Keeping an eye on hurricanes through maps

  • Published
  • By Andree B. Swanson
  • AMC Geo Integration Office
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The National Weather Service predicted this week that up to 10 named hurricanes and tropical storms could affect the Atlantic coast this 2015 hurricane season. During these events, personnel on Air Force installations on the East Coast can turn to Air Mobility Command's maps to obtain situational awareness and monitor event progress.

Such was the case earlier this month as Tropical Storm Ana moved up the coast. The AMC Geo Integration website maps allowed Air Force members to observe the direction of the storm, locations of Mobility Air Forces aircraft and weather radar, all on one map view. Users will need a common access card and a military computer to access the website, which is also for official use only.

Hurricane tracking is just one weather capability available on the maps. Combined with operational information, such as facility search tools and aircraft locations employing G081 program maintenance data, map users can gain a better situational understanding of what effect hurricanes and other weather or natural events might have on the installation.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website, the hurricane season for 2015 will produce six to 11 named storms, including Tropical Storm Ana that formed in May. NOAA predicted a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season due to the effects of El Nino.

However, NOAA meteorologists warned, "It only takes one storm hitting an area to cause a disaster, regardless of the overall activity." They advised government agencies in coastal and near-coastal regions to prepare for hurricane season, regardless of the seasonal outlook.

Individuals may access the AMC Geo Integration website, called AMC.maps, through the Air Force Portal. Search on "geo integration." Links are provided to the website. For additional information, send an email to amc.maps@us.af.mil or call 618-229-4360 or DSN 779-4360.