /////

 OUTBOUND

 LAT LON jHHH TTDD ddfff

01155 10683 13815 11605 32096

02153 20685 23929 20909 30089

03152 30687 33990 31008 31071

04150 40689 43018 41006 31060

05148 50691 53041 50909 30048

06146 60692 63050 61007 29046

07145 70694 73056 70908 28048

MF155 M0684 MF101

OBS 01 AT 21:20:50Z

OBS 07 AT 21:49:40Z

OBS 07 SFC WND 27045

RMK AF301 WXWXA LENNYTEST1 OB 07 

Figure 5-6. Example Vortex Data Messages (VDM) and Supplementary Vortex Data

Messages (SVDM) for the WC-130H and WC-130J
5-14

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 ______________________________________________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

 III. DISTRIBUTION

 A. TO CARCAH BY 1630Z OR AMEND AT ANY TIME

Figure 5-7. NHOP coordinated request for aircraft reconnaissance
5-15

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. __________________________ZFIX/INVEST TIME

 (Resources permitting if applicable)

 __________________________Z

B. __________________________ MISSION IDENTIFIER

C. __________________________ZDEPARTURE LOCATION/TIME

D. __________________________ FORECAST POSITION

E. __________________________ DESTINATION

F. __________________________ZTIME 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 5-8. Tropical cyclone plan of the day format
5-16

5.5.2. DOD and DOC Reconnaissance Aircraft Responsiveness.

5.5.2.1. Requirement Notification. Notification of requirements must precede

tasked-on-station time by at least 16 hours plus en route time to the area of concern.

5.5.2.2. Prepositioning. The "Succeeding Day Outlook" portion of the TCPOD

provides advance notification of requirements and authorizes units to preposition aircraft to forward

operating locations. For missions requiring prepositioning, the "Succeeding Day Outlook" may not

provide adequate advance notification. In this situation, an "Additional Day Outlook" may be

included in the TCPOD to authorize units to preposition aircraft.

5.5.2.3. Resources Permitting. When circumstances preclude the appropriate

notification lead time, the requirement will be levied as "resources permitting." When a "resources

permitting" requirement is levied in an amendment, the TPC/NHC will indicate the priority of all

existing or remaining requirements.

5.5.2.4. Emergency Requirement. If a storm develops unexpectedly and could

cause a serious threat to lives and property within a shorter time than provided for in the paragraphs

above, CARCAH will contact the reconnaissance units, or higher headquarters, as appropriate, and

request assistance in implementing emergency procedures not covered in this plan. The TPC/NHC

and CPHC directors have authority to declare an emergency.

5.5.3. Reconnaissance Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day.

5.5.3.1. Preparation. The CARCAH will coordinate the TCPOD (Figure 5-8) daily

during the period from June 1 to November 30 and at other times during the year as required.

Transmitted TCPODs will be serially numbered each season.

• The CARCAH will coordinate the TCPOD with TPC/NHC, the

53 WRS, and NOAA AOC before publication.

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

cyclone operational reconnaissance and 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 180b 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.
5-17

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/DOO, AOC Flight Operations

Division, and the appropriate NASA facility shall contact the Air Traffic Control System Command

Center (ATCSCC) at 703-708-5144/5149 as soon as possible prior to an NHOP/NWSOP

reconnaissance, surveillance, or research mission, and provide the following information:

• Mission call sign.

• Departure point and estimated time of departure.

• Approximate route to be flown.

• Requested altitude(s).

• Any special requests.

In addition, they shall transmit electronically the information in Appendix D to the U.S. NOTAM

office (e-mail address: 9-AWA-NOTAM@FAA.GOV) no later than 2 hours prior to departure or as

soon as possible (facsimile should be used in the event of electronic unavailability). The ATCSCC

will then coordinate with all impacted FAA facilities if requested to do so.

5.5.4.2.1. The 53 WRS shall only use the call sign “Teal ##,”

AOC shall only use “NOAA ##,” and NASA shall only use “NASA ##.” ATC will provide TEAL and

NOAA aircraft priority handling when specifically requested.

5.5.4.2.2. For NHOP missions, 53 WRS crews may request one

of five “discreet” Mode 3 Beacon Codes, as issued by the Department of Defense (DOD) Code

Manager. 
5-18

5.5.4.3. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Separation. The FAA will provide ATC

services and separation from nonparticipating aircraft on instrument flight rules to the 53 WRS,

AOC, and NASA aircraft operating in other than Class G airspace. Aircraft not flying on instrument

flight rules may be operating near the storm environment; 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."

5.5.4.3.1. It is the responsibility of the aircraft commander to remain

clear of obstacles and nonparticipating aircraft when operating in Class G airspace.

5.5.4.3.2. The 53 WRS, AOC, and NASA are responsible for ensuring

that air traffic clearances and messages are relayed to/from the FAA in an accurate manner when

those relays are initiated by the 53 WRS, AOC, and NASA and are routed through other than

Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC).

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.

5.5.4.5. Release of Dropsondes. During NHOP missions and when operationally

feasible, dropsonde instrument releases from FL 190 or higher and sensor activation shall be

coordinated with the appropriate ATC by advising of a pending drop or sensor activation at least

10 minutes prior to the event when in direct radio contact with ATC. When contact with ATC is via

ARINC, event coordination shall be included with the position report prior to the point where the

action will take place, unless all instrument release points have been previously relayed to the

affected ATC center(s). Example: “Teal 63, SLATN at 1215, FL290 block 310, estimating FLANN

at 1250, CHAMP next; Weather instrument release at FLANN.” Contact between participating

aircraft will be made using the frequencies listed in paragraph 5.9.3.

5.5.4.5.1. During NHOP missions, commencing 5 minutes prior to release

of dropsondes from FL190 or higher, the aircraft commander will broadcast in the blind on radio

frequencies 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz to advise any traffic in the area of the impending drop.

Pilots shall not make these broadcasts if they will interfere with routine ATC communications, such

as in the vicinity of an airport approach control facility. The aircraft commander is responsible for

determining the content and duration of a broadcast, concerning a dropsonde release or sensor

activation.

5.5.4.5.2. The aircraft commander is the sole responsible party for all

dropsonde releases or activation of sensors.
5-19

5.5.4.6. ATC Communications Backup. When 53 WRS, AOC, or NASA flights are

unable to contact ATC to request an en route clearance, a clearance request may be relayed through

the Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) or the 53 WRS Mission

Commander. This backup procedure will only be used to preclude a potential emergency or safetyrelated situation.

5.5.4.7. Hurricane/Tropical Cyclone (NHOP) Mission Procedures.

PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT will comply with procedures in the NHOP in order to provide

separation from other PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT.

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.
5-20

• 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 TPC/NHC or CPHC will provide CARCAH a written

assessment of the reconnaissance mission anytime its timeliness or quality is outstanding or

substandard (see Figure 5-9). Mission requirements levied as "resources permitting" will not be

assessed for timeliness but may be assessed for quality of data gathered.

5.6.3. Summaries. CARCAH will maintain monthly and seasonal reconnaissance

summaries, detailing missions actually flown to satisfy TPC/NHC-levied requirements. 

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

5.7.1. Vortex Data. A vortex data message (Figure 5-4) will be prepared for all scheduled

fixes, using all observed vortex fix information. For intermediate fixes, limited vortex data 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.
5-21

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 5-9. Mission evaluation form
 1

 AF plus last 3 digits of tail number

 2

 NOAA, plus last digit of aircraft registration number 

 3

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

5-22

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

 Number1,2 number of or XX/YY/ZZ, if A,E,C,or W3 or words

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 and

acquired the name Carlos.)

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.)
5-23

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

mandatory remark followed by the observation number.

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 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 TPC/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 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 ETA KBIX 15/2030Z. LAST REPORT OBS 01 THRU 16

TO KNHC.

NNNN
5-24

5.8. Operational Flight Patterns. This section details the operational flight patterns that provide

vortex and peripheral data on tropical and subtropical cyclones.

5.8.1. Flight Pattern ALPHA Operational Details.

5.8.1.1. Flight Levels and Sequence. Flight levels will normally be 1,500 ft, 925

hPa, 850 hPa, or 700 hPa, depending on data requirements and flight safety. Legs will normally be

105 nm long and flown on intercardinal tracks (45 degrees off cardinal tracks). The flight sequence

is shown in Figure 5-10. The pattern can be started at any intercardinal point and then repeated

throughout the mission. Prior to starting an inbound or outbound track the aircrew should evaluate

all available data, e.g., radar presentation, satellite photo, for flight safety. Once started on course,

every effort should be made to maintain a straight track and the tasked altitude. A horizontal

observation is required at each leg end point. This data is transmitted immediately. The ALPHA

pattern may be modified to satisfy unique customer requirements (such as extending legs to examine

the wind profile of a strong storm) or because of proximity of land or warning areas.

Figure 5-10. Flight pattern ALPHA

5.8.1.2. Vortex fix data. On each transit of the center a fix will be made and a vortex

data message completed, using data gathered on the inbound track since the previous fix and will be

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

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.
5-25

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 vortex data message is required if a vortex fix is made.

5.8.2.3. Closed Circulation. A closed circulation is supported by at least one

sustained wind reported in each quadrant of the cyclone. Surface winds are preferred.

5.8.2.4. Flight Pattern. The preferred approach is to fly to the tasked coordinates

of the forecasted center and then execute a pattern as observed conditions dictate. Suggested patterns

are the X, Box, or Delta patterns, but the flight meteorologist may choose any approach. See Figure

5-11. Turns are usually made to take advantage of tailwinds whenever possible.

Figure 5-11. Suggested patterns for investigative missions 
5-26

• 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, and multiple aircraft may be required to satisfy surveillance mission requirements.

5.8.4. Eyewall and Outer-Wind Field Sampling Modules. These are patterns of

dropwindsonde releases designed to measure the maximum surface wind, as well as the extent of

hurricane and tropical storm force surface winds. They are meant to be flown using the operational

alpha pattern. Dropwindsonde releases in these modules are in addition to any other releases

required by paragraph 5.4.5.4.

5.8.4.1. Eyewall Module. While executing a standard alpha pattern to satisfy a fix

requirement, one sounding will be taken during each inbound and outbound passage through the

eyewall (except as noted below), for a total of four soundings. The releases should be made at or

just inward (within 1-2 km) of the flight-level radius of maximum wind (RMW). If the radar

presentation is suitable, the inner edge of the radar eyewall may be used to identify the release point.

If possible, and when resources and safety permit, two dropwindsondes, spaced less than 30 seconds

apart, should be deployed on the inbound leg on the side of the storm believed to have the highest

surface winds (normally the right-hand side). In this case, the outer of the two releases should be

made at the RMW, with the second release following as soon as possible. Typically, the eyewall

module will be tasked within 48 hours of a forecasted hurricane landfall. 
5-27

5.8.4.2 Outer-Wind Field Module. On an alpha pattern, deploy dropwindsondes

at 50 nm intervals from the center on each of two successive inbound and outbound legs, outward

to 200 nm. A release should also be made at the midpoint of the cross (downwind) leg, for a total

of 17 soundings. The length of the legs and the sounding interval may be adjusted, depending on

the size of the storm.

5.9. Aircraft Reconnaissance Communications. 

5.9.1. General. The 53 WRS WC-130 and NOAA WP-3D aircraft will normally transmit

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

Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link, 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 at Suitland, Maryland. When requested,

aeronautical stations will provide a discrete frequency for mission use, if possible. Specific radio

procedures and terminology will comply with Allied Communications Publication 125, Standard

Telephone and Radio Procedures. The use of IMMEDIATE precedence for transmission of

hurricane reconnaissance data is authorized because of the perishable nature and potential

operational impact of weather data. Data will be routed by direct phone patch between the aircraft

and CARCAH.

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

in a particular area of interest, the following frequencies will be used for airplane-to-airplane

communications and coordination unless otherwise directed by air traffic control:

• Primary: VHF 123.05 MHz.

• Secondary: UHF 304.8 MHz.

• Back-up: HF 4701 KHz USB.

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

ASDL have the option to utilize the ASDL system. Figure 5-12 depicts these communication links.
5-28

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 TPC/NHC and the AWN. Figure 5-13

depicts these communication links.
5-29

Figure 5-12. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for NOAA P-3 aircraft
5-30

Figure 5-13. Schematic of aircraft-to-satellite data link for AFRC WC-130 aircraft
6-1

CHAPTER 6

SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL CYCLONES

6.1. Satellites. 

6.1.1. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). Using modern 3-axis

stabilization for orbit control, GOES-8 at 75bW and GOES-10 at 135bW support the operational

two-GOES constellation. Independent imager and sounder instruments eliminate the need to time

share, yielding an increase in spatial coverage of image and sounder data at more frequent scanning

intervals. The 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 135bW and 75bW, 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-10 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 NOAAPORT.

The current series of GOES satellites provide satellite data generated from full resolution, and

imager and sounder data. Imagery at 1, 2, 4, and 8 km resolution is available for daytime and

nighttime applications. The increased resolution of the satellite imagery is a vast improvement from

previous satellites. Visible data are available at 1 and 2 km, "near infrared" (channel 2 data) as well

as the infrared channels 4 and 5 are available at 4 km resolution, and water vapor (channel 3) is

available at 8 km resolution. Channel 2 data are valuable for the detection of low clouds, fog,

stratus, and surface hot spots; channel 5 data are useful for detecting volcanic ash in the atmosphere.

The digital data may be enhanced to emphasize different features as desired. A suite of digital data

and products is available to users in the National Weather Service (NWS), the National

Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), other Federal agencies, the

academic community, and many private agencies, both national and international. These data are

made available through NOAAPORT, RAMSDIS, the Internet, and other means such as local

networks. 

6.1.1.1. GOES-8. GOES-8, supporting a GOES-East station at 75bW, 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
6-2

Figure 6-1. The GOES satellite system
6-3

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

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 the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale

Meteorological Studies (CIMSS), University of Wisconsin. The same specialized "hurricane"

sounder schedule will continue to be employed for the 1999 hurricane season.

6.1.1.2. GOES-9. GOES-9 has been replaced by GOES-10 as the operational satellite

located at 135bW. GOES-9 is now in on-orbit storage standby if needed, but the satellite is severely

degraded.

6.1.1.3. GOES-10. GOES-10, a clone of GOES-8, was launched on April 24, 1997,

and supports the GOES-West station at 135bW. The spacecraft carries the same specified imager

and sounder instruments as GOES-8 and GOES-9. Due to the imminent failure of GOES-9, GOES10 was declared operational in July 1998 and was moved to 135bW. The routine scanning mode of

GOES-10 emulates GOES-9 operations, providing coverage of the Northern and Southern

Hemisphere eastern Pacific Ocean as well as the western United States. The GOES-West satellite

also supports the missions of both the TPC/NHC and the CPHC, and provides coverage of

developing tropical cyclones over the East and Central Pacific. The DOD and other Federal agencies

are also supported.

6.1.1.4. GOES-L. GOES-L (GOES-11 on orbit) was launched on May 3, 2000.

GOES-L is also a clone of GOES-8 and carries the same imager and instrumentation capability.

GOES-L will be placed into on-orbit storage after initial checkout and will be available to replace

GOES-8 or GOES-10 as required. 

6.1.2. EUMETSAT Meteosat Geostationary Satellites. Meteosat-7 provides 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, every half hour. 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.

non-government 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
6-4

transmissions are required to support operational requirements, it is necessary for users to register

with EUMETSAT to acquire decryption devices for installation at their local site (NOAA/DOD and

other U.S. government agencies are registered). The Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite

is planned for launch in late 2000. This is a new generation of Meteosat with enhanced capabilities

similar to the current GOES satellites.

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

Satellites. Two primary operational NOAA polar orbiting satellites, NOAA-14 and NOAA-15,

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 6-2. 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-14 and NOAA-15. The high resolution polar data and products generated

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

NOAA-12 remain available to APT and HRPT direct-readout users, but otherwise is not being

utilized. 

6.1.3.1. NOAA-15. NOAA-15 is in full operational use with the exception of some

Advanced Microwave Sounder Unit (AMSU) products. The type of data and products provided will

be the same as the current operational polar orbiting satellite, NOAA-14, except for the addition of

the 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. These new products

are expected to be operational in early 2000.

6.1.3.2. NOAA-L. NOAA-L (NOAA-16 on orbit) is scheduled to be launched on

August 9, 2000. NOAA-L will carry the same instrumentation as NOAA-15.

6.2. National Weather Service (NWS) Support.

6.2.1. Station Contacts. The GOES imagery is available in support of the surveillance of

tropical and subtropical cyclones at specific NWS offices. Satellite meteorologists can be contacted

at these offices; telephone numbers are in Appendix I.

6.2.2. Products. 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:

` Satellite tropical weather discussions.
6-5

` Marine interpretation messages.

` Tropical weather discussions.

` 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

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 I.

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. Detachment 1, PACAF Air Operations

Squadron (Joint Typhoon Warning Center Satellite Operations) 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 100oE to 180o

TCPW10 PHNL 2200 UTC Western Pacific VIS/IR

(north and south)

from 100o

E to 180o

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 32bN to

Equator....

Caribbean, Gulf

of Mexico

AXPZ20 KNHC 0135, 0735 Eastern Pacific VIS/IR

1335, 1935 UTC South of 32bN

to the Equator....

east of 140b 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

CYCLONE DESIGNATOR

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

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

Sample entry: TROPICAL STORM AMY (15)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B

DATE/TIME (Z) OF FIX

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

252303Z.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

C

LATITUDE OF POSITION

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

29.9N/0

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D

LONGITUDE OF POSITION

D. Longitude to nearest tenth of degree followed by checksum. Sample entry: 56.7 W/8

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E

VIS/IR POSITION CODE NUMBER

SSM/I CONFIDENCE NUMBER

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

VIS/IR Position Code Number (PCN). Select MI Confidence Number and PCN 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

DVORAK CLASSIFICATION

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

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

REMARKS

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

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

etc.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

H

NADIR REFERENCE DISTANCE

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

subtrack.

Sample Entry: Center WAS 5.4 DEG EAST OF NADIR

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I

GALE WIND RADIUS ANALYSIS

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

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

at 75bW

GOES-10

at 135bW

GOES-9 at

90bW (on-orbit

storage)

GOES-L (11)

(on-orbit

storage after

initial checkout)

Multispectral Imager

and Sounder

Every 30 min, in

Routine Scan Mode,

provides 3 sectors

with prescribed

coverages: Northern

Hemisphere (NH) or

Extended NH;

CONUS or PACUS;

and Southern

Hemisphere. 

Exception is

transmission of full

disk every 3 hours. 

(Available Rapid

Scan Operations

yield increased

transmissions to 7.5

minute intervals to

capture rapidly

changing, dynamic

weather events).

1. 1, 2, 4, and 8 km

resolution visible standard

sectors.

2. 4 km equivalent

resolution IR sectors.

3. Equivalent and full

resolution IR enhanced

imagery.

4. Full disk IR every 3

hours.

5. 8 km water vapor

sectors.

6. Quantitative

precipitation estimates;

high density cloud and

water vapor motion wind

vectors; and experimental

visible and sounder winds.

7. Operational moisture

sounder data (precipitable

water) in four levels for

inclusion in NCEP 

numerical models. Other

sounder products including

gradient winds, vertical

temperature and moisture

profiles, mid-level winds,

and derived product

imagery (precipitable

water, lifted index, and

surface skin temperature). 

8. Tropical storm 

monitoring and derivation

of intensity analysis. 
1

 D - descending

2

 A - ascending

6-9

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

(continued)

SATELLITE TYPE OF DATA LOCAL TIME PRODUCTS

METEOSAT-7 Multi-spectral

Spin-Scan

Radiometer

(24 hr/day) 1. 2.5 km resolution digital

VIS imagery; 5 km

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-15

NOAA-14

NOAA-12

(replaced by

NOAA-15 for

processing)

AVHRR

GAC and LAC

(recorded)

HRPT and APT

(direct) RTOVS

AMSU

same as NOAA-15

except no AMSU

Direct Readout Only

0731D1

/1931A2

0337D/1537A

0531D/1731A

1. 1 km resolution HRPT

and Local Area Coverage

(LAC) data. 

2. 4 km resolution APT

and Global Area Coverage

(GAC) data.

3. Mapped imagery.

4. Unmapped imagery (all

data types) at DMSP sites.

5. Sea-surface temperature

analysis.

6. Soundings.

7. Moisture profiles.

8. Remapped GAC 

sectors.

9. Sounding-derived

products--total precipitable

water, rain rate, and

surface winds under

sounding (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

DMSP F-12

OLS Imagery

(recorded and

direct), SSM/I,

SSM/T-1, SSM/T-2

moisture sounder

(direct)(150GHZ

channels nonfunctional)

OLS Imagery

(recorded and

direct), SSM/I (nonfunctional), SSM/T1 (non-functional),

SSM/T-2 (recorded

and direct)

0732D/1932A

0844D/2044A

1. 0.3 nm (regional) and

1.5 nm (global) resolution

(visual and infrared)

imagery available via

stored data recovery

through AFWA.

2. Regional coverage at

0.3 nm and 1.5 nm

resolution (visual and

infrared) imagery available

from numerous DOD

tactical terminals.

3. SSM/T-1, SSM/T-2,

SSM/I data transmitted to

NESDIS and FNMOC from

AFWA.

DMSP F-13

DMSP F-14

DMSP F-15

OLS Imagery

(recorded and

direct), SSM/I,

SSM/T-1

OLS Imagery

(recorded and

direct), SSM/I,

SSM/T-1 (inop)

SSM/T-2

OLS Imagery

(recorded and

direct), SSM/I,

SSM/T-1, SSM/T-2

0558D/1758A

0848D/2048A

0915D/2048A
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 H 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).
1

The criterion for selection is that the radar site lie within approximately 124 nm

(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 42b35' N 74b04' W

Atlanta, GA WSR-88D 33b22' N 84b34' W

Baton Rouge, LA WSR-88D 30b20' N 89b49' W

Binghamton, NY WSR-88D 42b12' N 75b59' W

Birmingham, AL WSR-88D 33b10' N 86b46' W

Boston, MA WSR-88D 41b57' N 71b08' W

Brownsville, TX WSR-88D 25b55' N 97b25' W

Caribou, ME WSR-88D 46b02' N 67b48' W

Charleston, SC WSR-88D 32b33' N 80b47' W

Columbia, SC WSR-88D 32b39' N 81b03' W

Corpus Christi, TX WSR-88D 27b47' N 97b31' W

Ft. Worth, TX WSR-88D 32b34' N 97b18' W

Greer, SC WSR-88D 34b53' N 82b13' W

Houston, TX WSR-88D 29b28' N 95b05' W

Jackson, MS WSR-88D 32b19' N 90b05' W

Jacksonville, FL WSR-88D 30b29' N 81b42' W

Key West, FL WSR-88D 24b36' N 81b42' W

Lake Charles, LA WSR-88D 30b07' N 93b13' W

Melbourne, FL WSR-88D 28b07' N 80b39' W

Miami, FL WSR-88D 25b37' N 80b25' W

Mobile, AL WSR-88D 30b41' N 88b15' W

Morehead City, NC WSR-88D 34b46' N 76b53' W

New Orleans, LA WSR-88D 30b20' N 89b50' W

New York City, NY WSR-88D 40b52' N 72b52' W

Philadelphia, PA WSR-88D 39b57' N 74b25' W

Portland, ME WSR-88D 43b53' N 70b15' W

Raleigh/Durham, NC WSR-88D 35b40' N 78b29' W

Roanoke, VA WSR-88D 37b01' N 80b16' W

San Antonio, TX WSR-88D 30b43' N 97b23' W

Shreveport, LA WSR-88D 32b27' N 93b50' W

State College, PA WSR-88D 40b55' N 78b00' W

Sterling, VA WSR-88D 38b58' N 77b29' W

Tallahassee, FL WSR-88D 30b24' N 84b20' W

Tampa, FL WSR-88D 27b42' N 82b24' W

Wakefield, VA WSR-88D 36b59' N 77b00' W

Wilmington, NC WSR-88D 33b59' N 78b26' W
7-3

Table 7-1. Participating radar stations (continued)

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADARS

U.S. Southwest

Phoenix, AZ WSR-88D 33b17' N 111b40' W

San Diego, CA WSR-88D 33b49' N 117b38' W

Tucson, AZ WSR-88D 31b57' N 110b54' W

Yuma, AZ WSR-88D 32b40' N 114b37' W

FAA RADARS

Molokai, HI WSR-88D 21b08'N 157b11'W

Kohala, HI WSR-88D 20b06'N 155b45'W

San Juan, PR WSR-88D 18b07'N 66b05'W

South Hawaii, HI WSR-88D 19b06'N 155b34'W

South Kauai, HI WSR-88D 21b54'N 159b33'W

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts

Dover AFB, DE WSR-88D 38b50'N 75b26'W

Eglin AFB, FL WSR-88D 30b34'N 85b55'W

Fort Hood, TX WSR-88D 30b43'N 97b23'W

Fort Polk, LA WSR-88D 31b09'N 92b58'W

Fort Rucker, AL WSR-88D 31b28'N 85b28'W

Maxwell AFB, AL WSR-88D 32b32'N 85b47'W

Moody AFB, GA WSR-88D 30b33'N 83b00'W

Robins AFB, GA WSR-88D 32b40'N 83b21'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, in the coastal areas and deep ocean of the

Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and in the Great Lakes. 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 CoastalMarine 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 network

in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southeast U.S. coast. The operational status and measurement

capability of stations can be obtained from NDBC Systems Operations Division, Stennis Space

Center, MS 39529-6000, phone 228-688-1212, 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; a few selected stations report more frequently. Data obtained operationally

include sea-level pressure, wind speed and direction, peak wind, and air temperature. Sea-surface

temperature and wave spectra data are measured by all moored buoys and a limited number of CMAN stations. Relative humidity is also measured at several stations.

