Follow active tropical cyclones in the Hurricane app for iPhone. Open a storm on the map to see its category, recent track, and forecast path.
Storm Surge Warning
Example alert
Charleston County, SC. Life-threatening inundation is possible.
Tropical Storm Watch
Example alert
Miami-Dade County, FL. Tropical storm conditions are possible.
What is a hurricane tracking map?
A hurricane tracking map shows a tropical cyclone’s current position, its forecast path, and its category, updated as the storm moves. Hurricane for iPhone gives you that map, with tap-to-open details for path, category, and where the storm is forecast to go next, for any active tropical cyclone, including typhoons in the western Pacific.
Path
Category
Storm surge
IN THE APP
How to track a hurricane
Open the cyclone layer
In the iPhone app, use the Tropical Cyclones layer to find active systems on the map.
Choose a storm
Tap an active tropical cyclone to open its details, including its category and recent track.
Follow the forecast path
Review where the storm is forecast to move. Save places you want to monitor and configure their weather alerts.
The tracking map is available in the app. Forecast paths can change; check current official advisories as well as the map.
Watch vs. warning
Hurricane watch vs. hurricane warning: how much time you have
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area. A warning means they are expected. These terms describe the forecast for an area, not confirmation of landfall.
Watches are generally issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected; warnings, 36 hours before. Use that lead time to follow local preparation and evacuation instructions.
Source: National Weather Service: hurricane watches and warnings. For other hazards, see severe weather alerts.
Hurricane Watch
Conditions are possible on the current forecast track, usually 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds arrive. Review your evacuation plan and secure loose outdoor items.
Hurricane Warning
Conditions are expected in the warned area, usually 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds arrive. Complete preparations and follow evacuation orders from local officials.
Hurricane categories
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale groups hurricanes into five categories by sustained wind speed. It is the standard classification the National Hurricane Center uses, and it is what the category number on the map refers to.
| Category | mph | km/h |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74–95 | 119–153 |
| 2 | 96–110 | 154–177 |
| 3 · Major | 111–129 | 178–208 |
| 4 · Major | 130–156 | 209–251 |
| 5 · Major | 157+ | 252+ |
The category measures wind only. It does not measure storm surge, rainfall flooding, or tornado risk. A lower-category storm can still be dangerous.
Saffir-Simpson scale
Cat 1 · 74–95
Cat 2 · 96–110
Cat 3 · 111–129
Cat 4 · 130–156
Cat 5 · 157+
Category 3 and above is classified as a major hurricane.
RELATED FEATURES
Explore the rest of the map
I truly appreciate having access to this information when I need it. I am responsible for two senior care homes and this weather tracker helps me stay informed and in control.
mvlgg
App Store
Nicely integrates multiple wether elements, radar returns, wind, frontal boundaries to give a dynamic presentation of weather
daytexas
App Store
This app works great, accurate forecast, easy to view and understand, wonderful instant weather viewing
Chinger12
App Store
What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the area, based on the storm’s forecast track and intensity. A hurricane warning means those conditions are expected. Both follow a forecast that can still shift as the storm moves.
What do the hurricane categories 1 through 5 mean?
The category number comes from the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes by sustained wind speed, from Category 1 (74–95 mph) to Category 5 (157 mph or higher). Category 3 and above is classified as a major hurricane.
What is the difference between a tropical depression, a tropical storm, and a hurricane?
These are the same type of storm system at increasing strength, classified by sustained wind speed. A tropical depression has winds under 39 mph, a tropical storm has winds from 39 to 73 mph, and a hurricane has winds of 74 mph or higher.
Does Hurricane track storms outside the Atlantic, like typhoons?
Yes. The storm tracker covers tropical cyclones outside the Atlantic, and supports Typhoon Watch, Typhoon Warning, and Typhoon Local Statement alerts in the Pacific. The wind layer and Radar Global also work worldwide.
What is storm surge, and why is it different from the hurricane’s category?
Storm surge is the rise in ocean water pushed onshore by a storm, and it is a separate hazard from wind. Category describes sustained wind speed alone; a lower-category storm can still produce dangerous storm surge.
What information do I see when I tap a hurricane on the map?
Tapping an active tropical cyclone opens its details: current category, recent track, and the forecast path showing where it is expected to head next.
Hurricane is free to download. Premium features are available in-app.