Question 1

How often does the live hurricane map update?

Accepted Answer

The live hurricane map updates continuously. Official NOAA National Hurricane Center coordinates and forecast cones refresh with each 6-hour synoptic advisory package (0300Z, 0900Z, 1500Z, 2100Z), while intermediate public updates are delivered every 3 hours and Doppler radar composites stream in real time.

Question 2

What do the different colors on the hurricane map represent?

Accepted Answer

Colors adhere to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: Cyan indicates Tropical Depressions (< 39 mph), Light Green for Tropical Storms (39–73 mph), Yellow for Category 1 (74–95 mph), Orange for Category 2 (96–110 mph), Red for Category 3 (111–129 mph), Violet for Category 4 (130–156 mph), and Hot Magenta for Category 5 Major Hurricanes (157+ mph).

Question 3

How accurate is the 5-day forecast cone shown on the map?

Accepted Answer

The forecast cone is constructed using the historical 5-year average track error of the National Hurricane Center. The center of the storm is expected to remain inside the cone approximately 67% of the time. Critical hazards such as tropical-storm-force winds, rainfall, and storm surge often extend dozens of miles beyond the cone boundary.

Question 4

Can I toggle between satellite and street map layers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the layer control bar located in the upper-left corner of the map to seamlessly switch between high-resolution ESRI satellite imagery and street basemaps, or toggle Doppler radar overlays, forecast cones, and forecast waypoints on or off.

Question 5

Why does a hurricane sometimes appear stationary on the map?

Accepted Answer

Tropical cyclones often translate slowly across open water (sometimes only 5 to 10 mph) while spinning violently. Additionally, official coordinates update only when NOAA releases scheduled advisory packages, so the eye marker remains stationary between official synoptic issuance times.

Live Hurricane Map & Real-Time Radar

Live Satellite & Radar Tracking Center

Active Cyclone Telemetry (5)

Tropical Depression Fay

Tropical Storm Gonzalo

Hurricane Odalys

Hurricane Polo

Hurricane Nolo

Coastal Alerts (38)

Radar Layer Details

Live Hurricane Map & Radar FAQ

How often does the live hurricane map update?

What do the different colors on the hurricane map represent?

How accurate is the 5-day forecast cone shown on the map?

Can I toggle between satellite and street map layers?

Why does a hurricane sometimes appear stationary on the map?