8.1.3. Drifting Buoys. NDBC is capable of acquiring, preparing, and deploying drifting

buoys; however, an operational drifting buoy requirement has not been identified or funded.

Research interests should contact NDBC directly with drifting buoy requirements.

8.2. Requests for Drifting Buoy Deployment. Drifting buoy deployments should be coordinated

with the Department of Commerce (DOC), through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA). NOAA will initiate a request through the Office of the Federal

Coordinator for Meteorology (OFCM). The request for deployment support will then be sent to the

53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS) through HQ Air Force Reserve Command

(AFRC). Deployments in advance of a U.S. land-threatening hurricane require a 36- to 48-hour

notification. All requests will include specific information, regarding onloading base,

accompanying technicians, desired pickup times, reimbursement funding, and other pertinent data.

8.2.1. Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC). TPC/NHC

forecasters will issue through the Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day (TCPOD) an alert or outlook for

drifting buoy deployment 48 hours prior to the planned deployment. Hard tasking for the

deployment will be issued 14 hours prior to the event via the TCPOD. 
8-2

Table 8-1. Moored buoy locations and configurations

SITE STATION ID LOCATION HULL SIZE (m) ANEMOMETER

HEIGHT (m)

GULF OF MEXICO 42001 25.9bN 89.7bW 10 10

42002 25.9bN 93.6bW 10 10

42003 25.9bN 85.9bW 10 10

420071 30.1bN 88.8bW3 5

420191

 27.9bN 95.4bW3 5

420201 26.9bN 96.7bW3 5

420351 29.2bN 94.4bW3 5

420361 28.5bN 84.5bW3 5

420391 28.8bN 86.0bW3 5

420401 29.2bN 88.3bW3 5

42041 27.2bN 90.6bW3 5

ATLANTIC OCEAN 41001 34.7bN 72.6bW6 5

41002 32.3bN 75.2bW6 5

410041 32.5bN 79.1bW3 5

41008 31.4bN 80.9bW3 5

410091 28.5bN 80.2bW3 5

410101 28.9bN 78.5bW6 5

44004 38.5bN 70.7bW6 5

44005 42.9bN 68.9bW6 5

440071 43.5bN 70.1bW3 5

44008 40.5bN 69.4bW3 5

44009 38.5bN 74.7bW3 5

440111 41.1bN 66.6bW6 5

440131 42.4bN 70.7bW3 5

440141 36.6bN 74.8bW3 5

440251 40.3bN 73.2bW3 5

PACIFIC OCEAN 46002 42.5bN 130.3bW6 5

(SOUTH OF 45bN) 46006 40.8bN 137.5bW6 5

460111 34.9bN 120.9bW3 5

460121 37.4bN 122.7bW3 5

460131 38.2bN 123.3bW3 5

460141 39.2bN 124.0bW3 5

460221 40.8bN 124.5bW3 5

460231 34.7bN 121.0bW3 5

460251 33.8bN 119.1bW3 5

460261 37.8bN 122.8bW3 5

460271 41.9bN 124.4bW3 5

460281 35.7bN 121.9bW3 5

46029 46.1bN 124.5bW3 5

460301 40.4bN 124.5bW3 5

460421 36.8bN 122.4bW3 5

46047 32.4bN 119.5bW3 5

460501 44.6bN 124.5bW3 5

460531 34.2bN 119.8bW3 5

460541 34.3bN 120.4bW 10 10

460591 38.0bN 130.0bW6 5

460621 35.1bN 121.0bW 10 10

460631 34.3bN 120.7bW6 5

51001 23.4bN 162.3bW6 6

51002 17.2bN 157.8bW6 6

51003 19.2bN 160.7bW6 6

51004 17.4bN 152.5bW6 5

510281 0.0bN 153.9bW3 5 1

Temporary site established with other special funding.
8-3

Table 8-2. C-MAN sites 

SITE STATION ID LOCATION STATION NAME

GULF OF MEXICO BURL1 28.9bN 89.4bW Southwest Pass, LA

CDRF11 29.1bN 83.0bW Cedar Key, FL

CSBF1 29.7bN 85.4bW Cape San Blas, FL

DPIA1 30.3bN 88.1bW Dauphin Island, AL

DRYF11 24.6bN 82.9bW Dry Tortugas, FL

GDIL1 29.3bN 90.0bW Grand Isle, LA

KTNF11 29.8bN 83.6bW Keaton Beach, FL

LONF11 24.8bN 80.9bW Long Key, FL

PTAT2 27.8bN 97.1bW Port Aransas, TX

SRST2 29.7bN 94.1bW Sabine, TX

VENF1 27.1bN 82.4bW Venice, FL

ATLANTIC OCEAN ALSN6 40.5bN 73.8bW Ambrose Light, NY

BUZM3 41.4bN 71.0bW Buzzards Bay, MA

CHLV2 36.9bN 75.7bW Chesapeake Light, VA

CLKN7 34.6bN 76.5bW Cape Lookout, NC

DSLN7 35.2bN 75.3bW Diamond Shoals, NC

DUCN7 36.2bN 75.8bW Duck Pier, NC

FBIS1 32.7bN 79.9bW Folly Island, SC

FPSN7 33.5bN 77.6bW Frying Pan Shoals, NC

FWYF11 25.6bN 80.1bW Fowey Rocks, FL

IOSN3 43.0bN 70.6bW Isle of Shoals, NH

LKWF1 26.6bN 80.0bW Lake Worth, FL

MDRM1 44.0bN 68.1bW Mt. Desert Rock, ME

MISM1 43.8bN 68.9bW Matinicus Rock, ME

MLRF1 25.0bN 80.4bW Molasses Reef, FL

SANF11 24.5bN 81.9bW Sand Key, FL

SAUF1 29.9bN 81.3bW St. Augustine, FL

SMKF1 24.6bN 81.1bW Sombrero Key, FL

SPGF1 26.7bN 79.0bW Settlement Point, GBI

TPLM2 38.9bN 76.4bW Thomas Point, MD

EASTERN PACIFIC CARO3 43.3bN 124.4bW Cape Arago, OR

OCEAN (SOUTH OF NWPO3 44.6bN 124.1bW Newport, OR

45bN) PTAC1 39.0bN 123.7bW Point Arena, CA

PTGC1 34.6bN 120.6bW Point Arguello, CA

1

Temporary site established with other special funding.
8-4

Figure 8-1. NDBC moored buoy locations in the Atlantic Ocean,

the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes
8-5

Figure 8-2. NDBC moored buoys in the Pacific Ocean
8-6

Figure 8-3. C-MAN stations in the coastal U.S.
8-7

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

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 before the flight crew

briefing. Two examples of possible buoy deployment patterns are shown in Figure 8-5. 

8.3. Communications. Moored buoy and C-MAN data are transmitted 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 observations are formatted into the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

FM 13-IX SHIP code. The SHIP code is defined in Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 2, Surface Synoptic

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

SYNOP code. 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. Drifting buoy data are sent through NOAA’s polar-orbiting

environmental satellites (POES) to the U.S. Argos Global Processing Center, Largo, MD. Service Argos

processes and formats the data into the WMO FM 18 BUOY code defined in the WMO Manual on Codes,

Volume I. The messages are then routed to the NWSTG for distribution.

Figure 8-5. Drifting data buoy deployment patterns 
8-9

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

FORM CODE

FM 13-IX (SHIP) Mi

MiMjMj A1bwnbnbnb YYGGiw 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLoLo

REPORT OF SYNOPTIC

SURFACE OBSERVATION ir

ix/// /ddff 1snTTT (2snTdTdTd) 4PPPP 5appp 9GGgg

FROM A SEA STATION

(AUTOMATIC WEATHER 22200 QssTwTwTw 1PwaPwaHwaHwa 70 HwaHwaHwa 8swTbTbTb

STATION)

333 912ff (00fff) 

555 11fff 22fff (3GGgg 4ddfmfm)

(6GcGcgcgc d1d1d1f1f1f1 d6d6d6f6f6f6) d2d2d2f2f2f2 d3d3d3f3f3f3

d4d4d4f4f4f4 d5d5d5f5f5f5

U.S. NATIONAL CMAN YYGGiw

(C-MAN LAND STATION)

MODIFIED FM 12-IX XXXXnt

 iRixhVV Nddff (00fff) 1snTTT 2snTdTdTd 4PPPP

5appp 6RRRtR 9GGgg

222// 0snTwTwTw 1waPwaPwaHwaHwa 70HwaHwaHwa

333 912ff (00fff) 

444 1PavPavPav/

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

(6GcGcgcgc d1d1d1f1f1f1 d6d6d6f6f6f6) d2d2d2f2f2f2 (TIDE1111) d3d3d3f3f3f3

d4d4d4f4f4f4 d5d5d5f5f5f5 

FM 18 BUOY Section 0: ZZYY QcLaLaLaLaLa A1bwnbnbnb L0L0L0L0L0L0 YYMMJ (6Q1Qt

//) GGggiw

REPORT OF A

DRIFTING BUOY Section 1: 111QdQx Oddff ((2snTdTdTd) (3PoPoPoPo) or (1snTTT) (29UUU)) 

OBSERVATION (4PPPP) (5appp)

Section 2: 222QdQx (0SnTwTwTw) (20PwaPwaPwa) (1PwaPwaHwaHwa) (21HwaHwaHwa)

Section 3: 333Qd1Qd2 (8887k2 2z0z0z0z0 3T0T0T0T0 4S0S0S0S

 .... .... ....

 2znznznzn 3TnTnTnTn 4SnSnSnSn)

 (66k69k3 2z0z0z0z0 d0d0c0c0c0

 .... ....

 2znznznzn dndncncncn)

Section 4: 444 ((QcLaLaLaLaLa (7VBVBdBdB) (1QpQ2QtwQ4) L0L0L0L0L0L0)

 (8Vi

ViViVi) or (2QnQL//) (YYMMJ GGgg/)) (9idZdZdZdZd)
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. The NWS participates

directly in the GMDSS by preparing weather forecasts and warnings for broadcast via two primary

GMDSS systems--NAVTEX and Inmarsat-C SafetyNET.

9.2.1. NAVTEX. NAVTEX is an international, automated system for instantly distributing

maritime navigational warnings, weather forecasts and warnings, search and rescue notices, and

similar information to ships. It has been designated by the IMO as the primary means for

transmitting coastal urgent marine safety information to ships worldwide. NAVTEX is broadcast

from the 12 USCG stations. Coverage is reasonably continuous along the east, west, and Gulf coasts

of the United States, as well as the area around Kodiak, Alaska, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Typical

NAVTEX transmissions range from 200-400 nm.

9.2.2. SafetyNET. Satellite systems operated by 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 near-continuous coverage of the

coastal U.S., Great Lakes, Hawaii, Guam, and the populated Alaska coastline. Typical coverage is

25 nm offshore.

9.4. High Seas Broadcasts. NWS high seas weather forecasts and warnings are also available on

the following high frequency (HF) broadcasts.

9.4.1. HF Radiotelephone (Voice). Weather forecasts and warnings for 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.

9.4.4. 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,
9-3

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, including

schedules, frequencies, and links to products can be found at the following Internet web pages:

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/home.htm and www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/marcomms.htm.

In addition, NIMA Publication 117 contains detailed information on maritime safety information

broadcasts within the U.S. and worldwide. 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. 

 
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

LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS) OFFICE PRODUCTS

A.1 Hurricane/Typhoon Local Statements (HLS).

A.1.1 Times and Circumstances of Issuance (HLS). The HLS shall be issued by a NWS

local office when its area of responsibility is affected by: (1) a tropical cyclone watch/warning,

(2) evacuation orders, or (3) rumors that the local MIC feels should be countered by appropriate

statements. These unnumbered products will be highly specific, designed to inform the media, local

decision makers, and the public on present and anticipated storm effects in their county warning area

(CWA) and adjacent coastal waters. An HLS shall also include those counties under an inland high

wind watch/warning for hurricane force winds to help focus the threat for impacted inland counties.

HLSs shall be issued at regular and frequent intervals, every 2 to 3 hours or more frequently as

circumstances warrant when a tropical storm or hurricane is close to the coast. They localize detail

to Tropical Cyclone Center’s advisory releases and shall not conflict with or repeat advisory

information that does not directly apply to the local office's CWA. Tornado, severe thunderstorm,

and flash flood WARNINGS shall be issued independent of HLSs as stand-alone products. An HLS

can take the place of severe weather, special weather, marine weather, coastal flood, and flash flood

statements during storm situations. HLSs shall not be released immediately before an advisory

unless information is coordinated with the appropriate Tropical Cyclone Center and--for watches or

warnings--the valid initiation time is specified. HLSs do not need to immediately follow the

issuance of a new hurricane advisory. Issuing them midway between advisories maintains a steady

flow of information to the media and the public. Whenever a new advisory changes the potential

impact on a local area, information needs to be distributed in a fresh HLS as soon as possible. HLSs

should use tropical cyclone position estimates between advisories when appropriate. When tropical

cyclones threaten the Samoas--American Samoa and Samoa--the two local offices shall coordinate

with RSMC Nadi, CPHC, and with each other to determine the best integrated and internally

consistent forecast of conditions expected in the area.

