(not set)
Summary: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) introduces several operational and experimental updates for the 2026 hurricane season, including inland watch/warning depictions on the cone graphic, new storm surge products for Hawaii, and refined track forecast error cones.
This document details the 2026 updates for the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Key operational changes include: 1) The inclusion of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches/warnings on the official cone graphic; 2) The introduction of Storm Surge Watches/Warnings, Peak Storm Surge Graphics, and Potential Storm Surge Flooding Maps for Hawaii; 3) A mobile-friendly NHC website front page; 4) New gray symbology for disturbances with near 0% development probability; and 5) An annual reduction in the size of the track forecast error cone. Additionally, the NHC is launching an experimental cone graphic based on 90th percentile along- and cross-track errors and an Experimental Graphical Marine Wind Warning service. The document also provides reminders on existing services like the U.S. Rip Current Risk map, Potential Tropical Cyclone advisory criteria, and social media engagement strategies.
Document outline
1. 1. Cone Graphic with inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings 2. 2. Storm Surge Watches and Warnings, Peak Storm Surge Graphic, and Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map for Hawaii 3. 3. Mobile-friendly front page of the NHC website 4. 4. Updated symbology of disturbances in the Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook 5. 5. Annual update to the track forecast error cone 6. Experimental Products: New Cone Graphic (ellipses/90th percentile) and Graphical Marine Wind Warning 7. Reminders: U.S. Rip Current Risk Map, Potential Tropical Cyclone Advisory Criteria, Pronunciation Guides, and Social Media/Outreach