Change To Hurricane Warning System

Today the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a statement to begin before the start of the 2013 hurricane season, that changes the criteria for issuing hurricane warnings. These changes are to include hybrid/transitioning storms like Hurricane Sandy.

This is the new definition:

"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."

According to The Weather Channel:

"The changes come on the heels of an investigation into Hurricane Sandy, which became a post-tropical storm before making landfall in the Northeast. Tropical storm and hurricane warnings were not issued anywhere on the East Coast north of North Carolina, and a NOAA and FEMA investigation is underway to study the handling of the events surrounding Sandy, which is a customary occurrence for major weather events..."

Previously the hurricane warning definition was:

"An announcement that hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area.
Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds."