Photo story: Behind the scenes at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center

See how the hurricane experts tracked Hurricane Hermine and warned of its impacts

For more than two weeks, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center issued forecasts and warnings on what would become the first hurricane to strike Florida in nearly 11 years and affect the U.S. East Coast over the Labor Day weekend.  Beginning as a tropical wave off the African coast, it eventually became Hurricane Hermine. Here’s a look behind the scenes at the National Hurricane Center during Hermine.

 

Rick Knabb briefing to FEMA

The National Hurricane Center provides a daily briefing to FEMA leadership regarding potential and existing tropical cyclones. NHC Director Dr. Rick Knabb discussed the tropical wave approaching the Leeward Islands. It would become Hermine a week later.
August 24, 2016- The National Hurricane Center provides a daily briefing to FEMA leadership regarding potential and existing tropical cyclones. NHC Director Dr. Rick Knabb discussed the tropical wave approaching the Leeward Islands. It would become Hermine a week later. (NOAA)
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Forecasters Dan Brown and Dave Roberts

Data is critical to an accurate forecast. Hurricane forecaster & Navy Liaison Dave Roberts study the latest computer models on August 24 with senior hurricane specialist Daniel Brown regarding the disturbance that would become Hermine as it approaches the Caribbean Islands.
August 24, 2016- Data is critical to an accurate forecast. Hurricane forecaster & Navy Liaison Dave Roberts study the latest computer models on August 24 with senior hurricane specialist Daniel Brown regarding the disturbance that would become Hermine as it approaches the Caribbean Islands. (NOAA)
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Hurricane Hotline call

The Hurricane Hotline call is led by the lead hurricane specialist to coordinate tropical cyclone watches & warnings, storm surge, rainfall and tornado impacts of newly formed Tropical Storm Hermine. On the call are National Weather Service offices, the Weather Prediction Center and the Storm Prediction Center.
August 31, 2016- The Hurricane Hotline call is led by the lead hurricane specialist to coordinate tropical cyclone watches & warnings, storm surge, rainfall and tornado impacts of newly formed Tropical Storm Hermine. On the call are National Weather Service offices, the Weather Prediction Center and the Storm Prediction Center. (NOAA)
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Rhome and Franklin tracking Hermine

The size and strength of the wind field are critical in determining where warnings are placed. Storm Surge Team Leader Jamie Rhome and chief of forecast operations James Franklin peer over the latest plot of Hermine.
August 31, 2016- The size and strength of the wind field are critical in determining where warnings are placed. Storm Surge Team Leader Jamie Rhome and chief of forecast operations James Franklin peer over the latest plot of Hermine. (NOAA)
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Rhome creating storm surge warning for Florida

For the first time ever, a prototype storm surge warning was issued for a portion of the U.S. Gulf Coast. Storm surge specialist Jamie Rhome puts the finishing touches on the graphic.
August 31, 2016- For the first time ever, a prototype storm surge warning was issued for a portion of the U.S. Gulf Coast. Storm surge specialist Jamie Rhome puts the finishing touches on the graphic. (NOAA)
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A Storm Surge Warning for the Florida Gulf Coast on Sept 1st.
A Storm Surge Warning for the Florida Gulf Coast on Sept 1st. (NOAA)
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Mike Brennan writes new Hermine advisory

The complete advisory package is issued every six hours. On September 2, Senior Hurricane Specialist Dr. Michael Brennan writes the public advisory for Hermine as Chief of forecast operations James Franklin and Deputy Director Dr. Ed Rappaport look on.
On September 2, Senior Hurricane Specialist Dr. Michael Brennan writes the public advisory for Hermine as Chief of forecast operations James Franklin and Deputy Director Dr. Ed Rappaport look on. The complete advisory package is issued every six hours. (NOAA)
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Rick Knabb live interview with TWC

NHC opened a television media pool during a U.S. hurricane threat. NHC Director Rick Knabb spoke to The Weather Channel regarding Hermine’s impacts. September 4, 2016.
September 4, 2016- NHC opened a television media pool during a U.S. hurricane threat. NHC Director Rick Knabb spoke to The Weather Channel regarding Hermine’s impacts.  (NOAA)
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Rick Knabb Periscope update on Hermine

Social media is an important tool at NHC to get out timely information. Here, NHC Director Dr. Rick Knabb provides a live update regarding Hermine via Periscope. September 1, 2016.
September 1, 2016- Social media is an important tool at NHC to get out timely information. Here, NHC Director Dr. Rick Knabb provides a live update regarding Hermine via Periscope. Check out the video.  (NOAA)
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