A.1.2 Format and Content. Format shall be standardized with “headlines by hazard” in

accordance with instructions and examples in this appendix. Each section of the HLS shall be

preceded by a content/topic header set off by three dots before and after each header. The order of

information will be as consistent as possible. Information order can be prioritized and adjusted to

focus on the greatest threat and most important information impacting the area. The “first” HLS

should contain standard, generic preparedness information (board windows, fill vehicles with fuel,

etc.) Before the first HLS, routine preparedness information about storing water, filling vehicles

with gas, etc., will be released in public information statements (PNS). Information may be added

to the end of the HLS describing where additional storm information can be found in supporting

Center's TCP and TCM as well as PNSs and NOWs issued by the local office.

A.1.3 Relationship of HLSs to the NOW. The NOWcast (Short term Forecast) shall be

a stand-alone product focused on conditions impacting the office’s CWA for the next 0 to 6 hours.

It will complement the HLS by providing critical storm information in the first eight lines.
A-2

A.1.4 Optional Use of Special Weather Statements for Probability of Tropical Cyclone

Conditions (SPS). Special Weather Statements (SPS) are used to briefly describe tropical cyclone

probabilities prior to HLS release. These statements are needed four times a day following the

issuance of probabilities in the 0300, 0900, 1500, 2100 UTC hurricane or tropical storm advisories,

or following the issuance of special advisories. The statement will refer to probabilities in the

“totals” column instead of various time periods. The probability for your area should be included

along with an explanation on how that probability compares to the surrounding coastal sections. 

A.2 Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, and Flash Flood Warnings (TOR/SVR/FFW).

Warnings shall be issued when conditions warrant.

A.3 Inland High Wind Watches and Warnings for Hurricane Force Winds (NPW). When

a tropical cyclone is expected to remain at hurricane strength well inland, inland high wind watches

and warnings for hurricane-force winds shall be issued. Inland high wind watches for hurricaneforce winds normally will not be issued beyond the second period of the forecast. Wind fields from

the Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory of NHC will be used as guidance in the watch. Inland

sections of coastal counties may be placed under inland high wind watches for hurricane-force winds

versus using tropical cyclone watches when the effects of the tropical cyclone can be clearly

described to the public. Coordination shall occur with all impacted offices and NHC before

issuance. Watches will be highlighted in the appropriate forecasts and statements. Inland high wind

warnings for hurricane-force winds normally will not be issued beyond the first period of the

forecast. Wind fields from the Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory of NHC will be used as guidance

in preparation of the warning. Inland sections of coastal counties may be placed under inland high

wind warnings for hurricane-force winds versus using tropical cyclone warnings when the effects

of the tropical cyclone can be clearly described to the public and not lead to confusion. Coordination

shall occur with surrounding local offices and NHC prior to issuance. Warnings will be highlighted

in the appropriate forecasts and statements. 

A.4 Inland High Wind Watches and Warnings for Subtropical and Extratropical Storms.

Local NWS offices will issue inland high wind watches and warnings for hurricane-force winds

when a subtropical/extratropical storm is expected to spread hurricane/typhoon force winds well

inland. 

A.5 Correction Procedures. If, during a tropical situation, a NWS local office product needs

correction, the reason for the correction shall be listed immediately after the header of the corrected

product.

A.6 Essential Contents of Hurricane Local Statements.

...Headline...

Concise lead sentence or headline.

...Areas Affected...

Details of which counties, parishes, or cities are included in the HLS.
A-3

...Watches Warnings...

Watches and warnings in effect and counties or parishes to which they apply. 

...Storm Information...

Present location, movement, and winds and expected time of onset of tropical storm/

hurricane/typhoon force winds. (The tropical cyclone forecast/advisory should be used as

guidance.)

...Precautionary/Preparedness Actions...

Short-term precautionary actions and times they should be completed. This includes any

evacuation recommendations contained in the advisory or stated by local authorities. Listing

these actions is particularly important once a tropical cyclone watch or warning is

announced.

...Storm Surge Flood and Storm Tide Impacts...

Storm surge and storm tide (storm surge plus astronomical tide) information, including times

various heights are expected, present heights, and their locations. Storm surge information

must agree with Tropical Cyclone Center forecasts as included in the advisories. Storm tide

information should be included because local officials might not have access to tide tables.

Storm tide forecasts should be referenced to appropriate datums understood by local

authorities. For many portions of the coast, this would be mean sea level although some

areas use mean lower low water instead.

...Tornado Impacts...

Any required statements on potential tornado and flood/flash flood threats, rip currents,

beach erosion, high wind warnings inland, etc.

...Wind Impacts...

Present winds and expected time of onset of tropical-storm or hurricane- force winds. (The

tropical cyclone forecast/advisory should be used as guidance.)

...Probability of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Conditions...

Information on probability of hurricane/typhoon/tropical storm conditions is optional.

...Next Update...

Time of next or final statement.

Routine HLSs may cease when the tropical cyclone is no longer a threat to an office's CWA.

All HLSs shall use a mass media standard text heading as illustrated in the following examples. 

Use the (Z) form of the Universal Generic Code.
A-4

A.7 Product Examples.

--EXAMPLE: HLS by Office Expecting a Direct Hit from a Major Hurricane--

XXXHLSXXX

TTAA00 XXXX 232200

XXZ018>022-240100-

HURRICANE XXXXXXX LOCAL STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE XXXXXXXX

XXX PM EDT DAY MON Date Year

...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE XXXX TAKING AIM ON

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA...

...Areas Affected...

THIS STATEMENT RECOMMENDS ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY RESIDENTS OF

DADE...BROWARD...GLADES...HENDRY...AND COLLIER COUNTIES OF SOUTH

FLORIDA IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE XXXXX. 

...Watches Warnings...

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

COAST AND KEYS INCLUDING DADE AND BROWARD COUNTIES. A

HURRICANE WARNING IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR LAKE OKEECHOBEE AND

COLLIER COUNTY.

...Storm Information...

HURRICANE XXXXXX REMAINS EXTREMELY STRONG WITH MAXIMUM

WINDS OF 150 MPH. AT 5 PM EDT XXXXXX WAS CENTERED 240 MILES EAST

OF MIAMI AND MOVING TOWARD THE WEST AT 16 MPH. AT PRESENT

XXXXXX IS COMPARABLE TO THE GREAT 1926 AND 1928 HURRICANES

WHICH DEVASTATED SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.

...Precautionary Actions...

RESIDENTS IN THE HURRICANE WARNING AREA MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE

ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY BEFORE NIGHTFALL. 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

IN DADE AND BROWARD COUNTIES HAVE ORDERED AN EMERGENCY

EVACUATION OF AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING BY HURRICANE TIDES FROM

A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE. COLLIER...GLADES...AND HENDRY

COUNTY OFFICIALS WILL BE ISSUING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AND

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN. OFFICIALS OF THE FEDERAL

EXECUTIVE BOARD ADVISE THAT ALL FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT

EMERGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES ARE EXCUSED FROM REPORTING FOR
A-5

WORK UNTIL THIS EMERGENCY IS OVER. LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO AND TV

FOR INSTRUCTIONS AS TO WHEN TO RETURN TO WORK. MOBILE HOME

RESIDENTS IN THESE COUNTIES AND THE COUNTIES OF DADE...

COLLIER...AND BROWARD SHOULD FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF LOCAL

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE. MANY OF THE

DEATHS IN HURRICANES OCCUR IN MOBILE HOMES. 

 ...Storm Surge and Tide Impacts...

THE THREAT OF COASTAL FLOODING WILL BE ON THE INCREASE THIS

EVENING AS TIDAL STORM SURGES OF 7 TO 10 FEET ABOVE NORMAL

SPREAD INLAND NEAR AND NORTH OF LANDFALL. TIDAL SURGE HEIGHTS

MAY REACH 13 FEET ABOVE NORMAL IN BISCAYNE BAY. THE FLOODING

OF LOW LYING COASTAL ROUTES IS IMMINENT.

...Wind Impacts...

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH WILL BEGIN POUNDING

DADE AND BROWARD COUNTIES BY MIDNIGHT. HURRICANE CONDITIONS

WILL AFFECT SOUTHEAST FLORIDA TOWARD DAYBREAK AND CONTINUE

INTO THE MORNING HOURS AS XXXXXX MOVES INLAND AND LOSES SOME

OF ITS INTENSITY. HIGH WINDS WILL SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF

FLORIDA...IN SOME AREAS REACHING HURRICANE FORCE. HIGH WIND

WARNINGS HAVE BEEN POSTED FOR THE INLAND COUNTIES OF GLADES

AND HENDRY.

...Next Update...

THE NEXT SCHEDULED STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE MIAMI

FORECAST OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AT 9 PM EDT. A

RECORDING OF THE LATEST XXXXXXX ADVISORY INFORMATION IS

AVAILABLE BY CALLING...305-662-5702.

--EXAMPLE: Short Term Forecast (NOWcast)--

BHMNOWMOB

TTAA00 KMOB 192130

SHORT TERM FORECAST

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOBILE AL

430 PM CDT SAT AUG 19 1995

ALZ051>064-MSZ067-075-076-078-079-192330-

.NOW...

...HURRICANE GARY WILL MOVE ACROSS BALDWIN AND MOBILE

COUNTIES BY 530 PM... SUSTAINED WINDS ABOVE 80 MPH WITH HIGHER

GUSTS AND TORRENTIAL RAINFALL CAN BE EXPECTED AS THE RAINBAND
A-6

MOVES ACROSS. THE RAINBAND SHOULD WEAKEN SLIGHTLY AS IT

MOVES ACROSS CLARKE...WASHINGTON...AND GEORGE COUNTIES BY 6

PM. BUT PEOPLE IN THESE COUNTIES SHOULD EXPECT WIND GUSTS TO

NEAR HURRICANE FORCE AND EXTREMELY HEAVY RAINFALL.

&&

SCATTERED AREAS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CONTINUE

ACROSS SOUTHERN ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI THROUGH 6 PM. BANDS

OF STRONG STORMS WILL MOVE NORTHWESTWARD ACROSS THE AREA. 

EAST WINDS OF 30-40 MPH AND HEAVY RAIN WILL PERSIST WITH

STRONGER WINDS AND HEAVIER RAINFALL NEAR THE RAINBANDS. 

TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE REGION WILL REMAIN IN THE 70S.

$$

--EXAMPLE: Special Weather Statement--

BHMSPSPNS

TTAA00 KBHM 261400

FLZ001>004-261600-

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENSACOLA FL

1000 AM EDT THU AUG 26 1992

...HURRICANE PROBABILITIES ARE INCREASING ALONG THE NORTHWEST

FLORIDA COAST...

HURRICANE OPHELIA...NOW 350 MILES SOUTHEAST OF NEW ORLEANS...IS

MOVING SLOWLY NORTH AT 5 MILES AN HOUR. THE PROBABILITY OF

OPHELIA STRIKING PENSACOLA HAS INCREASED TO 12 PERCENT. THE

NORTHWEST FLORIDA COAST AND THE ALABAMA COAST HAVE

PROBABILITIES IN THE 10 TO 12 PERCENT RANGE WITH LOWER

PROBABILITIES FOR THE REST OF THE GULF COAST. ACCORDINGLY...THE

PROBABILITIES SUGGEST THAT GREATEST ATTENTION SHOULD BE

FOCUSED ON THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA AND ALABAMA COASTS.

A HURRICANE WATCH MAY BE ISSUED LATER TODAY FOR THE

NORTHWEST COAST OF FLORIDA AND ADJACENT COUNTIES IN SOUTH

ALABAMA. KEEP TUNED TO THIS STATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

ON OPHELIA.
A-7

--EXAMPLE: Inland High Wind Watch--

CAENPWCAE

TTAA00 KCAE 151430

SCZ001>050-162200-

INLAND HIGH WIND WATCH FOR HURRICANE FORCE WINDS

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COLUMBIA SC

1030 AM EDT WED JUL 15 1995

...AN INLAND HIGH WIND WATCH FOR HURRICANE FORCE WINDS IS IN

EFFECT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA FOR LATE TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY...

HURRICANE JENNIFER IS HEADED FOR SOUTH CAROLINA. THE NATIONAL

HURRICANE CENTER HAS INDICATED THAT JENNIFER COULD MAKE

LANDFALL BETWEEN ON THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA LATE TONIGHT. 

