National Hurricane Center Considers Hurricane Warning Change After Sandy
By: Bryan Tolle, Meteorologist
Updated: December 5, 2012
HAGERSTOWN, MD - After a month or so after Hurricane Sandy tore through portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, questions are being asked about potential changes to the technical definition of a Hurricane Warning in light of Hurricane Sandy.
Christopher Vaccaro, Spokesman for the National Weather Service says "A proposal was raised during the NOAA Hurricane Conference last week for the NWS (National Weather Service) to have the option to issue hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings for post-tropical cyclones that threaten life and property.
This is one step in the process required before any proposed change to operational products becomes final. As part of our review of the 2012 hurricane season, including the Sandy service assessment, we will review all policies and changes through the existing and established process".
A statement that was found on Facebook regarding the change talked about says: "An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, sub-tropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force."
Either way, that fact that this has been mentioned and as Vaccaro said that this was mentioned at the National Hurricane Conference is a good sign that the lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy will help the National Weather Service achieve their goal of protecting life and property in future events.
Christopher Vaccaro, Spokesman for the National Weather Service says "A proposal was raised during the NOAA Hurricane Conference last week for the NWS (National Weather Service) to have the option to issue hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings for post-tropical cyclones that threaten life and property.
This is one step in the process required before any proposed change to operational products becomes final. As part of our review of the 2012 hurricane season, including the Sandy service assessment, we will review all policies and changes through the existing and established process".
A statement that was found on Facebook regarding the change talked about says: "An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, sub-tropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force."
Either way, that fact that this has been mentioned and as Vaccaro said that this was mentioned at the National Hurricane Conference is a good sign that the lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy will help the National Weather Service achieve their goal of protecting life and property in future events.
