Satellites Are First To Know When Severe Weather Will Strike
Severe and hazardous weather can mean a vast range of dangerous conditions, such as thunderstorms with large hail, flooding, and tornadoes, as well as hurricanes and winter storms that bring freezing rain, sleet and snow. Satellites give us a constant view into these dangerous systems, helping forecasters track their development and predict when, where and how hard they will strike.
NOAA satellite data is key to issuing early and accurate severe weather warnings, which give communities more time to prepare.
Hurricane Milton, 2024. Credit: CSU/CIRA & NOAA
See How Satellites Peer Deep Into the Storm
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can bring a range of effects from rain and lightning to large hail and damaging tornadoes. Satellite data is at the forefront of forecasting these potentially massive events.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can devastate the coast, but can also wreak havoc inland. Knowing when and where they will hit, and how strong and large they will be when they do, is paramount to keeping people informed and safe. That’s why forecasters rely on NOAA satellites.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can form suddenly and devastate entire communities, making early warnings vital for survival. Forecasters use satellite data to identify the storms likely to produce tornadoes, making life-saving warnings possible.
Flooding
Floods can be deadly, destroying roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure. Satellite data is used for issuing early warnings to protect people and property.