JENNIFER IS A CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE AND IS EXPECTED TO RETAIN

WINDS OF HURRICANE FORCE WELL INLAND AS IT MOVES NORTHWEST

ACROSS THE STATE TOWARD WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

IF JENNIFER CONTINUES AT ITS PRESENT STRENGTH, SUSTAINED

HURRICANE WINDS WILL DEVELOP ALONG THE COAST AFTER MIDNIGHT

TONIGHT WITH HURRICANE WINDS SPREADING INLAND AS FAR AS

COLUMBIA BY EARLY THURSDAY MORNING. PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE

THAT JENNIFER COULD STILL CONTAIN HURRICANE FORCE WINDS BY THE

TIME IT REACHES THE NORTHWESTERN PORTIONS OF THE STATE MIDDAY

THURSDAY.

THIS WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR JENNIFER

TO SPREAD WINDS OF HURRICANE FORCE ACROSS INTERIOR SOUTH

CAROLINA. IF YOU LIVE IN A MOBILE HOME OR A HOME THAT AFFORDS

LITTLE PROTECTION FROM FLYING GLASS AND DEBRIS...DEVELOP

OPTIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE SHELTER NOW.

--EXAMPLE: Inland High Wind Warning--

SATNPWHOU

TTAA00 KHGX 101030

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON-GALVESTON TX

600 AM CDT FRI SEP 10 1995

HURRICANE FRED...LOCATED 60 MILES SOUTHEAST OF GALVESTON TX AT
A-8

6 AM CDT...IS MOVING TO THE NORTH NORTHWEST AT 10 MPH AND IS

EXPECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL AROUND NOON CDT ON THE UPPER TEXAS

COAST. FRED IS THEN FORECAST TO CONTINUE ON A NORTH NORTHWEST

COURSE MOVING ACROSS HOUSTON AND REACHING THE SAN JACINTO

NATIONAL FOREST BY LATE AFTERNOON. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 100 MPH

WITH GUSTS TO 120 MPH SHOULD BEGIN SWEEPING ACROSS THE UPPER

TEXAS COAST BY LATE MORNING.

TXZ177>179-197>199-210>212-102200- 

WALKER-SAN JACINTO-POLK-WASHINGTON-GRIMES-MONTGOMERYCOLORADO-AUSTIN-WALLER-

 ...INLAND HIGH WIND WARNING FOR HURRICANE FORCE WINDS...

WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY INCREASE TO 50 TO 60 MPH BY 12

NOON AND 80 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 100 MPH BY MID AFTERNOON. 75 MPH

WINDS WITH HIGHER GUSTS ARE LIKELY AS FAR INLAND AS

HUNTSVILLE...NAVASOTA...AND LAKE LIVINGSTON BY LATE AFTERNOON.

BE PREPARED FOR NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES AND WIRES. DO NOT

CROSS DOWNED WIRES...WHICH MAY STILL BE LIVE. 

$$

TXZ226-227-235-213-200-102200-

WHARTON-FORT BEND-JACKSON-HARRIS-LIBERTY-

...INLAND HIGH WIND WARNING FOR HURRICANE FORCE WINDS...

WINDS FROM WHARTON TO HOUSTON AND LIBERTY ARE EXPECTED TO

INCREASE TO 50 TO 60 MPH THIS MORNING AND 90 MPH WITH GUSTS TO

NEAR 110 MPH BY MIDDAY...DECREASING TO 50 TO 60 MPH LATE THIS

AFTERNOON.

FLYING DEBRIS WILL POSE A MAJOR THREAT TO ALL STRUCTURES IN THE

WARNED AREA...ESPECIALLY GLASS FROM HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS IN

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON. PEOPLE LIVING IN MOBILE HOMES AND THOSE

CONCERNED ABOUT THE ABILITY OF THEIR HOMES TO WITHSTAND

HURRICANE WINDS SHOULD MOVE TO A STRONG BUILDING OR SHELTER

IMMEDIATELY. BE PREPARED FOR NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES AND

WIRES. TAKE SHELTER IN SMALL INTERIOR ROOMS OR REINFORCED

STRUCTURES.

$$
B-1

APPENDIX B

DEFINING POINTS FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCHES/WARNINGS

La Pesca, MX 23.76bN 97.78bW

Rio San Fernando, MX 25.00bN 97.60bW

Brownsville, TX

Brownsville, TX 25.95bN 97.16bW

Port Mansfield, TX 26.59bN 97.29bW

Baffin Bay, TX 27.29bN 97.37bW

Corpus Christi, TX

Baffin Bay, TX 27.29bN 97.37bW

Corpus Christi, TX 27.67bN 97.19bW

Port Aransas, TX 27.83bN 97.08bW

Port O’Connor, TX 28.40bN 96.39bW

Houston, TX

Port O’Connor, TX 28.40bN 96.39bW

Matagorda, TX 28.63bN 95.93bW

Sargent, TX 28.75bN 95.60bW

Freeport, TX 28.93bN 95.33bW

San Luis Pass, TX 29.08bN 95.13bW

High Island, TX 29.57bN 94.39bW

Lake Charles, LA

High Island, TX 29.57bN 94.39bW

Sabine Pass, TX 29.71bN 93.85bW

Cameron, LA 29.80bN 93.30bW

Intracoastal City, LA 29.62bN 92.04bW

Morgan City, LA 29.49bN 91.29bW

New Orleans, LA

Morgan City, LA 29.49bN 91.29bW

Grand Isle, LA 29.25bN 89.96bW

Mouth of Mississippi

 River, LA 29.12bN 89.11bW

Mouth of Pearl

 River, LA 30.15bN 89.60bW

Pascagoula, MS 30.37bN 88.55bW

Mobile, AL

Pascagoula, MS 30.37bN 88.55bW

Alabama-Florida Border 30.28bN 87.50bW

Fort Walton Beach, FL 30.41bN 86.62bW

Destin, FL 30.39bN 86.50bW

Tallahassee, FL

Destin, FL 30.39bN 86.50bW

Panama City, FL 30.12bN 85.70bW

Indian Pass, FL 29.68bN 85.27bW

Apalachicola, FL 29.73bN 84.99bW

Ochlockonee River, FL 29.95bN 84.40bW

St. Marks, FL 30.11bN 84.21bW

Aucilla River, FL 30.05bN 83.92bW

Steinhatchee River, FL 29.70bN 83.40bW

Suwanee River, FL 29.30bN 83.17bW

Tampa Bay, FL

Suwanee River, FL 29.30bN 83.17bW

Yankeetown, FL 29.03bN 82.74bW

Bayport, FL 28.54bN 82.65bW

Anclote Key, FL 28.18bN 82.85bW

Tarpon Springs, FL 28.15bN 82.77bW

Anna Maria Island, FL 27.53bN 82.75bW

Longboat Key, FL 27.39bN 82.64bW

Englewood, FL 26.94bN 82.38bW

Boca Grande, FL 26.72bN 82.27bW

Bonita Beach, FL 26.33bN 81.85bW

Miami, FL (Gulf)

Bonita Beach, FL 26.33bN 81.85bW

Chokoloskee, FL 25.80bN 81.36bW 

East Cape Sable, FL 25.15bN 81.08bW

Flamingo, FL 25.14bN 80.93bW

Key West, FL (Gulf)

Flamingo, FL 25.14bN 80.93bW

Dry Tortugas, FL 24.66bN 82.86bW

Key West, FL 24.55bN 81.81bW

Seven Mile Bridge, FL 24.70bN 81.15bW

Craig Key, FL 24.83bN 80.77bW

Pigeon Key, FL 25.06bN 80.51bW

Key Largo, FL 25.09bN 80.44bW

Ocean Reef, FL 25.32bN 80.26bW

Miami, FL (Atlantic)

Ocean Reef, FL 25.32bN 80.26bW

Florida City, FL 25.45bN 80.33bW

Golden Beach, FL 25.97bN 80.12bW

Hallandale, FL 25.99bN 80.13bW

Deerfield Beach, FL 26.32bN 80.10bW

Boca Raton, FL 26.36bN 80.07bW

Jupiter Inlet, FL 26.95bN 80.07bW

Melbourne, FL

Jupiter Inlet, FL 26.95bN 80.07bW

Stuart, FL 27.21bN 80.18bW

Fort Pierce, FL 27.46bN 80.30bW

Vero Beach, FL 27.66bN 80.37bW

Sebastian Inlet, FL 27.84bN 80.43bW

Cocoa Beach, FL 28.32bN 80.61bW

Titusville, FL 28.64bN 80.63bW

New Smyrna Beach, FL 29.03bN 80.89bW

Flagler Beach, FL 29.47bN 81.13bW
B-2

Jacksonville, FL

Flagler Beach, FL 29.47bN 81.13bW

St. Augustine, FL 29.89bN 81.31bW

Fernandina Beach, FL 30.66bN 81.45bW

Brunswick, GA 31.15bN 81.38bW

Brunswick (Altamaha

 Sound), GA 31.30bN 81.29bW

Charleston, SC

Brunswick (Altamaha 

Sound), GA 31.30bN 81.29bW

Savannah River, GA 32.04bN 80.86bW

Edisto Beach, SC 32.40bN 80.33bW

South Santee River, SC 33.12bN 79.27bW

Wilmington, NC

South Santee River, SC 33.12bN 79.27bW

Murrells Inlet, SC 33.56bN 79.00bW

Little River Inlet, SC 33.85bN 78.55bW

Cape Fear, NC 33.87bN 77.94bW

Surf City, NC 34.44bN 77.50bW

Morehead City, NC

Surf City, NC 34.44bN 77.50bW

New River Inlet, NC 34.32bN 77.20bW

Bogue Inlet, NC 34.39bN 77.06bW

Cape Lookout, NC 34.58bN 76.55bW

Ocracoke Inlet, NC 35.06bN 76.00bW

Cape Hatteras, NC 35.22bN 75.52bW

Oregon Inlet, NC 35.76bN 75.50bW

(The inclusion of Pamlico and Albemarle

Sounds should be on a case-by-case basis). 

Currituck Beach

 Light, NC 36.22bN 75.76bW

Wakefield, VA

Currituck Beach

 Light, NC 36.22bN 75.76bW

NC/VA State Line 36.55bN 75.87bW

Cape Charles Light, VA 37.11bN 75.91bW

Parramore Island, VA 37.53bN 75.63bW

Chincoteague, VA 37.93bN 75.37bW

Chesapeake Bay, New Point

 Comfort, VA 37.30bN 76.28bW

Chesapeake Bay,

 Windmill Point,VA 37.61bN 76.28bW

Chesapeake Bay,

 Smith Point, VA 37.88bN 76.23bW

Sterling, Va.

Chesapeake Bay,

 Smith Point, VA 37.88bN 76.23bW

Tidal Potomac,

Cobb Island, MD 38.26bN 76.84bW

Tidal Potomac,

Indian Head, MD 38.61bN 77.15bW

Chesapeake Bay,

Drum Point, MD 39.33bN 76.42bW

Chesapeake Bay,

North Beach, MD 38.70bN 76.53bW

Chesapeake Bay,

Sandy Point, MD 39.02bN 76.40bW

Chesapeake Bay,

Pooles Island, MD 39.29bN 76.27bW

Mt. Holly, NJ

Cape Henlopen, DE 38.48bN 75.05bW

Cape May, NJ 38.56bN 74.58bW

Great Egg Inlet, NJ 39.18bN 74.32bW

Little Egg Inlet, NJ 39.30bN 74.19bW

Manasquan Inlet, NJ 40.06bN 74.02bW

Delaware Bay north/south of

Slaughter Beach, DE to 38.54bN 75.18bW

East Point, NJ 39.11bN 75.01bW

Sandy Hook, NJ 40.26bN 73.59bW

New York City, NY

Sandy Hook, NJ 40.26bN 73.59bW

Fire Island Inlet, LI, NY 40.63bN 73.29bW

Moriches Inlet, LI, NY 40.77bN 72.75bW

Montauk Point, LI, NY 41.07bN 71.86bW

Port Jefferson Harbor,

LI, NY 40.96bN 73.09bW

New Haven, CT 41.30bN 72.89bW

Watch Hill, RI 41.30bN 71.87bW

Boston, MA

Watch Hill, RI 41.30bN 71.87bW

Point Judith, RI 41.35bN 71.49bW

Westport, MA 41.45bN 71.20bW

Woods Hole, MA 41.52bN 70.69bW

Chatham, MA 41.66bN 69.95bW

Plymouth, MA 41.98bN 70.65bW

Gloucester, MA 42.57bN 70.66bW

Merrimack River, MA 42.84bN 70.82bW

Portland, ME

Merrimack River, MA 42.84bN 70.82bW

Portsmouth, NH 43.06bN 70.70bW

Portland, ME 43.64bN 70.20bW

Rockland, ME 44.10bN 69.10bW

Stonington, ME 44.16bN 68.67bW

Caribou, ME

Stonington, ME 44.16bN 68.67bW

Bar Harbor, ME 44.39bN 68.20bW

Eastport, ME 44.92bN 67.00bW
C-1

APPENDIX C

JOINT TYPHOON WARNING CENTER (JTWC) BULLETINS

Below are the abbreviated communications headers and titles for the products for which JTWC is

responsible. A brief description of each product, to include scheduled transmission times, is

available in USCINCPACINST 3140.1 (series)–JTWC’s governing instruction. 

