The Top 5 Websites for Predicting Hurricanes in 2024
The impacts of extreme weather are experienced before and after the storm.
Hurricane season is upon us in the US Southeast. Once again, you’ll need the best sources of information to tell you when it’s time to batten down the hatches or get ready to be on the move. This year, I have also included insights on flood models, social media, and artificial intelligence tools. These are my Top 5 websites for predicting hurricanes in 2024.
#1 NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC)
Still the most authoritative source for real-time data, forecasts, and advisories. It’s a must-have on any list.
#2 Tropical Tidbits
Levi Cowan continues offering excellent insights, making this site a favorite among weather enthusiasts and professionals.
https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/
#3 Mike’s Weather Page (Spaghetti Models)
This page remains a valuable resource, especially with its aggregation of multiple models and easy-to-digest updates.
Mike’s Weather Page… powered by Firman Power Equipment! (spaghettimodels.com)
#4 Track the Tropics
The site is a comprehensive resource with quick access to various models and data.
#5 Weather Underground
Although it has undergone some changes over the years, it remains a strong source of localized weather data.
Honorable Mention: WeatherTiger
WeatherTiger is boldly reimagining seasonal forecasting and agricultural meteorology using proprietary technologies. It’s on Substack and subscription-based. To date, I use it more as a reference and for weather insights and not so much for real-time tracking.
Flood Inundation Models in 2024
North Carolina has a great publicly available site called FIMAN (Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network) for travel needs. FIMAN displays current and forecasted water levels from hundreds of locations throughout North Carolina’s streams and coasts, helping residents and travelers make informed decisions during flood events. https://fiman.nc.gov/
Some southeast US states, including state departments of transportation (DOTs) and emergency management systems, have developed similar tools in recent years. If you are traveling after a major weather event, find your local sites.
A Note About Social Media in 2024
Social media platforms can be great for real-time updates and community insights that traditional websites might not offer. Most previously referenced sources have pages or channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
A Note About AI in 2024
Publicly available, generative AI tools such as Microsoft’s Copilot or OpenAI’s ChatGPT can offer insights but don’t generate real-time data. For real-time updates, it’s always best to go directly to the primary sources like the NOAA, NHC, or other recommended hurricane-tracking websites.
The Top 5 Hurricane Prediction Websites
Jimmy Buffet sang about it, and Jim Cantore boldly reported on it, but trying to reason with hurricane season is one of the toughest things we do in the US Southeast. Once again, I’ll be ready to decide where to move the boats, when to move the family, or where to simply buckle down. I hope these top hurricane prediction websites are as helpful to you as they are to me.
JD Solomon resides in the Carolinas, where he fishes, sails, and coaches baseball. Professionally, JD Solomon is the founder of JD Solomon, Inc., the creator of the FINESSE fishbone diagram®, and the co-creator of the SOAP criticality method©. JD has weathered many storms, both on land and at sea.