Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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<p>Severe weather has continued to be a big talker in the Plains states these last few days, and the threat is expected to continue. Daily chances of storms will continue this week. Damaging winds, large hail, and torrential downpours will be possible with any storms that develop. </p><h1>SEVERE:</h1><p>An <strong>ENHANCED</strong> (level 3 out of 5) risk remains in place through the overnight hours across the central and northern Plains. Another enhanced risk is issued for Wednesday, this time closer to the Great Lakes, and yet another one on Thursday in the same region. All modes of severe weather are possible, and major cities like Chicago are under that severe weather risk for three days in a row!</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/svr overnight-1781056983990.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Storms push to the northeast by Friday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 173440-1781048089913.png">In addition to the severe weather risk, there is a slight risk of flash flooding on multiple days. Thunderstorms are expected to produce heavy downpours, and some locations could see multiple rounds of rain over the same areas. This could quickly lead to flooded roadways, overflowing creeks, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 085200-1781016725000.png">Stay alert and keep a close eye on forecast updates. With storms expected to intensify quickly, having multiple ways to receive watches and warnings will be important. Drivers are also reminded to avoid traveling through flooded roads, as just a small amount of moving water can be enough to sweep away a vehicle!</p>

Alana Cameron

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threaten Millions Across the Plains

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<h2 style="text-align: center">WATCHING THE TROPICS</h2><h3><strong>Eastern Pacific Becomes Focus of Early Hurricane Season Activity</strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">:</span></h3><p>While the Atlantic Basin remains quiet to start the 2026 hurricane season, forecasters are closely monitoring growing activity across the Eastern Pacific. The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Boris, and Tropical Depression Three-E, making the Pacific the most active tropical basin in the Northern Hemisphere right now. (See Above Image)</p><h3><strong>Amanda Becomes First Named Storm of the Season:</strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></h3><p>Tropical Storm Amanda formed on Wednesday, becoming the first named storm of the 2026 Eastern Pacific hurricane season.</p><h3><strong>Tropical Storm Cristina</strong></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">Boris, the second named storm of the Eastern Pacific, is now post-tropical. Tropical Storm Cristina formed Monday morning and remains at tropical storm status. </span>Cristina is forecast to hug the coastline of El Salvador, weakening as it makes landfall. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the coasts of El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/jfjfjfjfs-1781057486913.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 134450-1781034333532.png"><strong>Signs Point to an Active Eastern Pacific Season</strong><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">:</span></p><p>The early burst of activity is occurring as sea surface temperatures across parts of the Eastern Pacific remain warmer than average. Combined with the development of El Niño conditions, forecasters expect the basin to remain favorable for tropical cyclone formation through much of the season. NOAA’s seasonal outlook calls for an above-average Eastern Pacific hurricane season, with between 15 and 22 named storms possible. Several of those storms could reach hurricane strength, including multiple major hurricanes. &nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-05 073331-1780666421832.png"></p><p>Meanwhile, the Atlantic Basin is off to a slow start, with dry air associated with Saharan dust helping suppress tropical development across much of the region. While quiet conditions are expected to continue in the near term, the Eastern Pacific is already showing signs that the 2026 tropical season could be an active one. &nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><h1><strong>Atlantic</strong></h1><p>The Atlantic is starting the season with no activity expected through the first week. A big burst of Saharan Dust is providing plenty of dry air, which could impact air quality and visibility in the Caribbean and parts of Florida through the week ahead.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 084811-1781016496557.png"></p><h3><strong>Stay With WeatherNation This Hurricane Season:</strong></h3><p>Whether storms threaten land or remain over open waters, WeatherNation is your destination for around-the-clock tropical coverage. Our meteorologists track every tropical wave, depression, storm, and hurricane with the latest forecast models, expert analysis, and live updates whenever conditions warrant.</p><p></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p>