ABIO 10 PGTW Significant Weather Advisory, Indian Ocean

ABPW 10 PGTW Significant Weather Advisory, Western Pacific Ocean

WTPN 21-26 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Northwest Pacific Ocean

WTPN 31-36 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, Northwest Pacific Ocean

WDPN 31-36 PGTW Prognostic Reasoning Bulletin, Northwest Pacific Ocean

WTIO 21-25 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, North Indian Ocean

WTIO 31-35 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, North Indian Ocean

WTPS 21-25 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Southwest Pacific Ocean

WTPS 31-35 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, Southwest Pacific Ocean

WTXS 21-26 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, South Indian Ocean

WTXS 31-36 PGTW Tropical Cyclone Warning, South Indian Ocean

WTPN 21-25 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Northeast Pacific Ocean

WTPN 31-35 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Warning, Northeast Pacific Ocean

FKPN 31-35 PHNC Prognostic Reasoning Bulletin, Northeast Pacific Ocean

WTPS 21-25 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, Southeast Pacific Ocean

WTPS 31-35 PHNC Tropical Cyclone Warning, Southeast Pacific Ocean
D-1

APPENDIX D

FORMAT FOR NHOP/NWSOP FLIGHT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL

AND DOMESTIC NOTAM ISSUANCE

Flight information shall be sent to the NOTAM office electronically (e-mail address: 9-AWANOTAM@FAA.GOV ) for dissemination as an International and Domestic NOTAM in the

following format (Note: The request is made for a domestic NOTAM which will then

automatically makes its way into the international NOTAM system):

Header

Request a Domestic NOTAM be Issued

A. Affected Center(s). This field will include all affected ARTCCs in 3-letter identifier

format; e.g., ZNY, ZOA, ZAN. Synoptic track flights will probably utilize more than one

ARTCC, and any adjacent ARTCC should be included when the flight track is within 100

miles of the adjacent center’s airspace. Flights that are flying in the storm environment

will utilize the ARTCC whose airspace is mostly affected.

B. Start Time (YYMMDDZZZZ). For example, 0006011600. This time would correspond

to the entry time on a reconnaissance track or time at the storm fix latitude/longitude.

C. Ending Time (YYMMDDZZZZ). This would be the completion time of reconnaissance

track or the time exiting the storm environment.

E.* Text. This field is free form and should include the following information: route of

flight for the mission portion (latitude/longitude, fixes, airways), type of activity (laser,

dropsonde, etc.), frequency/location of deployment, broadcast frequencies, any other

pertinent information that may concern other flights.

F. Lower Altitude (during mission). Use “Surface” since the dropsonde is the “reason” for

the NOTAM as much or more so than the aircraft altitude.

G. Upper Altitude (during mission). For example, FL450.

If only one altitude is to be used, then F and G may be combined. If altitude is going to vary

throughout the mission, utilize “see text” and the information can be inserted there and the

altitudes may be explained in field E.

* Note that there is no paragraph “D”. It is reserved for FAA use.

NOTES: 

1. Include a unit/agency phone number and point of contact for possible questions from the

NOTAM office.

2. Only ICAO approved contractions may be used.

3. Using this format will help ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.
E-1

APPENDIX E

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

 Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale (SSHS). A scale ranging from one to five based on the

hurricane's present intensity. This can be used to give an estimate of the potential property damage

and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane. This scale may be used in public hurricane

releases although the SSHS may not be applicable for all geographical areas; e.g., Hawaii and Guam.

In practice, sustained surface wind speed (1-minute average) is the parameter that determines the

category since storm surge is strongly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf.

ONE. Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kts). No real damage to building structures. Damage

primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal

flooding and minor pier damage.

TWO. Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kts). Some roofing material, door, and window damage

of buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation and mobile homes. Flooding

damages piers, and small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

THREE. Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kts). Some structural damage to small residences

and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes

are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger

structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.

FOUR. Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kts). More extensive curtainwall failures with some

complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas.

Terrain may be flooded well inland.

FIVE. Winds greater than 155 mph (>135 kts). Complete roof failure on many residences

and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility

buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of

all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be

required.

Note 1: A "major" hurricane is one that is classified as a Category 3 or higher.
F-1

APPENDIX F

OFFICIAL INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS

The following 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 between the AFRC, Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), and NOAA, dated February 16, 1996; and a

Letter of Agreement between the AFRC and NOAA Air Operations

Center (AOC), dated August 3, 1993. The purpose of these

agreements is to establish policies, principles, and procedures under

which the FAA, AFRC, and NOAA AOC provide aircraft weather

reconnaissance in support of NOAA’s tropical cylone forecast,

warning, and research missions.







G-1

APPENDIX G

RECCO, HDOB, MINOB, AND TEMP DROP

CODES, TABLES, AND REGULATIONS
G-2

Figure G-1. Reconnaissance code recording form 
G-3

Table G-1. Reconnaissance code tables

TABLE 1 XXX

222 Sec One Observation without radar

capability

555 Sec Three (intermediate)

observation with or without radar

capability

777 Sec One Observation with radar

capability

TABLE 2 id

0 No dew point capability/acft below

10,000 meters

1 No dew point capability/acft at or

above 10,000 meters

2 No dew point capability/acft below

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -

50bC or colder

3 No dew point capability/acft at or

above 10,000 meters and flight lvl

temp -50bC or colder

4 Dew point capability/acft below 10,000

meters

5 Dew point capability/acft at or above

10,000 meters

6 Dew point capability/acft below 10,000

meters and flight lvl temp -50bC or

colder

7 Dew point capability/acft at or above

10,000 meters and flight lvl temp -

50bC or colder

TABLE 3 Q

0 0b -90b W Northern 

1 90b W - 180b Northern 

2 180b - 90b E Northern 

3 90b - 0b E Northern 

4 Not Used

5 0b - 90b W Southern 

6 90b W - 180b Southern 

7 180b - 90b E Southern 

8 90b - 0b E Southern 

TABLE 4 B

0 None

1 Light turbulence

2 Moderate turbulence in clear air,

infrequent

3 Moderate turbulence in clear air,

frequent

4 Moderate turbulence in cloud,

infrequent

5 Moderate turbulence in cloud,

frequent

6 Severe Turbulence in clear air,

infrequent

7 Severe Turbulence in clear air,

frequent

8 Severe Turbulence in cloud,

infrequent

9 Severe Turbulence in cloud, frequent

TABLE 5 fc

0 In the clear

8 In and out of clouds

9 In clouds all the time (continuous IMC)

/ Impossible to determine due to

darkness or other cause

TABLE 6 dt

0 Spot of Wind

1 Average wind

/ No wind reported

TABLE 7 da

0 Winds obtained using doppler radar or

inertial systems

1 Winds obtained using other navigation

equipment and/or techniques

/ Navigator unable to determine or wind

not compatible

TABLE 8 w

0 Clear

1 Scattered (trace to 4/8 cloud coverage)

2 Broken (5/8 to 7/8 cloud coverage)

3 Overcast/undercast

4 Fog, thick dust or haze

5 Drizzle

6 Rain (continuous or intermittent precip -

from stratiform clouds)

7 Snow or rain and snow mixed

8 Shower(s) (continuous or intermittent

precip - from cumuliform clouds)

9 Thunderstorm(s)

/ Unknown for any cause, including

darkness

TABLE 9 j

0 Sea level pressure in whole millibars

(thousands fig if any omitted)

1 Altitude 200 mb surface in geopotential

decameters (thousands fig if any

omitted)

2 Altitude 850 mb surface in geopotential

meters (thousands fig omitted)

3 Altitude 700 mb surface in geopotential

meters (thousands fig omitted)

4 Altitude 500 mb surface in geopotential

decameters

5 Altitude 400 mb surface in geopotential

decameters

6 Altitude 300 mb surface in geopotential

decameters

7 Altitude 250 mb surface in geopotential

decameters (thousands fig if any

omitted)

8 D - Value in geopotential decameters; if

negative 500 is added to HHH

9 Altitude 925 mb surface in geopotential

meters

/ No absolute altitude available or

geopotential data not within ± 30

meters/4 mb accuracy requirements

TABLE 10 Ns

0 No additional cloud layers (place holder)

1 1 okta or less, but not zero

(1/8 or less sky covered)

2 2 oktas (or 2/8 of sky covered)

3 3 oktas (or 3/8 of sky covered)

4 4 oktas (or 4/8 of sky covered)

5 5 oktas (or 5/8 of sky covered)

6 6 oktas (or 6/8 of sky covered)

7 7 oktas or more but not 8 oktas

8 8 oktas or sky completely covered

9 Sky obscured (place holder)

TABLE 11 C

0 Cirrus (Ci)

1 Cirrocumulus (Cc)

2 Cirrostratus (Cs)

3 Altocumulus (Ac)

4 Altostratus (As)

5 Nimbostratus (Ns)

6 Stratocumulus (Sc)

7 Stratus (St)

8 Cumulus (Cu)

9 Cumulonimbus (Cb)

/ Cloud type unknown due to darkness

or other analogous phenomena

TABLE 12 hs

hsHtHthihiHiHi

00 Less than 100

01 100 ft

02 200 ft

03 300 ft

etc, etc

49 4,900 ft

50 5,000 ft

51-55 Not used

56 6,000 ft

57 7,000 ft

etc, etc

79 29,000 ft

80 30,000 ft

81 35,000 ft

82 40,000 ft

etc, etc

89 Greater than 70,000 ft

// Unknown

TABLE 13 dw

0 No report 5 SW

1 NE 6 W

2 E 7 NW

3 SE 8 N

4 S 9 all directions

TABLE 14 Ws

0 No change

1 Marked wind shift

2 Beginning or ending or marked

turbulence

3 Marked temperature change (not with

altitude)

4 Precipitation begins or ends

5 Change in cloud forms

6 Fog or ice fog bank begins or ends

7 Warm front

8 Cold Front

9 Front, type not specified

TABLE 15 SbSeSs

0 No report

1 Previous position

2 Present position

3 30 nautical miles

4 60 nautical miles

5 90 nautical miles

6 120 nautical miles

7 150 nautical miles

8 180 nautical miles

9 More than 180 nautical miles

/ Unknown (not used for Ss)

Table G-1. Reconnaissance code tables (continued)
G-4

TABLE 16 wd

0 No report

1 Signs of a tropical cyclone

2 Ugly threatening sky

3 Duststorm or sandstorm

4 Fog or ice fog

5 Waterspout

6 Cirrostratus shield or bank

7 Altostratus or altocumulus shield or

bank

8 Line of heavy cumulus 

9 Cumulonimbus heads or

thunderstorms

TABLE 17 Ir

7 Light

8 Moderate

9 Severe

/ Unknown or contrails

TABLE 18 It

0 None

1 Rime ice in clouds

2 Clear ice in clouds

3 Combination rime and clear ice in

clouds

4 Rime ice in precipitation

5 Clear ice in precipitation

6 Combination rime and clear ice in

precip

7 Frost (icing in clear air)

8 Nonpersistent contrails (less than

1/4 nautical miles long)

9 Persistent contrails

TABLE 19 Sr,Ew,El

0 0NM 5 50NM

1 10NM 6 60-80NM

2 20NM 7 80-100NM

3 30NM 8 100-150NM

4 40NM 9 Greater than 150NM

/ Unknown

TABLE 20 Oe

0 Circular

1 NNE - SSW

2 NE - SW

3 ENE - WSW

4 E - W

5 ESE - WNW

6 SE - NW

7 SSE - NNW

8 S - N

/ Unknown

TABLE 21 ce

1 Scattered Area

2 Solid Area

3 Scattered Line

4 Solid Line

5 Scattered, all quadrants

6 Solid, all quadrants

/ Unknown

TABLE 22 ie

2 Weak

5 Moderate

8 Strong

/ Unknown

TABLE 23 Vi

1 Inflight visibility 0 to and including 1 nautical mile

2 Inflight visibility greater than 1 and not exceeding 3 nautical miles

3 Inflight visibility greater than 3 nautical miles

RECCO SYMBOLIC FORM 

SECTION ONE (MANDATORY)

9XXX9 GGggid YQLaLaLa LoLoLoBfc hahahadtda

ddfff TTTdTdw /jHHH

SECTION TWO (ADDITIONAL)

1knNsNsNs ChshsHtHt ..... ..... 4ddff

6WsSsWddw 7IrI

t

SbSe 7hihiHiHi 8drdrSrOe

8EwElcei

e 9Vi

TwTwTw

SECTION THREE (INTERMEDIATE)

9XXX9 GGggid YQLaLaLa LoLoLoBfc hahahadtda

ddfff TTTdTdw /jHHH

Table G-2. Reconnaissance code regulations
G-5

1. At the time of the observation the aircraft observing

platform is considered to be located on the axis of a right

vertical cylinder with a radius of 30 nautical miles

bounded by the earth's surface and the top atmosphere. 

Present weather, cloud amount and type, turbulence, 

and other subjective elements are reported as occurring

within the cylinder. Flight level winds, temperature, 

dew point, and geopotential values are sensed or

computed and reported as occurring at the center of the

observation circle. Radar echoes, significant weather

changes, distant weather, and icing are phenomena that

may also be observed/reported. Code groups identifying

these phenomena may be reported as necessary to

adequately describe met conditions observed.

2. The intermediate observation (Section Three) is

reported following Section One (or Section Two if

appended to Section One) in the order that it was taken.

3. Plain language remarks may be added as appropriate. 

These remarks follow the last encoded portion of the

horizontal or vertical observation and will clearly convey

the intended message. Vertical observations will not

include meteorological remarks. These remarks must

begin with a letter or word-e.g. "FL TEMP" vice "700

MB FL TEMP." The last report plain language remarks

are mandatory, i.e., "LAST REPORT. OBS 01 thru 08

to KNHC, OBS 09 and 10 to KBIX."

4. The hundreds digit of longitude is omitted for

longitudes from 100b to 180b. 

5. Describe conditions along the route of flight actually

experienced at flight level by aircraft.

6. TT, TdTd. When encoding negative temperatures, 50

is added to the absolute value of the temperature with the

hundreds figure, if any, being omitted. A temperature

of -52bC is encoded as 02, the distinction between -

52bC and 2bC being made from id. Missing or unknown

temperatures are reported as //. When the dew point is

colder than -49.4bC, Code TdTd as // and report the

actual value as a plain language remark - e.g. "DEW

POINT NEG 52bC".

7. When two or more types of w co-exist, the type with

the higher code figure will be reported. Code Figure 1, 2

and 3 are reported based on the total cloud amount

through a given altitude, above or below the aircraft, 

and when other figures are inappropriate. The

summation principle applies only when two or more

cloud types share a given altitude.

8. When j is reported as a /, HHH is encoded as ///.

9. If the number of cloud layers reported exceeds 3, kn in the first 1-group reports the total number of cloud

layers. The second 1-group reports the additional

number of layers being reported exclusive of those

previously reported. In those cases where a cloud

layer(s) is discernible, but a descriptive cloud picture of

the observation circle is not possible, use appropriate

remarks such as "Clouds Blo" or "As Blo" to indicate the

presence of clouds. In such cases, coded entries are not

made for group 9. The sequence in which cloud

amounts are encoded depends upon type of cloud, cloud

base, and vertical extent of the cloud. The cloud with

the largest numerical value of cloud type code (C) is

reported first, regardless of coverage, base, or vertical

extent. Among clouds of the same cloud type code,

sharing a common base, the cloud of greatest vertical

extent is reported first. The summation principle is not

used; each layer is treated as though no other clouds

were present. The total amount of clouds through one

altitude shared by several clouds will not exceed 8 oktas.

Only use code figure 0 as a place holder when you can

determine that no additional cloud layers exist. In case

of undercast, overcast, etc., use code figure 9 as a

placeholder.

10. Due to limitations in the ability to distinguish sea

state features representative of wind speeds above 130

knots, surface wind speeds in excess of 130 knots will

not be encoded. Wind speeds of 100 to 130 knots

inclusive will be encoded by deleting the hundreds

figure and adding 50 to dd. For wind speeds above 130

knots, dd is reported without adding 50 and ff is

encoded as // with a plain language remark added, i.e.,

"SFC WIND ABOVE 130 KNOTS."

11. Significant weather changes which have occurred

since the last observation along the track are reported for

Ws.

12. When aircraft encounters icing in level flight, the

height at which the icing occurred will be reported for

hihi. The HiHi will be reported as //.

 

HDOB messages are created automatically by IWRS. Each HDOB consists of 20 lines of HD/HA data. Each
G-6

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 

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 

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

.

.

1-minute data interval

SXXX50 KNHC 040952

AF967 1017A OPAL HDOB 39

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

.

.

2-minute data interval

 

Figure G-2. HDOB Description and Sample Messages
G-7

Table G-3. HDOB Message Format

HHMM LaLammH 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 0bC, odd for temperatures below 0bC.

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

 

MinOb messages are created automatically by the NOAA P-3 Research Aircraft Measurement

System (RAMS). Each MinOb message contains one or more lines of flight level data. Each

line consists of data parameters, averaged over an operator-selected sample interval (common

settings are 30 seconds and 1 minute). The time interval for collecting lines in a block before

forming a message for transmission is also selectable, typically 10 or 15 minutes. The message

length is based on the operator's selection of sample interval and block length, but will never

exceed 3300 characters (approximately 50 lines) due to satellite transmission protocol limits.

Each line is terminated with an ASCII <cr><cr><lf> sequence (Hex 0D 0D 0A). The line length

is variable, depending on whether the optional Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer

(SFMR) fields are included (see Table G-4 description). All fields are separated by at least one

ASCII blank (Hex 20) as shown in the Table by a K symbol.

URNT40 KWBC 261950

NOAA3 WX02A BONNIE

194030 3136 07758 6849 +0152 251053 +171 +106 251054 040 005

194100 3138 07758 6847 +0148 247053 +171 +102 249053 040 005

194130 3141 07758 6849 +0146 246053 +166 +106 247053 039 005

194200 3143 07758 6851 +0144 246054 +162 +111 246054 039 004

194230 3145 07758 6849 +0141 246053 +162 +112 246054 999 999

194300 3147 07558 6852 +0134 245053 +160 +114 245053 039 004

194330 3149 07759 6845 +0126 247052 +162 +110 247052 038 000

.

.

30-Second Data Interval (with optional SFMR data)

Note: Differences from the Air Force HDOB message include the following:

` Time code includes seconds, rather than a period to show 30-second mark

` Latitude and longitude hemispheres are denoted by a minus sign rather than an 

alphabetic character (N,S,E,W)

` Pressure altitudes and D-values are in feet

` D-value sign is explicit, rather than coded as a leading `5'

` Temperature and dewpoint signs are explicit, rather than making tenths odd/even

` There is no radar altitude or default status

` There may be SFMR data fields

 

Figure G-3. MinOb Description and Sample Message
G-9

Table G-4. NOAA MinOb Message Format

 

HHMMSSKLaLaLammKLoLoLommKPPPPPK±DDDDKWWWSSSK±TTTK±dddKwwwsssKsssKrrr

HHMMSS The time of the observation in hours, minutes and seconds (UTC). All averages (except

peak wind) are centered around this time.

LaLaLamm The latitude of the observation in degrees and minutes. A negative number signifies the

Southern hemisphere. There may be leading blanks in the degree subfield; the minutes

will always be a two digit numeric (zero filled as required).

LoLoLomm The longitude of the observation in degrees and minutes. A negative number signifies the

Eastern hemisphere. NOTE: This is opposite the normal convention. There may be

leading blanks in the degree subfield; minutes will always be a two digit numeric.

PPPPP The pressure altitude in feet. There may be leading blanks.

±DDDD The D-value (Geopotential Altitude - Pressure Altitude) in feet. There will always be a

leading sign (+ or -) followed by four numeric characters (leading zeros if required)

WWW The wind direction in degrees, with 0 being true North, increasing clockwise. There will

always be three numeric characters, with leading zeros if required.

SSS The wind speed in knots. There will always be three numeric characters, with leading

zeros if required.

±TTT The air temperature in degrees and tenths Celsius. There will always be a leading sign

(+ or -) followed by three numeric characters (leading zeros if required). For example, 5.3

C would be coded +053.

±ddd The dewpoint temperature, encoded the same way as air temperature.

www The direction of the peak wind during this interval (30 sec, 1 min, etc.). The peak wind is

defined as the maximum 10 second average wind. Format is the same as wind direction

above.

sss The speed of the peak wind in knots. Format is the same as wind speed above.

sss The wind speed at the surface in knots, as measured by the Stepped Frequency

Microwave Radiometer (SFMR). This is an optional field new for 1999, and may be

omitted depending on the version of software being run. If omitted, the rain rate field will

also be omitted, and the <cr><cr><lf> sequence will occur immediately after the peak

wind speed field (no trailing blank). When present, there will be three numeric characters,

with leading zeros if required. If the SFMR wind can not be calculated during the sample

interval, it (and the rain rate) will be coded as 999.

rrr The rain rate in mm/hr, as measured by the SFMR. When present (see SFMR wind speed

discussion above), there will be three numeric characters, with leading zeros if required. If

rain rate can not be calculated it will be coded as 999.

 
G-10

Table G-5. 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 Mi

MiMjMj YYGGId 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLoLo MMMULaULo

SECTION 2 99PoPoPo ToToTaoDoDo dodofofofo

 P1P1h1h1h1 T1T1Ta1D1D1 d1d1f1f1f1

 PnPnhnhnhn TnTnTanDnDn dndnfnfnfn

SECTION 3 88PtPtPt TtTtTatDtDt dtdtftftft

or

88999

SECTION 4 77PmPmPm dmdmfmfmfm (4vbvbvava)

 or

 66PmPmPm dmdmfmfmfm (4vbvbvava)

 or

 77999

SECTION 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

Mi

Mi Identification letters of the report = XX

Mj

Mj Identification 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 Id group. 

Note the following clarification was approved at the 52d IHC: Id will specify in hundreds of mb (Part 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-11

(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 Id for which the wind is missing, encode the wind group as "/////."

(3) When the highest mandatory level for which the wind is reported is 250 mb, encode Id as 2. If 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 Id as 1. If 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.

LaLaLa Latitude, in tenths of a degree.

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.

LoLoLoLo Longitude, in tenths of a degree.

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 Qc reported.

ULa Units digit in the reported latitude.

ULo Units digit in the reported longitude.

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.)

P1P1 Pressure of standard isobaric surfaces in units of tens of millibars. (1000mbs=00,

PnPn 925mbs=92, 850mbs=85, 700mbs=70, etc.)

h1h1h1 Height of the standard pressure level in geopotential meters or decameters above the surface. 

Encoded in meters up to but not including 500mbs. Encoded in decameters at and

hnhnhn above 500mbs omitting, if necessary, the thousands or tens of thousands digits. Add 500to hhh for negative

1000mb heights. Report 1000mb groups as 00/// ///// when surface pressure is less than 950mbs.

ToTo Tens and units digit of air temperature (not rounded off) in degrees Celsius, at specified
G-12

T1T1 levels beginning with surface.

TnTn

Tao Approximate tenths value and sign (plus or minus) of the air temperature.

Tal Even = plus; Odd = minus.

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 DnDn as two solidi.

dodo True direction from which wind is blowing rounded to nearest 5 degrees. Report hundreds

d1d1 and tens digits. The unit digit (0 or 5) is added to the hundreds digit of wind speed.

dndn

fofofo Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of hundreds digit of speed and unit digit of

f1f1f1 direction, i.e. 295o

 at 125 kts encoded as 29625. (Notes 1&2)

fnfnfn

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.

Pt

PtPt Pressure at the tropopause level reported in whole millibars.

Tt

Tt Air temperature in whole degrees Celsius, at the tropopause level.

Tat Approximate tenths value and sign (plus or minus) of the air temperature at the tropopause level.

Dt

Dt Dew point depression at the tropopause level.

dt

dt True direction at the tropopause 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.

ft

ftft Wind speed in knots. Hundreds digit is sum of hundreds digit of speed and unit digit of

direction, i.e. 295o

 at 125 kts encoded as 29625.

88999 Indicator that tropopause data have not been observed.
G-13

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.

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. 295o

at 125 kts encoded as 29625.

4 Data for vertical wind sheer follow.

vbvb Absolute value of vector difference between max wind and the wind 3000 feet BELOW the level of 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".

vava Absolute value of vector difference between max wind and the wind 3000 feet ABOVE the level of 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. (e.g., 61616 NOAA9 0403A CLAUDETTE OB 01)

62626 Remarks (e.g., EYEWALL, SST28.2, SFC WND AT 7M)
G-14

CODE FORM:

PART B

SECTION 1 Mi

MiMjMj YYGG/ 99LaLaLa QcLoLoLo MMMULaULo

SECTION 5 nonoPoPoPo ToToTaoDoDo

n1n1P1P1P1 T1T1Ta1D1D1

nnnnPnPnPn TnTnTanDnDn

SECTION 6 21212 nonoPoPoPo dodofofofo

n1n1P1P1P1 d1d1f1f1f1

nnnnPnPnPn dndnfnfnfn

SECTION 7 31313 srrarasasa 8GGgg

SECTION 9 51515 101Adf Adf or

101Adf Adf 0PnPnP'nP'n. or

101Adf Adf PnPnhnhnhn 

SECTION 10 61616 Repeat national practice encoded in Part A.

62626 Repeat national practice encoded in Part A.

PART B

SECTION - 1 IDENTIFICATION AND POSITION

Mj

Mj Identification letters of the part of the report = BB.

