"The National Hurricane Center plans on adding a bit more certainty to its "cone of uncertainty."
The introduction of a new forecast track graphic in mid-August will do more than show the expected area where hurricanes and tropical storms may travel. It will also depict where wind watches and warnings are posted to better warn of dangers residents outside the cone are facing.
The new, more colorful map is part of a multiyear effort by the center and the National Weather Service to turn the recommendations of social scientists studying the way forecasters present information to the public into more visually friendly forecast products.
During its first test year, the new map will be available about 30 minutes after the official storm advisory is released, and forecasters will be collecting public comments on its use. Its introduction in mid-August occurs just as the more active part of the hurricane season usually begins."
Mark Schleifstein reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune February 7, 2024.
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