Jackie Brown

Eastern Pacific Tropical Activity Grows

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

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<p>Heat advisories have been expanding across the country as we prepare for dangerously hot temperatures. For some, heat index values may get up to 105+ degrees!</p><h2>Central Plains</h2><p>These heat advisories have been in place for a couple of days now and will continue until Wednesday. Temperatures may get as hot as 100° but feel even hotter thanks to added Gulf moisture and humidity.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/gffddffdddd-1781058140031.png">Heat risk is up to major levels through the middle of the week, shifting more and more to the east day by day.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 134928-1781034596558.png">Eastern Heat</h2><p>Then this pattern shifts East, and cities along the I-95 corridor could feel some of their warmest temps of the season.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 041740-1781000275076.png">Newly issued<strong> heat advisories </strong>have been issued from the Great Lakes and into the Tri-State area. This includes New York City. These are in place for Thursday, where heat index values will make air temperatures feel as hot as 100 degrees.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 135036-1781034642924.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 135112-1781034677178.png"></p><h2>Western Heat</h2><p>Heat advisories have now also been issued for the San Jaoquin Valley, temperatures up to the triple digits are expected here as well.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 172951-1781047797481.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 135217-1781034747648.png"></p><p>Keep it locked in on the forecast for those high temps here on WeatherNation!</p>

Summer Heat Across the Nation

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-marches-toward-artemis-iii-mission-in-2027-names-crew-members/">COURTESY: NASA</a></h1><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">This morning, NASA announced the four crew members who will be leading their Artemis III mission.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">NASA astronaut&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/randolph-komrade-bresnik/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Randy Bresnik</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)"> will serve as commander. European Space Agency astronaut&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Luca_Parmitano"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Luca Parmitano</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)"> as pilot. NASA astronauts&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronaut-andre-douglas/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Andre Douglas</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)"> and </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/frank-rubio/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Frank Rubio</span></a><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">, will serve as mission specialists.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">They also named NASA astronaut&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasa.gov/people/bob-hines/"><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Bob Hines</span></a> will work and train alongside these four as a backup crew member.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2064385973366976916" src="https://x.com/NASA/status/2064385973366976916"></div><p>"Over the next year they will train for their mission, ensure the lessons learned from the prior crew are implemented, and assist in the development of the landers and operational procedures that will be necessary for their colleagues on future Artemis missions. Artemis III will be an extraordinary demonstration of what is possible when the greatest Aerospace companies across the United States alongside our European partners come together to showcase the technological might and ambition of the free world." said Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator  </p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">During Artemis III, NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft and its crew from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to low earth orbit.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">After Orion systems checkouts, the spacecraft will, for the first time, demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities with commercial partners.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">While Artemis II brought ‘moon-joy’, Artemis III will bring ‘earth-joy’ by studying the earth’s atmosphere in ways we never have before.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">"We will study earth's atmosphere, the environment around Orion during the mission, and the impact of space's influence within the Orion capsule..</span>. We'll be doing an observation campaign of the dynamic phenomena on the earth, on our sun and around the environment in space from Orion by using the processes we developed for Artemis II. Having the Artemis crew observe the earth, will be another great exercise for our teams to help guide the way for similar observations on the moon." </p><p>"We'll be focused particularly on understanding our earth's atmosphere and the space environment in and around Orion through their observations. By observing earth's atmosphere and how space weather impacts it, we can better understand how to protect the critical space based technology there and all of that we rely on as well as our future astronaut crews travelling through that region." said <span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">Dr. Nicky Fox Associate Administrator, NASA Science. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(27, 27, 27)">The mission will undertake a series of challenging tests in low earth orbit in 2027, essential for Artemis IV, the first planned crewed mission to the lunar south pole in 2028.</span></p>

NASA Names Artemis III Astronauts

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

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<p>With multiple rounds of heavy downpours across the Plains, we were able to see totals that got up to 5" in 24 hours! These areas have already been inundated with so much rain over the last few days that flooding has played a major role in the forecast.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 042139-1781000973443.png"></p><p>We even broke some daily rainfall records out in Missouri on Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-08 194909-1780969758268.png"></p><h1>FLOOD THREAT</h1><p>There were a multitude of flood reports all across the Midwest and even the Deep South. That same tropical moisture is expected to dump out even more rain across these same vulnerable areas. <span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">Flash flood watches remain in place over the next few days. (above).</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 043127-1781001230071.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-09 043332-1781001230072.png"></p><p>The Weather Prediction Center has issued Excessive Rainfall outlooks through Friday for heavy rain. This graphic means areas highlighted can experience flooding, including torrential downpours and flash flooding. Never attempt to drive through flood waters. Always turn around.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-09 04-34-12-1781001268091.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Stay tuned for the latest on your forecast here on WeatherNation! We're streaming live on YouTube so all of the information you need is right at your fingertips! Come on in and join the conversation, we'll keep you weather aware!</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Adrian Hernandez

