HURREVAC for Inland UsersHURREVAC for Inland Users

Alan GerardAlan Gerard

NWS JacksonNWS Jackson

OutlineOutline

• BasicsBasics

• SetupSetup

• Getting DataGetting Data

• Advanced Data Use and InterpretationAdvanced Data Use and Interpretation

• Other Helpful ToolsOther Helpful Tools

• Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts

The BasicsThe Basics

OverviewOverview

• Stands for “Hurricane Evacuation on a computer”Stands for “Hurricane Evacuation on a computer”

• Restricted-use program – EM’s and other Restricted-use program – EM’s and other emergency service users ONLYemergency service users ONLY

• Developed by Sea Island SoftwareDeveloped by Sea Island Software

• FEMA, USACE and NWS are government FEMA, USACE and NWS are government sponsorssponsors

• A main function is for coastal evacuation A main function is for coastal evacuation planning, but we will focus today on how to use it planning, but we will focus today on how to use it for EM inland hurricane operationsfor EM inland hurricane operations

Sign up Sign up

• To get a copy of HURREVAC from Sea To get a copy of HURREVAC from Sea Island, you must become a registered Island, you must become a registered HURREVAC userHURREVAC user

– Register on the HURREVAC website (Register on the HURREVAC website (www.hurrevac.comwww.hurrevac.com))

– Need a government e-mail addressNeed a government e-mail address

– If not a state/county EM, USACE, or NWS, need If not a state/county EM, USACE, or NWS, need confirming info from an EM agency that you confirming info from an EM agency that you are involved in hurricane emergency support are involved in hurricane emergency support

InstallInstall

• Once you have submitted your Once you have submitted your registration information, Sea Island will registration information, Sea Island will provide you the information to download provide you the information to download the programthe program

• Once downloaded, you install just like any Once downloaded, you install just like any other Windows programother Windows program

• Program comes preinstalled with the Program comes preinstalled with the server information to obtain up to date server information to obtain up to date NWS productsNWS products

Setup and NavigationSetup and Navigation

• To get to basic setupTo get to basic setup

– Click on File Program Setup General Click on File Program Setup General SetupSetup

– Once there, you will come up in the Localities Once there, you will come up in the Localities menu. To setup the county(s) or parish(es) menu. To setup the county(s) or parish(es) you are interested inyou are interested in

• Click on the stateClick on the state

• Then check on (off) the county you want (don’t want)Then check on (off) the county you want (don’t want)

Setup – The BasicsSetup – The Basics

General SetupGeneral Setup• Other items that need to be done in the General Other items that need to be done in the General

Setup menuSetup menu

– Set time zone (click on Time Zone tab)Set time zone (click on Time Zone tab)

– Internet (mainly firewall settings, see Firewall FAQ for Internet (mainly firewall settings, see Firewall FAQ for more info)more info)

– Initial map (the map that comes up when you start Initial map (the map that comes up when you start HURREVAC; more on maps in a minute). Options:HURREVAC; more on maps in a minute). Options:

• Local map - generally a map centered on the GulfLocal map - generally a map centered on the Gulf

• Full extent map – the entire Atlantic basinFull extent map – the entire Atlantic basin

• Zoom to eye – centered on the current storm centerZoom to eye – centered on the current storm center

• Zoom close to eye – similar to zoom to eye only not as Zoom close to eye – similar to zoom to eye only not as tighttight

• Last map – where you were the last time you exitedLast map – where you were the last time you exited

– Colors (if desired)Colors (if desired)

Navigating the MapsNavigating the Maps

• HURREVAC starts off in a default “click HURREVAC starts off in a default “click and drag” map modeand drag” map mode

– To zoom, left click on the map and pull/drag a To zoom, left click on the map and pull/drag a box covering your desired new map areabox covering your desired new map area

• To change modes, go to the Map Icon To change modes, go to the Map Icon menu (left side, 1/3 of the way down)menu (left side, 1/3 of the way down)

– Click on the hand – switches you to pan mode Click on the hand – switches you to pan mode (cursor changes to a hand)(cursor changes to a hand)

• Left click and hold to pan around the mapLeft click and hold to pan around the map

Other Map IconsOther Map Icons

• Upper left button – left click for full extent Upper left button – left click for full extent map; right click for local mapmap; right click for local map

• Lower left button – left click zoom to Lower left button – left click zoom to storm; right click close-up zoom to stormstorm; right click close-up zoom to storm

• Upper middle button – zoom out button: Upper middle button – zoom out button: left click zoom out, right click super zoom left click zoom out, right click super zoom outout

• Lower middle button – same as upper Lower middle button – same as upper middle, only in instead of outmiddle, only in instead of out

Setting Default MapsSetting Default Maps

• Use your map icons to get your map the Use your map icons to get your map the way you want itway you want it

• Click on Map Map Default Settings, Click on Map Map Default Settings, then select the appropriate map you wish then select the appropriate map you wish to make the to make the current map on the screen current map on the screen the the default map default map forfor

Map PreferencesMap Preferences

• Numerous different overlays and options Numerous different overlays and options can be selected for displaying on the mapcan be selected for displaying on the map

• Click on Map Parameters Displayed Click on Map Parameters Displayed

– A menu with many different parameters will A menu with many different parameters will appear. Each of these are toggles – the ones appear. Each of these are toggles – the ones with the checkmarks will be displayed.with the checkmarks will be displayed.

