Hurricane Preparedness Center

The Eye and Center of a Hurricane

An area of sinking air near or at the hurricane's center is what meteorologists and hurricane experts classify as the eye. Generally circular in shape, the eye is oddly enough the calmer portion of the hurricane. Assumption would dictate that the further you dive into a tropical cyclone, the more force you would encounter.

But the eye is characterized by lower surface pressure and higher temperatures than anywhere else in the hurricane, forming the strange phenomenon of nearly clear and calm weather at the hurricane's center. The eyewall is the storm''s strongest portion, containing the highest surface winds and constant upward flow fueled by updrafts and downdrafts. Basically, the eyewall produces more volatile conditions as it pulls warm air from the surrounding water and circulates into a violent concoction.

Know Before You Go - Preparing for Hurricane Season

The key to hurricane season is preparation, as I've said too many times to keep track. Hammering that point home is essential simply because it truly is the most important aspect of facing hurricane season with confidence.

The U.S. Department of State lists out some really great tips on preparing for hurricane season, most of which are common sense, but they do provide a nice travel checklist in addition to tips for being aware of hurricane hazard zones when traveling across the country or into Mexico and other hurricane-prone areas.

The page lists the following to help guide you through safe hurricane season:

• Which regions are prone to hurricanes and what hazards you may face
• The full calendar hurricane season (June to November)
• How to access and make your whereabouts known to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate via the State's travel registration site
• Traveler’s Checklist

For more specific information visit Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go

Hurricane Trackers

As the first storm of 2009 in Hurricane Andres made its mark last week, the need for increased awareness and visibility into hurricane activity becomes a bit more recognized. I've included links to various hurricane trackers that offer satellite imagery and ongoing storm information.

Obviously being prepared for a disaster is much more involving than simply clicking around on a few storm trackers, but being aware of pending storms that could be heading to your neck of the woods (or coastal area) is a solid first step to staying ahead of the curve.

Stormpulse
Weather Underground
MSNBC Hurricane Tracker (new and very interactive, may not load on older browsers that do not support flash)
Tropical Storms Worldwide(by region)