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk

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<p>Severe storms developed today, as a particularly dangerous situation unfolded across the Northern Plains. The Storm Prediction Center issued this PDS for large hail and damaging winds up to 100 mph. Sunday, there were multiple hail reports of 3-inch hailstones or greater, with Redig, SD, seeing hailstones up to 3.25"!</p><h1>OVERNIGHT</h1><p></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Moderate risk for severe weather across the northern plains through the overnight hours. Minot and Hettenger are at moderate risk for storms, meaning these areas will have the best chance of seeing large hail and damaging winds.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/overnight-1780881587764.png">All threats will be possible with these storms. There are even a few areas highlighted for significant winds and significant hailstones.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/overnight 2-1780881609982.png">A few storms will hold together through the overnight hours. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes will all be possible. Over the next few days, the severe threat continues across the plains.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/ovy-1780881596860.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h1>Monday</h1><p>A <strong>Marginal </strong>to <strong>Slight </strong>risk has been added for Monday. The main location for these storms is across the central plains, where the storms ride around a ridge of high pressure.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-07 071956-1780838405524.png">Isolated tornadoes and significant hailstones are possible across Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-07 072045-1780838474554.png">Tuesday</h1><p>There is already an <strong>enhanced</strong> risk for North Dakota on Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-07 072244-1780838576666.png">More on this forecast can be found :30 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Severe Storms Repeat Daily Across the Plains

