When a storm appears on the horizon, people try to get as much information as possible.
Here are websites and apps to help you track storms and learn more about preparations.
National Hurricane Center, hurricanes.gov – This is your first stop if you want information straight from the horse's mouth. The hurricane center develops advisories and displays them with an array of maps, graphics and text information. At the top of the center's home page is the main blue map, showing any storms or disturbances being tracked. Below that, each active storm is listed. For an overview of each system, check the "public advisory" and the five-day forecast track.
Weather Underground, wunderground.com – Provides the official forecast and graphics, but in its own format. Put your mouse on "severe weather" at the top of the page and "tropical weather & hurricanes" for an overview of all tropical activity. It also provides computer model information and Jeff Masters' blog, which provides insight into how atmospheric conditions might influence storms.
SunSentinel, SunSentinel.com/mystormplan – Use the personal storm plan tool to generate a shopping list, a to-do list, and a downloadable hurricane guide for your family. At SunSentinel.com/hurricane, the Hurricane Headquarters web page offers the official forecast, maps, photos, and preparation tips.
FEMA, ready.gov – This site provides a comprehensive look at what to do before, during and after any disaster, not just hurricanes. It also provides guidelines to develop a disaster plan, build a survival kit and help children prepare.
Florida Division of Emergency Management, floridadisaster.org – Like the FEMA site, this one provides comprehensive information on how to prepare. However, the information is tailored for Floridians.
To check your county's emergency management web site, go to:
Broward County – broward.org/hurricane
Palm Beach County – pbcgov.com/dem/hazards/hurricanes.htm
Miami-Dade County – www.miamidade.gov/hurricane
South Florida Water Management District, sfwmd.gov – The homepage is bursting with information about water levels, conservation and flooding problems. It also provides Lake Okeechobee's level.
FPL, fplmaps.com – The Power Tracker has a map showing power outages, how many people are affected, the cause of the outage and estimated time of repair. You can also use the site to report outages, downed lines or damaged power poles.
These sites will keep you updated on whether schools are open or closed.
Broward County: browardschools.com
Palm Beach County School District: palmbeachschools.org
Local college and university sites include:
Broward College: broward.edu
Florida International University: fiu.edu
Breaking News Alerts
Nova Southeastern University: nova.edu
Florida Atlantic University: fau.edu
Hurricane Pro: Tracks storms, provides interactive maps that shows where highest winds are expected, includes a built-in Twitter and Facebook tools. On iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
Hurricane Tracker: Provides custom graphics, audio reports, impact maps. On iPhone, iPad, PC and Android.
NOAA Radar U.S.: Great mix of interactive infrared satellite and radar images that zoom into neighborhood streets to check hyper-local weather patterns. iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
The American Red Cross has two free phone apps for hurricanes and first aid that work on iPhones and Androids. The hurricane app can send you NOAA alerts about storms approaching your area, notify friends you're OK even during a power outage, and has other neat features like a flashlight, strobe and alarm.
For first aid tips, the Red Cross app gives instructions for situations ranging from anaphylactic shock to heart attacks. To download the apps, visit: redcross.org/mobile-apps/hurricane-app