Getting DataGetting Data

Getting Data – The BasicsGetting Data – The Basics

• Data AccessData Access

– Program should come ready to go as far as Program should come ready to go as far as internet and data accessinternet and data access

– Note: If you have firewall issues, you may Note: If you have firewall issues, you may need to go to the Hurrevac website and look at need to go to the Hurrevac website and look at their Firewall FAQtheir Firewall FAQ

– If you don’t have internet access available, you If you don’t have internet access available, you can use manual data entry (discussed later)can use manual data entry (discussed later)

Getting Data – What DoGetting Data – What DoYou Want?You Want?

• HURREVAC can get hurricane/typhoon data from all of the HURREVAC can get hurricane/typhoon data from all of the Atlantic and the Pacific.Atlantic and the Pacific.

– Typically, you will only want the Atlantic and maybe the Typically, you will only want the Atlantic and maybe the eastern Pacificeastern Pacific

– Also downloads the tropical weather outlooks, the NWS QPF, Also downloads the tropical weather outlooks, the NWS QPF, River Flood Outlook, and evacuation (ETIS) dataRiver Flood Outlook, and evacuation (ETIS) data

• To setup what data you wish to get:To setup what data you wish to get:

– Click on File Internet Download of Data Download Click on File Internet Download of Data Download Profile SetupProfile Setup

– Turn off/on however you wantTurn off/on however you want

– Click on SaveClick on Save

• Other data (historical storms, climatology, etc.) comes Other data (historical storms, climatology, etc.) comes preloadedpreloaded

Getting Latest DataGetting Latest Data

• The easiestThe easiest

– Click on Data icon in the “Other” icon menu; Click on Data icon in the “Other” icon menu; left side about 2/3 of the way downleft side about 2/3 of the way down

– Download will start immediatelyDownload will start immediately

• Can also go through File menuCan also go through File menu

Displaying and Using DataDisplaying and Using Data

Basic DisplayBasic Display

• To get a storm on the display (if not there To get a storm on the display (if not there already)already)

– Click on Storm icon (about a third of the way Click on Storm icon (about a third of the way down on the left)down on the left)

– Storms are listed by letter and year (e.g., Storms are listed by letter and year (e.g., Katrina would be K_2005.STM)Katrina would be K_2005.STM)

– For an active storm, information from the last For an active storm, information from the last advisory will appearadvisory will appear

Display ModeDisplay Mode

• HURREVAC comes up in “Single Storm” mode, HURREVAC comes up in “Single Storm” mode, which is what you will typically want to use which is what you will typically want to use operationallyoperationally

• There are three basic “display modes” for single There are three basic “display modes” for single storm modestorm mode

– Wind SwathWind Swath

– Average Error Swath (or the Cone)Average Error Swath (or the Cone)

– Single Track PlotSingle Track Plot

• Modes are changed with the mode icons on the Modes are changed with the mode icons on the left hand side of the display, about ½ way downleft hand side of the display, about ½ way down

Wind SwathWind Swath

• Wind swath shows the expected Wind swath shows the expected sustained sustained winds given a perfect NHC forecast winds given a perfect NHC forecast (center tracks directly along forecast and (center tracks directly along forecast and intensity is exactly right)intensity is exactly right)

• Utilizes wind radii provided in NHC Utilizes wind radii provided in NHC forecast advisoriesforecast advisories

• Only as good as the NHC forecast, and Only as good as the NHC forecast, and only valid OVER WATER if that quadrant is only valid OVER WATER if that quadrant is still at least partially over water still at least partially over water (important!!!)(important!!!)

Average ErrorAverage Error

• Essentially the same as the cone shown Essentially the same as the cone shown on the NHC website graphicson the NHC website graphics

• Given the AVERAGE error of NHC track Given the AVERAGE error of NHC track forecasts over the last 5 years, the center forecasts over the last 5 years, the center of the storm will remain in the cone of the storm will remain in the cone approximately 65% of the timeapproximately 65% of the time

• If you right click on the “cone icon,” you If you right click on the “cone icon,” you will also get a hatched area which shows will also get a hatched area which shows the maximum extent of 39 mph (TS) the maximum extent of 39 mph (TS) sustained winds if the center were to track sustained winds if the center were to track along the edge of the conealong the edge of the cone

Single Track PlotSingle Track Plot

• Gives an hourly motion/track map for the Gives an hourly motion/track map for the stormstorm

– To loop, hit the “Auto” icon. Step buttons are To loop, hit the “Auto” icon. Step buttons are on either side of the “Auto” icon.on either side of the “Auto” icon.

