The National Hurricane Center (NHC)
issues several forecast products and advisories aimed at the general
public, but none is as familiar as the three and five-day cones.
This product takes the current position of a tropical cyclone and
projects its path over the stated forecast period. Although
familiar, undue focus is frequently placed on the center line instead of
the wider danger area intended by the NHC. Although accuracy has
improved, forecasting the exact path of a hurricane is an extremely
difficult task. The widening of the cone over time visualizes the
increased uncertainty of the storm's path over time. People who
live either within or near the highlighted area of the cone should take
the necessary precautions. |