National Hurricane Center
U.S. agency responsible for tropical cyclone forecasts and warnings.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is part of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. It tracks and forecasts tropical weather systems across a specific region: from the Prime Meridian to the 140th meridian west, and north to the 30th parallel in the northeast Pacific and the 31st parallel in the northern Atlantic. The NHC shares a location with the Miami branch of the National Weather Service on the Florida International University campus in University Park, Miami, Florida.
The center has several specialized branches. The Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) puts out marine forecasts—both graphics and high-seas reports—all year, with the Ocean Prediction Center ready to step in as backup. The Technology and Science Branch (TSB) handles technical support, including bringing in new technology from other countries. The Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes (CARCAH) unit organizes aircraft flights for research and operations during the Atlantic hurricane season, and also for significant weather events like snowstorms in winter and spring. Research to improve forecasts is carried out through the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project (HFIP) and the Joint Hurricane Test Bed (JHT).
During the Atlantic and northeast Pacific hurricane seasons, the Hurricane Specialist Unit (HSU) issues routine tropical weather outlooks for those oceans. When tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 48 hours, the center puts out watches and warnings through news media and NOAA Weather Radio.
Although the NHC is a U.S. agency, the World Meteorological Organization has designated it as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre for the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific. This makes it the main hub for tropical cyclone forecasts and observations in those areas. If the NHC loses power or is otherwise incapacitated, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center takes over tropical cyclone advisories and outlooks for the northeast Pacific, while the Weather Prediction Center handles the same for the North Atlantic.
**History**
The first hurricane warning service was established in the 1870s in Cuba by Father Benito Viñes. After his death, the United States Signal Corps and then the U.S. Weather Bureau took over warning duties over the next decade, first based in Jamaica in 1898 and Cuba in 1899, bef
- Field
- Tropical cyclone forecasting and warning
- Nationality
- United States
- Known for
- Tracking and predicting tropical weather systems; issuing hurricane watches and warnings
- Parent agency
- NOAA/National Weather Service
- Location
- University Park, Miami, Florida
- Budget (FY 2008)
- $6.8 million
- Staff
- 66 members including 12 managers
Lore & Background
The first hurricane warning service was set up in the 1870s from Cuba with the work of Father Benito Viñes. After his death, hurricane warning services were assumed by the United States Signal Corps and United States Weather Bureau, first based in Jamaica in 1898 and Cuba in 1899 before shifting to Washington, D.C., in 1902. The central office in Washington evolved into the National Meteorological Center and Weather Prediction Center, assuming hurricane warning/advisory responsibility until regional hurricane offices took over in 1935. The Jacksonville hurricane warning office moved to Miami, Florida, in 1943, and the Miami Hurricane Warning Office moved to the campus of the University of Miami in 1964, being referred to as the NHC in 1965.
Reader's Guide
The National Hurricane Center's significance lies in its role as the primary authority for tropical cyclone forecasting in the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific, issuing watches and warnings that protect life and property. Its forecasts have evolved from one-day outlooks in 1954 to five-day outlooks by 2001, reflecting advances in numerical weather prediction and statistical methods. The NHC also coordinates with international officials and maintains backup arrangements with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and Weather Prediction Center. Its Hurricane Specialist Unit issues routine tropical weather outlooks and advisories, while the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch provides marine forecasts year-round. The center's research initiatives, such as the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project and Joint Hurricane Test Bed, aim to improve operational forecasts. The NHC's designation as a Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre by the World Meteorological Organization underscores its global responsibility for tropical cyclone data and forecasts.
Did You Know?
- The NHC is co-located with the Miami branch of the National Weather Service on the campus of Florida International University.
- The World Meteorological Organization has designated the NHC as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre for the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific.
- If the NHC loses power, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center backs up northeast Pacific advisories, and the Weather Prediction Center backs up North Atlantic advisories.
- The NHC's budget for fiscal year 2008 was $6.8 million, with a staff of 66 members including 12 managers.
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