• Colored “circles” show the extent of Colored “circles” show the extent of hurricane, storm (58 mph), and tropical hurricane, storm (58 mph), and tropical storm (39 mph) force windsstorm (39 mph) force winds

• Again, these are over water winds if any Again, these are over water winds if any part of that quadrant contains ocean!part of that quadrant contains ocean!

LabelsLabels

• Labels can be placed on the display by left Labels can be placed on the display by left clicking on the “Label” icon in the “Other” icon clicking on the “Label” icon in the “Other” icon menu (bottom center icon)menu (bottom center icon)

– Right clicking on the icon pops up a window that lets Right clicking on the icon pops up a window that lets you choose what you want displayed in your labelsyou choose what you want displayed in your labels

• Your own text can be placed on the graphic by Your own text can be placed on the graphic by doing a right click Custom Text Annotate doing a right click Custom Text Annotate Annotate Custom Text HereAnnotate Custom Text Here

– A pop up menu will appear where you can type in your A pop up menu will appear where you can type in your text, choose size and color, and indicate if you want the text, choose size and color, and indicate if you want the storm info inserted along with your text.storm info inserted along with your text.

Other DisplaysOther Displays

• ““Basics Only” Briefing DisplayBasics Only” Briefing Display

– Click on “Display Mode” then “Basics Only Click on “Display Mode” then “Basics Only Briefing Display”Briefing Display”

– Gives a graphic very similar to the NHC Gives a graphic very similar to the NHC website graphic, including the conewebsite graphic, including the cone

– Click on “Toggle Less Specific Format” under Click on “Toggle Less Specific Format” under the “Basics Only Briefing Display” turns off the “Basics Only Briefing Display” turns off the center line on the conethe center line on the cone

• Use if you want to highlight the uncertainty in the Use if you want to highlight the uncertainty in the forecastforecast

Other DisplaysOther Displays

• Time ChartTime Chart

– Shows past and future trends in wind, pressure and motionShows past and future trends in wind, pressure and motion

– Click on chart icon under “Other” menu (top middle icon) to Click on chart icon under “Other” menu (top middle icon) to displaydisplay

• NWS Rainfall ForecastNWS Rainfall Forecast

– Left click on “Rain” icon under “Other” icon menu to get Left click on “Rain” icon under “Other” icon menu to get rainfall forecast for first 24 hoursrainfall forecast for first 24 hours

• Morning (before 1 pm): 7 am to 7 amMorning (before 1 pm): 7 am to 7 am

• Afternoon: 7 pm to 7 pmAfternoon: 7 pm to 7 pm

– Right click on the icon gives you the second dayRight click on the icon gives you the second day

• NWS River Flood OutlookNWS River Flood Outlook

– Left click on “Purple Stream” icon under “Other” icon menuLeft click on “Purple Stream” icon under “Other” icon menu

Other DisplaysOther Displays

• Wind ProbabilitiesWind Probabilities

– Toggle in the lower right hand corner of Toggle in the lower right hand corner of display (% icon) turns wind speed probabilities display (% icon) turns wind speed probabilities on/offon/off

– Brings up small boxes showing probabilities of Brings up small boxes showing probabilities of sustained sustained hurricane, storm (58 mph) and hurricane, storm (58 mph) and tropical storm (39 mph) windstropical storm (39 mph) winds

• Watches/warningsWatches/warnings

– Double flag icon in lower right hand corner Double flag icon in lower right hand corner toggles on/off display of toggles on/off display of coastal coastal watches/ watches/ warningswarnings

Saving DisplaySaving Display

• Your display can be saved as a graphic by Your display can be saved as a graphic by

– Clicking File Print/Print to File Print to…File OKClicking File Print/Print to File Print to…File OK

– Browse to the directory you want to save the file inBrowse to the directory you want to save the file in

– Enter a file nameEnter a file name

– Choose your formatChoose your format

– Click on SaveClick on Save

• Whatever is in your display window will be saved Whatever is in your display window will be saved in your graphic!in your graphic!

Advanced Data Use and Advanced Data Use and InterpretationInterpretation

Wind TimingWind Timing

• Gives you the timing for when sustained Gives you the timing for when sustained tropical storm, storm (58 mph), and tropical storm, storm (58 mph), and hurricane force winds can be expected by hurricane force winds can be expected by county in a spreadsheet-like formatcounty in a spreadsheet-like format

• Two ways to view this data under the Two ways to view this data under the “Timing” menu“Timing” menu

– View View allall affected counties affected counties

– View only your local counties as defined in View only your local counties as defined in your setupyour setup

Wind TimingWind Timing

• IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN USING THIS DATA!!!USING THIS DATA!!!