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<h1 style="text-align: center"><strong>HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!</strong></h1><p>The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. Join WeatherNation as we help you know your risk, get your plan together, and better understand the science behind tropical systems.</p><p>Whether you live on the coastline or inland, it is important to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes">know your risks</a> when it comes to tropical systems.&nbsp; Coastal communities are at greatest risk of destructive winds and dangerous storm surge and may have to evacuate. But even people hundreds of miles inland are at risk from high winds, flooding rains, severe weather, and tornadoes. Even after the storm passes, the lasting threat of flooding and power outages could occur days or weeks after a storm hits.</p><p>Though Hurricane Melissa became one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in the basin, it was the first time in a decade that a hurricane did not make landfall in the U.S. That doesn't mean we were without impacts. Let's take a look back:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i3WsK0L2JP8" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/noaa-predictions-for-the-2026-hurricane-season"><strong>WHAT'S THE FORECAST THIS SEASON?</strong></a> <span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">NOAA has released </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-below-normal-2026-atlantic-hurricane-season">its predictions for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season</a><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">. They are calling for a </span><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">below</span></em></strong><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)"> normal season with 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. For probability, they predict a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rztDcYFRbM" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">NOAA cites several factors in their forecast, including the burgeoning El Ni­­ño, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in keeping numbers lower than previous years, along with near-normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Why does El Ni­­ño typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial Pacific often leads to a more energetic subtropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often come from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lie under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear, which tears hurricanes apart.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Forecasters at Colorado State University also predicted a below-average season. Hear their reasoning:</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrEEwxSK5tU" start="0"></iframe></div><p>While seasonal outlooks give us some idea of what to expect, there is no way to know for certain just what the season will have in store for YOUR area.&nbsp; Seasonal outlooks cannot forecast exactly when, where, or if a storm will strike. <span style="color: rgb(40, 42, 58)">Even below-average seasons can have major impacts. All it takes is one storm making landfall for it to be a devastating season in the U.S.</span></p><p>In preparation for the upcoming season, NOAA's National Hurricane Center is incorporating new tools and processes to keep the public better informed. Here's what's new this season:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ep7nsPYWyFw" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>PREPARE AT HOME</h1><p><strong>GET YOUR SUPPLY KIT READY.</strong> Once you know your risks, you should put together an essential hurricane supply kit. There are two types of "kits" you should put together: one if you're sheltering at your home during a storm, and one that you can grab and go should you need to evacuate. <em>Get your supplies ready to shelter at home. </em><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1e04d512b273e2133cb865833cc0e32d/FEMA_checklist_parent_508_071513.pdf"><em>Click here for a full list of essentials from FEMA</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Additional Helpful Tips:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><p>Learn much more and get storm-ready by visiting<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes"> Ready.Gov/Hurricanes</a></p></li><li><p>Make sure your home is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ibhs.org/hurricanereadyhome/">Hurricane Ready with IBHS</a></p></li><li><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.floodsmart.gov/">Check your insurance coverage</a>. If you are uninsured, apply BEFORE a storm threatens, as it may be too late if you wait</p></li><li><p>Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county, city, or town to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information before and during a storm.</p></li><li><p>Talk through your emergency plan with your family ahead of hurricane season</p></li><li><p>Understand<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml"> tropical weather terminology</a></p></li></ul><h1>ABOUT THE SCIENCE</h1><p>We get it. There's A LOT of jargon, phrases, and information that can make understanding tropical cyclones difficult. Understanding the basics may help when a storm threatens.</p><p><strong>WATCHES VS. WARNINGS</strong> Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? What about all of the alerts issued during the tropical season? Whenever a tropical cyclone (a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane) or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific, the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical cyclone advisory products<em>&nbsp;at least</em> every 6 hours at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm, and 11 pm EDT. A WATCH is issued when hurricane, tropical storm, or storm surge conditions are expected within 48 hours. A WARNING is issued when life-threatening conditions are expected within 36 hours.</p><p><strong>WHAT IS THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE?</strong> The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed, with 5 being the highest. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.&nbsp; (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php"><em>Source: NHC</em></a>)</p><p>When a tropical system reaches winds of 39mph or greater, it's given a name to better track and communicate its risks. The 2026 name list may look a little familiar. Here's why:</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLoG9Qce7C8" start="0"></iframe></div><p><strong>UNDERSTANDING THE FORECAST "CONE"</strong> Listening to forecast details can mean the difference between being prepared and caught off guard. Before a storm strikes, you'll often see a forecast "cone" to represent the expected forecast track of a system. The forecast cone <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutcone.shtml"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">. The width of the cone is based on historical forecast error percentage and uncertainty in the forecast. In 2024, NHC released an experimental version of the cone to not just communicate the center track, but also show the widespread nature of potential impacts. They plan to fine-tune and continue to use this concurrently until it becomes the primary forecast.</span></p><p><strong>WHAT PART OF A HURRICANE IS THE MOST POWERFUL?</strong> When a hurricane threatens landfall, most often the most impacts will be felt on the "front right quadrant" in relation to the direction of movement. Impacts can and will be felt on all "sides" of a storm, but the threat of the highest winds, storm surge, and indirect impacts, such as tornadoes, is often increased in the front right quadrant.</p><p><strong>LIVE INLAND? YOU AREN'T IMMUNE TO HURRICANES!</strong> Even if you live nowhere near a coastline, impacts from tropical systems can still occur. This lesson was learned during Hurricane Helene with historic, catastrophic flooding as far north as North Carolina. Inland rain and water are the deadliest parts of Tropical Storms, and the impacts can spread far away from the immediate coastline.</p><p><strong>UNDERSTANDING STORM SURGE</strong> Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/">Storm surge</a> has come along with some of the most powerful storms in history.</p><p>Still have questions? Be sure to watch Hurricane Prep Week on WeatherNation, or get in touch with us on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/">Facebook</a> or<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/WeatherNation"> X</a>. Or, as always, you can watch <strong><em><u>LIVE</u></em></strong> on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@weathernation">YouTube</a>!</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1C9h87MYTY" start="0"></iframe></div>

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

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According the most recent information from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, the Great Lakes have a total ice coverage of 45.4%.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-87954" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/glsea_cur-1.png" alt="" width="634" height="496" />

At this same time during 2017, the Great Lakes had ice coverage of 8.7%. In 2016, the Great Lakes had ice coverage of 12.7%.

By lake, Lake Erie has the most ice coverage at this point, with most of the lake covered in ice.

<img class="wp-image-87953" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/02/Lake-Erie-Ice-Cover.jpg" alt="" width="739" height="560" /> Recent visible satellite image of ice on Lake Erie (GLERL).

For WeatherNation, I am <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MarcusDWalter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Marcus Walter</a>.

Another Update on Great Lakes Ice Coverage

Severe Storms, Flash Flooding Threaten Millions Across the Plains

Severe weather has continued to be a big talk

Eastern Pacific Tropical Activity Grows

WATCHING THE TROPICSEastern Pacific Becomes F

Summer Heat Across the Nation

Heat advisories have been expanding across th

NASA Names Artemis III Astronauts

COURTESY: NASAThis morning, NASA announced th

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk

With multiple rounds of heavy downpours acros

Severe Storms Repeat Daily Across the Plains

Severe storms developed today, as a particula

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!The Atlantic Hurrica