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Coastal Storms Program
Northeast Florida > Observing & Predicting StormsImproved Oceanographic and Meteorological ObservationsOcean and Weather Observations Now On-LineIncreasing coastal populations mean that increasing numbers of people are at risk during coastal storms. To accurately forecast storm-related impacts and warn vulnerable populations, marine forecasters and coastal managers need real-time access to reliable, standardized oceanographic and meteorological observations like wind, barometric pressure, air temperature, water levels, water currents, and water temperature and conductivity measurements. Three existing oceanographic and meteorological networks operate in the pilot region. NOAA has worked to improve these networks by deploying a new weather buoy off the Florida coast and by upgrading existing sensors. Prototype Buoy a SuccessIn 2002, a new data buoy was deployed off the northeast coast of Florida. Not only does the buoy fill a gap in the existing observational network, but it also was the first buoy in the nation to report real-time salinity measurements. Salinity can be used to monitor ecosystem health. The more traditional information provided on ocean winds and wave heights is useful to mariners and forecasters in providing advanced warnings of weather hazards. These buoy data are currently available through the National Data Buoy Center Web site, through the Dial-A-Buoy program, and as an integrated piece of local weather forecasts. Coastal Fog and Harbor TransportationThe C-MAN, or Coastal Marine Automated Network, provides another perspective for meteorologists and mariners alike. Each station typically provides wind speed, direction, and air temperature; however, some C-MAN stations are designed to measure seawater temperature, water level, relative humidity, precipitation, and visibility. These sensors are installed in remote areas, such as at unmanned lighthouses, capes and beaches, nearshore islands, and offshore platforms, where hazards to navigation have existed historically. As such, their data are instrumental in forecasting hazards like fog. Upgraded Sensors and Hurricane Quick LookSensor installations and upgrades were completed for the tide stations. The real-time quality-controlled tide data are available in a consistent, user-friendly manner via the Internet. The Web site allows one to look at observations in three different ways: by state, by region, and from stations in storm-surge mode. A new product called Observational Quick Look shows users graphs of water level and meteorological data collected along the projected path of severe storms such as hurricanes. Data from the four 2004 hurricanes have been graphed for use and are available on-line. For Additional InformationRobert Bassett |
