Hurricane alerts and local tropical weather risk
Follow the latest official tropical outlook, check conditions for the location you care about, and get free email updates without repeatedly checking for changes.
Outlook, forecast, and alert are different
The NHC Tropical Weather Outlook identifies areas where tropical cyclones could form. A forecast cone describes the probable track of a tropical cyclone's center; it does not show every location that may experience hazards.
Local NWS offices issue watches, warnings, and other products for communities. Those official local products—not a model line or social-media graphic—should guide protective decisions.
- NHC basin outlooks and official products
- Local NWS watches and warnings
- Model tracks labeled as guidance, not forecasts
- Address-specific email monitoring
Monitor more than the storm center
Wind, rain, tornadoes, flooding, surf, and storm surge can occur away from a storm's center. The relevant hazards depend on the system, your location, and official local forecasts.
Coastal and marina users should also review official tide, water-level, port, marina, and emergency-management information appropriate to their location.
Prepare before an alert arrives
Know your evacuation zone where applicable, keep several ways to receive official information, and review household or vessel plans before conditions deteriorate. MyStormRisk's optional preparation guide is general support, not an evacuation order or substitute for local instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an NHC outlook and a forecast cone?
The Tropical Weather Outlook highlights areas where tropical cyclones may form. A forecast cone applies to an existing cyclone and shows probable center-track uncertainty, not the full area of hazards.
Are local NWS hurricane alerts different from NHC products?
Yes. The NHC provides tropical cyclone analysis and forecasts, while local National Weather Service offices issue location-specific watches, warnings, forecasts, and impact information.
Can hurricane hazards occur outside the forecast cone?
Yes. Wind, rain, tornadoes, flooding, surf, and storm surge can occur outside the cone, which represents probable positions of the storm center.
Is MyStormRisk an emergency alert service?
No. MyStormRisk is supplemental. Follow official NWS, NHC, emergency-management, evacuation, and local-authority instructions for safety decisions.