NHC modifies hurricane warning definition in wake of Sandy

[TropicalAnalystwx13]

Find out more below.

Breaking: NHC modifies Hurricane Warning definition in wake of Sandy

[supercane4867]

Well...NHC is remedying its reputation but I'm glad they did that

[CrazyC83]

I haven't seen it from an official NWS source yet?

I think that a lot of thought needs to be put into these situations. It just happened that Sandy blew a big hole in the NWS directives and exposed huge weaknesses. It makes me wonder another possibility - suppose a completely non-tropical Nor'easter, with a pressure of below 950mb, came up the coast...would the warnings get the attention necessary?

One thought I have for future non-tropical, non-convective wind events: use the words "Tropical Storm Force" and "Hurricane Force" to show the equivalent threats from non-tropical cyclones. (For downslope winds, consider using "(local name, i.e. Santa Ana, Chinook) Wind Warning" with the locally established criteria)

[RL3AO]

Strange that Knabb gives the interview to Accuweather, who got national attention ripping the NHC about it before an official NHC/NOAA press release.

[supercane4867]

http://www.weather.com/news/hurricane-warning-changes-20121205

[vbhoutex]

People read the above post really well. It is NOT A DONE DEAL!!! It is a PROPOSAL THAT IS IN PROCESS. No changes have been formally made contrary to what both Accuweather and TWC are stating. IT IS ONLY A PROPOSAL AT THIS TIME. Discussion is welcome to continue on the subject to say the least. Make sure you are respectful in your comments please. This can be a very touchy subject as some who want to place blame may not have all of the information concerning what happened or for that matter what is currently happening.

[mitchell]

Current Definition:
"Hurricane Warning
Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete all storm preparations and evacuate if directed by local officials."

I support the hurricane warning definition change but think that even under the current definition they should have issued a hurricane warning, even as the hurricane was rapidly becoming extratropical. Here is the 5:00p.m. plot when Sandy was a 90 MPH, 941 MB Cat 1 hurricane moving WNW at 28 mph.

It seems to me in this scenario, hurricane conditions were expected, from a hurricane, albeit a rapidly evolving one. Even under the current definition, a hurricane warning was warranted, as the system was a Cat 1 hurricane headed ashore.