WEATHER MAPS & LINKS

CLICK FOR BELIZE DOPPLER RADAR

these are all constantly updated:













WAVE HEIGHT IN FEET
see more wave information HERE








HURRICANE SPECIFIC MAPS



WEATHER LINKS

My mass links page, huge list of weather and storm related links: http://AmbergrisCaye.com/hurricane/links.html

here's an EXCELLENT link for wave height, showing the future movement and how the wave levels change as it moves.
https://www.navo.navy.mil/LIBRARY/Metoc/...ries/index.html

also peek at these:
http://gfx.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/satell...ges=1&clf=1

Go to this site and set it for all pic loop and let it run (click to ALL IMAGES right under the map then hit PLAY). You will see the entire development of the storm.

http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Current/

http://sanpedroweather.com

http://www.crownweather.com


What Is A Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm Or A Hurricane

Tropical Depression
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained wind speed is 38 mph or less (33 kt or less or 17 m/s or less). Depressions have a closed circulation.

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained wind speed ranges from 39 mph (34 kt or 18 m/s) to 73 mph (63 kt or 33 m/s). The convection in tropical storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall organizing into distinct bands.

Hurricane
When winds in a tropical cyclone equal or exceed 74 mph (64 kt or 34 m/s) it is called a hurricane. Hurricanes are further designated by categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Hurricanes in categories 3, 4, 5 are known as Major Hurricanes or Intense Hurricanes.


The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane’s intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damages and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity. In general, damages rise by about a factor of four for every category increase. The maximum sustained surface wind speed (peak 1-minute wind at 10 m [33 ft]) is the determining factor in the scale. The scale does not address the potential for such other hurricane-related impacts, as storm surge, rainfall-induced floods, and tornadoes. These wind-caused impacts are to apply to the worst winds reaching the coast and the damage would be less elsewhere. It should also be noted that the general wind-caused damage descriptions are to some degree dependent upon the local building codes in effect and how well and how long they have been enforced. Hurricane wind damage is also dependent upon such other factors as duration of high winds, change of wind direction, amount of accompanying rainfall, and age of structures.

Category One Hurricane:
Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/hr). Damaging winds are expected. Some damage to building structures could occur, primarily to unanchored mobile homes (mainly pre-1994 construction). Some damage is likely to poorly constructed signs. Loose outdoor items will become projectiles, causing additional damage. Persons struck by windborne debris risk injury and possible death. Numerous large branches of healthy trees will snap. Some trees will be uprooted, especially where the ground is saturated. Many areas will experience power outages with some downed power poles.

Category Two Hurricane:
Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/hr). Very strong winds will produce widespread damage. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings will occur. Considerable damage to mobile homes (mainly pre-1994 construction) and poorly constructed signs is likely. A number of glass windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Loose outdoor items will become projectiles, causing additional damage. Persons struck by windborne debris risk injury and possible death.. Numerous large branches will break. Many trees will be uprooted or snapped. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in widespread power outages that could last a few to several days.

Category Three Hurricane:
Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 km/hr). Dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Some structural damage to houses and buildings will occur with a minor amount of wall failures. Mobile homes (mainly pre-1994 construction) and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Many windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Persons struck by windborne debris risk injury and possible death. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

Category Four Hurricane:
Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 km/hr). Extremely dangerous winds causing devastating damage are expected. Some wall failures with some complete roof structure failures on houses will occur. All signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes (primarily pre-1994 construction). Extensive damage to doors and windows is likely. Numerous windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Windborne debris will cause extensive damage and persons struck by the wind-blown debris will be injured or killed. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted. Fallen trees could cut off residential areas for days to weeks. Electricity will be unavailable for weeks after the hurricane passes.

Category Five Hurricane:
Winds greater than 155 mph (greater than 135 kt or 249 km/hr). Catastrophic damage is expected. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings will occur. Some complete building failures with small buildings blown over or away are likely. All signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes (built in any year). Severe and extensive window and door damage will occur. Nearly all windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Severe injury or death is likely for persons struck by wind-blown debris. Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months.

Hurricane Tracking Tools at http://stormcarib.com
How close is it?
This distance calculator will tell you how far the center of the storm is from your island. Not only will it tell the distance but also how many hours you have left to be completely ready. It will even indicate when you might start feeling tropical storm or hurricane force winds. It is automatically updated when new advisories come in (every 3 to 6 hours), so you don't have to type in anything yourself. Be sure to read the caveats!

How close can it get?
This tool calculates the so-called 'Closest Point of Approach' (CPA) from the five-day forecast, in other words, it will show you how close the storm will pass by your island (see a small version on the right). Given the windfield of the storm you will be able to determine if you will get strong winds or not. Checking this from time to time when new advisories come in might also give you a feel for the trend in forecasted tracks; is it expected to come closer or further from you...? This tool is also updated automatically when new advisories come in (every six hours).

My Satellite
Viewing close-up satellite images of your island is easier then ever! In a few clicks you will see a high resolution satellite image centered on your island. You can select from a visible (showing clouds), enhanced infra-red (showing clouds/rain) and water vapor ('air currents') images at different zoom factors. You can even create a loop of the last six images.

Miscellaneous
The practical guide contains a lot of information as well on for example unit coversions, definitions of tropical systems, hurricane names for the next 6 years, etc. etc. The Satellite Imagery page shows a few detailed satellite images of the Caribbean and Central Atlantic. Also, the Quick Hurricane Web Resource Navigator (QHWRN) will give you fast access to the latest advisories, (storm centered) satellite images, model forecasts and more.