Quiet in the Atlantic

No tropical cyclone activity is expected for the next two days.  Keep checking for any current news!!!!

Is it a hurricane? Typhoon? Cyclone?

Hurricane - Typhoon - Cyclone.  Three terms to describe basically the same event - rapidly rotating column, spinning around a low pressure system.  There are strong winds, thunderstorms, and huge waves called storm surges.  However, the location of the storm determines its classification.

Hurricane - Storms that occur in the Atlantic Ocean, usually forming from the tropical waters near the western coast of Africa.  The most recent was Hurricane Arthur.  To track Atlantic Hurricanes, visit the National Hurricane Center.

Typhoon Neoguri - Washington Post

Typhoon - Storms that occur in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.  At this moment, Typhoon Neoguri is baring
down on Japan.  The Category 3 storm, downgraded from a Category 5, blew through with 97 mph winds.  More information about storms in this part of the world can be found at the  Hong Kong Observatory.

Fun Fact - Neoguri is Korean for raccoon, and is also the name of popular noodle soup.


Cyclone - Storms that occur in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.  At this time, there are no cyclones.  However, if you are interested, you can investigate further by checking out the Australian Government - Bureau of Meteorology.

Hurrican Arthur Ends....

The storm named Arthur has traveled the eastern coast of the United States, and is now on its way to Canada's cold waters.  It was downgraded from a Category 2 storm (reaching 100 mph), as it made landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  As it coasted along, it continued to weaken into a post-tropical storm, knocking on Canada's door.

Watch vs. Warning

What is the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning?

A severe weather watch, or any other watch, indicates the atmospheric conditions are present for the severe weather to occur.  People in the area should be aware of the conditions, and plan accordingly.

A severe weather warning, or any other warning, indicates the the severe weather is occurring at the present time.  People in the area should immediately take shelter and listen for updates.

Hurricane Arthur Heads Up Coast

Tropical Storm Arthur became the first hurricane of the 2014 season early this morning.  Arthur developed into a hurricane ahead of projections.  At this time, it is not causing many problems for the Georgia coast.  However, North Carolina may experience high winds and storm surges.  Coastal areas of North Carolina and Virginia are currently under a hurricane warning.

NOAA/NHC

Hurricane Season Begins With Arthur

Hurricane Season is here (began June 1st)!!!!  The first tropical storm of the year, Arthur, is making its way up the eastern coast.  Forecasts indicate that the storm will be off the coast of Georgia early Thursday morning.  Meteorologists also expect Arthur to become the first hurricane of the 2014 season off the coast of the Carolinas sometime Friday.

NOAA/NHC

Video Bar Added

Ever wanted to make a rain gauge?  a barometer?  Check the video bar below to view short videos of simple weather instruments being created.  If you have any videos of you creating a wind vane or any other instrument, feel free to share!!!!