/ 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

nono Number of level, starting with surface level. Only surface level will be numbered as "00."

n1n1 When a standard level is also selected as significant, repeat the level in section 5. Encode 

nnnn significant levels to indicate missing data as nn/// /////.

PoPoPo Pressure at specified levels in whole millibars, beginning with surface.

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-15

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.

sr Identifies solar and infrared radiation correction. Always report as zero--no correction.

rara Identifies dropsonde/sounding system used. Always report as "96"--descending radiosonde.

sasa Identifies tracking technique/status of system used. Reported as "00" or "08."

"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

101Adf Adf Specifications of regional additional data being reported.

0 Group indicator.

PnPn Pressure of specified levels in tens of millibars. (1007 mb=01, 945 mb=95, 726 mb=73).

P'nP'n

PnPnhnhnhn Data reported in the same manner as in Part A - Section 2.

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 PnPnhnhnhn. The temperature group is not reported. EXAMPLE: Assume the release

was made from 310mbs, and the 300mb height was 966 decameters. The last reported standard level in Part

A is the 400mb level. The data for the 300mb level is reported in Part 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 PnPnhnhnhn. EXAMPLE: Assume termination occurred at 980mbs, and the extrapolated

height of the 1000mb level was 115 meters. The 1000mb level would be reported in Part A of the code as

00115 ///// and in Part B as 10190 00115.
G-16

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 00PoPoPo /////. When surface pressure is extrapolated, the 10191 group is the last additional

data group reported in Part B.

FIGURE G-4. 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

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

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 OneTime 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

(300R1.4) to the tropical Z-R, (250R1.2) to provide better precipitation estimates.

 

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 0.5b 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 0.5b 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 0.5b 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 0.5b 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 TTY1 TELEPHONE

Alternate NHC Camp Springs, MD B COM 301-763-8201

 (NCEP, HPC)

AOC Tampa Bay, FL COM 813-828-3310

CPHC - Forecaster and Warning Desk Honolulu, HI B COM 808-973-5284

- Admin COM 808-973-5270

- Dir/Coord COM 808-973-5272

- Operations FAX 808-973-5281

CPHC Satellite Coordinator Honolulu, HI B COM 808-973-5285

NWSO Tiyan, Guam Forecast Tiyan, Guam COM 671-471-7398 

 Warning Desk

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

1 A AFMEDS

B AFOS
I-2

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

AGENCY LOCATION TTY TELEPHONE

AFWA 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

JTWC Pearl Harbor, HI B COM 808-474-2320

COM 808-471-3533

DSN 471-3533

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

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
K-1

APPENDIX K

ACRONYMS/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

AMSU Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit

AOC Aircraft Operations Center (NOAA)

APT Automatic Picture Transmission 

ARGOS Argos, Inc., a French data collection system 

ARSA Airport Radar Service Area

ARTCC Air Route Traffic Control Center 

ARWO Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer

APUP Associated Principal User Processor (WSR-88D)

ASDL Aircraft-to-Satellite Data Link 

ATC Air Traffic Control 

ATCSCC Air Traffic Control System Command Center

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 

bC degree/degrees Celsius 

-DDA Daylight Ascending 

DCS Data Collection System 

deg degree (latitude or longitude) 
K-2

Det detachment 

DMSP Defense Meteorological Satellite Program 

DOC Department of Commerce 

DOD Department of Defense 

DOT Department of Transportation 

DPTD departed 

DROP dropsonde/dropwindsonde 

DSN Defense Switched Network (formerly AUTOVON)

DTG date/time group 

-EEDT Eastern Daylight Time 

ESA European Space Agency

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival 

ETD Estimated Time of Departure

-FFAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FACSFAC Fleet Aerial Control and Surveillance Facility 

FCM Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting

 Research 

FCMSSR Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting

 Research 

FCST forecast 

FCSTR forecaster 

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
K-3

-HHA High Accuracy 

HD High Density 

HDOB High Density Observation

HF High Frequency 

hPa hectopascal/hectopascals 

h hour/hours 

HLS Hurricane Local Statement

HNL Honolulu (CPHC) 

HPC Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (NCEP)

HRD Hurricane Research Division (NOAA/OAR/ERL/AOML)

HRPT High Resolution Picture Transmission 

-IICAO International Civil Aviation Organization 

ICMSSR Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and

 Supporting Research 

ID identification 

IFR Instrument Flight Rules 

INIT initials 

IR Infrared 

IWRS Improved Weather Reconnaissance System 

-JJTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center 

-Kkm kilometer/kilometers 

KBIX ICAO identifier for Keesler AFB, MS 

KMIA ICAO identifier for Miami, FL 

KMKC ICAO identifier for Kansas City, MO WSFO 

KNEW ICAO identifier for New Orleans, LA WSFO

KNHC ICAO identifier for the Tropical Prediction Center/National 

 Hurricane Center, Miami, FL 

KSFO ICAO identifier for San Francisco, CA 

kt knot/knots 

KWAL ICAO identifier for Wallops Island, VA
K-4

-LLAC Local Area Coverage 

LF Light Fine (satellite data terminology)

LI Long Island 

LS Light Smooth (satellite data terminology)

-Mm meter/meters 

MANOP communications header 

MAX maximum 

METEOSAT European Space Agency geostationary meteorological satellite 

min/MIN minute 

MINOB Minute Observation 

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
K-5

-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)

-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)

RSMC Regional/Specialized Meteorological Center (WMO)

-SSAB Synoptic Analysis Branch 

SFC surface 

SFDF Satellite Field Distribution Facility

SLP Sea Level Pressure 

SSM/I Special Sensor Microwave Imager (DMSP)

SSM/T Special 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 
K-6

TOVS TIROS-N Operational Vertical Sounder 

TPC Tropical Prediction Center

TS Thermal Smooth 

TWO Tropical Weather Outlook 

-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) 

VDM Vortex Data Message

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)
L-1

APPENDIX L 

 

GLOSSARY

-AAgency. Any Federal agency or organization participating in the tropical cyclone warning service.

Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA). Regulatory airspace surrounding designated airports

wherein ATC provides radar vectoring and sequencing on a full-time basis for all IFR and VFR

aircraft. The service provided in an ARSA is called ARSA Service which includes: IFR/IFRstandard 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).
L-2

c. Controlled airspace in the United States is designated as follows:

CLASS A: Generally, that airspace from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600, including

the airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States

and Alaska. Unless otherwise authorized, all persons must operate their aircraft under IFR.

CLASS B: Generally, that airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the

nations's busiest airports in terms of airport operations or passenger enplanements. The

configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored and consists of a surface area

and two or more layers (some Class B airspaces areas resemble upside-down wedding cakes), and

is designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace.

An ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the area, and all aircraft that are so

cleared receive separation services within the airspace. The cloud clearance requirement for VFR

operations is "clear of clouds."

CLASS C: Generally, that airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation

(charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced

by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger

enplanements. Although the configuration of each Class C area is individually tailored, the

airspace usually consists of a surface area with a 5 nautical mile (NM) radius, an outer circle with

a 10 NM radius that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation and an outer

area. Each person must establish 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
L-3

nautical miles of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska, up to, but not including 18,000 MSL, and

the airspace above FL 600.

Cyclone. An atmospheric closed circulation rotating counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

-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: 

` Atlantic, Caribbean, 

and the Gulf of Mexico June 1 to November 30

` Eastern Pacific May 15 To November 30

` Central Pacific June 1 to November 30 

Hurricane Warning Offices. The designated hurricane warning offices follow: 

` National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida 

` 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. 
L-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. 
L-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.

Sustained Surface Wind. The 1-minute averaged wind at the 10-meter elevation with an 

unobstructed exposure.

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. 
L-6

Tropical Depression. A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed

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

Tropical Disturbance. A discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized

convection--generally 100 to 300 mi in diameter--originating in the tropics or subtropics, having

a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more. It may or may

not be associated with a detectable perturbation of the wind field. 

Tropical Storm. A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (l-min

mean) ranges from 34 kt (39 mph) to 63 kt (73 mph). 

Tropical Storm Warning. A warning for tropical storm conditions including sustained winds

within the range of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 kt) that are expected in a specified coastal area within

24 hours or less. 

Tropical Storm Watch. An announcement that a tropical storm poses or tropical storm conditions

pose a threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch should normally

not be issued if the system is forecast to attain hurricane strength. 

Tropical Wave. A trough or cyclonic curvature maximum in the trade-wind easterlies. The wave

may reach maximum amplitude in the lower middle troposphere or may be the reflection of an

upper tropospheric cold low or equatorial extension of a middle latitude trough. 

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.
M-1

APPENDIX M 

DISTRIBUTION

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

Administration Office, Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) 20

Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services (E) 2

Director, National Climatic Data Center (E/CC) 2

Chief, Library and Information Services Division (E/OC4) 4

Chief, Satellite Services Division (E/SP2) 1

Chief, Library Division MASC (MC5) 2

Assistant Administrator for Ocean Svcs and Coastal Zone Management (N) 1

Director, Office of Public Affairs, NOAA (PA) 2

Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (R) 1

Director, Environmental Research Laboratories (R/E/FS) 4

Chief, International Programs (R/E/FS7) 2

Director, AOML Hurricane Research Division (R/E/AO) 5

Director, Program Development and Coordination Staff (R/PDC) 2

Assistant Administrator for Weather (W) 1

Director, National Data Buoy Center (W/DB) 6

Director, National Centers for Environmental Prediction (W/NP) 1

Director, Central Operations (W/NP1) 2

Director, Environmental Modeling Center (W/NP2) 1

Deputy Director, Environmental Modeling Center (W/NP2x1) 1

Director, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (W/NP3) 2

Director, Marine Prediction Center (W/NP4) 2

Director, Tropical Prediction Center (W/NP8) 20

Director, Office of Hydrology (W/OH) 1

Director, Office of Meteorology (W/OM) 1

Chief, International Activities Division (W/IA) 1

Chief, Hydrometeorological Services Core (W/OM12) 20

Director, NWS Eastern Region (W/ER) 50

Director, NWS Central Region (W/CR) 16

Director, NWS Southern Region (W/SR) 56

Director, NWS Western Region (W/WR) 15

Director, NWS Pacific Region (W/PR) 15

NOAA Budget Officer, Office of Management and Budget 1
M-2

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

OFFICE OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF 

Joint Staff/J3/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

USSOUTHCOM 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

88 Weather Squadron 1

78 OSS/OSW 1

325 OSS/OSW 1
M-3

3395 TCHTG/TTKO 2

Phillips Laboratory/GPAS 1

SM-ALC/LHFBB 2

Det 13, 1st Weather Group 2

AFRC

HQ USAF/REO 3

HQ AFRC/DOO 2

HQ AFRC/DOT 2

HQ 22AF/DOT/DOTA 2

403 WG/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) 12

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
M-4

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Air Traffic System Requirements Service ARS-1 1

Air Traffic System Requirements Service/Weather ARW-1 1

Air Traffic Operations ATO-1 3

Air Traffic Operations ATO-110 1

Air Traffic Operations ATO-120 3

Air Traffic Resource Management Program ATX-100/ATX-400 2

Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) ATO-200 9

FAA Regional Air Traffic Division Managers

AAL-500 Anchorage 1

ACE-500 Kansas City 1

AEA-500 New York 1

AGL-500 Chicago 1

ANE-500 Boston 1

ANM-500 Seattle 1

ASO-500 Atlanta 1

ASW-500 Dallas/Fort Worth 1

AWP-500 Los Angeles 1

Albuquerque ARTCC 2

Atlanta ARTCC 3

Boston ARTCC 3

Honolulu ARTCC 3

Houston ARTCC 3

Jacksonville ARTCC 3

Los Angeles ARTCC 2

Memphis ARTCC 1

Miami ARTCC 3

New York ARTCC 3

Oakland ARTCC 2

San Juan ARTCC 3

Seattle ARTCC 2

Washington ARTCC 2

AMA-500, Oklahoma City, OK 1

AIA-100/AIA-200 3

AOP-4 1

APA-300 3

ARW-100/ARW-200 2

Houston AIFSS 3

Miami (QAS) AIFSS 2

New York AIFSS 1

San Juan AIFSS 2
M-5

U.S. COAST GUARD 

Commandant, USCG Headquarters (G-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

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, Aquadilla, PR 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Atlantic City, NJ 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Kapolei, HI 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Cape Cod, MA 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Clearwater, FL 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Elizabeth City, NC 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, 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, North Bend, OR 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Opa Locka, FL 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, San Diego, CA 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Savannah, GA 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Air Station, Warrenton, OR 1

Commanding Officer, USCG Reserve Training Center 1

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

World Agriculture Outlook Board 1

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Emergency Management 1

Office of Biological and Environmental Research 1

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR 

Bureau of Reclamation, Office of Liaison Engineering and Research 1
M-6

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 2

FEMA Region I 1

FEMA Region IV 2

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

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