– This information is calculated the same way the wind This information is calculated the same way the wind swath is. Typically it will have winds swath is. Typically it will have winds arriving too fastarriving too fast because of the “over water” issue.because of the “over water” issue.

– The times are for when the given wind strength first The times are for when the given wind strength first (last) touch any part of a county, so it typically starts (last) touch any part of a county, so it typically starts (ends) in the far southern (northern) part of the county. (ends) in the far southern (northern) part of the county. Arrival (ending) times for other parts of the county will Arrival (ending) times for other parts of the county will be later (sooner).be later (sooner).

– Are based off the wind swath forecast, which is based Are based off the wind swath forecast, which is based on the assumption that the NHC forecast will be on the assumption that the NHC forecast will be “perfect.”“perfect.”

TimingTiming

• Can also do wind timing for a single county Can also do wind timing for a single county on the flyon the fly

– Click on Timing Wind Timing DetailsClick on Timing Wind Timing Details

• Get a similar table for the forecasted Get a similar table for the forecasted closest pointclosest point

– Click on Timing Forecast Closest Approach Click on Timing Forecast Closest Approach ListList

– For the For the centercenter of the storm of the storm

– Azimuth and range given if not in county/parishAzimuth and range given if not in county/parish

MEOWMEOW

• Wind decay models, or Wind decay models, or MMaximum aximum EEnvelope nvelope oof f WWind (MEOWs)ind (MEOWs)

• Statistical model based on historical Statistical model based on historical storms of a given intensity moving at a storms of a given intensity moving at a given speedgiven speed

– Faster a storm is moving the more likely its Faster a storm is moving the more likely its strong winds will spread farther inlandstrong winds will spread farther inland

MEOWMEOW

• Display in two waysDisplay in two ways

– Graphically by clicking on “What-Ifs” then Graphically by clicking on “What-Ifs” then “Wind Decay Model” Envelopes. Once you “Wind Decay Model” Envelopes. Once you click on the intensity and speed of motion, the click on the intensity and speed of motion, the potential maximum wind speeds will be shown potential maximum wind speeds will be shown graphically.graphically.

– Tabular by clicking on “What-Ifs” then Tabular by clicking on “What-Ifs” then “Affected List – Decay MEOWs.” You will “Affected List – Decay MEOWs.” You will initially get the entire county list – click on initially get the entire county list – click on “Local” and then “Update” to just get your “Local” and then “Update” to just get your local counties.local counties.

MEOWMEOW

• IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN USING THIS DATA!!!USING THIS DATA!!!

– Maximum winds are based strictly on normal decay of a Maximum winds are based strictly on normal decay of a hurricane due to moving over land. Other atmospheric hurricane due to moving over land. Other atmospheric conditions (e.g., shear) can result in greater/less conditions (e.g., shear) can result in greater/less weakening than normal.weakening than normal.

– Based on “middle of the road” Saffir-simpson scale Based on “middle of the road” Saffir-simpson scale intensity values and only 4 forward motion speeds.intensity values and only 4 forward motion speeds.

• We tend to use a blend of Wind Timing, MEOW We tend to use a blend of Wind Timing, MEOW and local effects to give our best guess for inland and local effects to give our best guess for inland wind impacts in our area.wind impacts in our area.

Average Error ConeAverage Error Cone

• Same as NHC graphic error cone (and as Same as NHC graphic error cone (and as the display discussed earlier)the display discussed earlier)

– Can get a tabular showing alternate scenarios Can get a tabular showing alternate scenarios (earlier max wind, later max wind, and highest (earlier max wind, later max wind, and highest possible wind) based on average NHC errorspossible wind) based on average NHC errors

– Click on “What-Ifs,” “Affected List – Average Click on “What-Ifs,” “Affected List – Average Error Cones + Winds.” Then need to click on Error Cones + Winds.” Then need to click on “Local” and “Update” on pop-up window if you “Local” and “Update” on pop-up window if you just want your local counties.just want your local counties.

Average Error Cone + MEOWAverage Error Cone + MEOW

• Combines the average error cone with a Combines the average error cone with a MEOW that you choose.MEOW that you choose.

– Graphic shows the appropriate MEOW within Graphic shows the appropriate MEOW within the NHC error conethe NHC error cone

– Table shows the possible winds based on the Table shows the possible winds based on the MEOW for a given county assuming they are in MEOW for a given county assuming they are in the error cone. Alternate timing scenarios are the error cone. Alternate timing scenarios are shown based on NHC average errors.shown based on NHC average errors.

– Both are found under the “What-Ifs” menuBoth are found under the “What-Ifs” menu

Average Error EllipseAverage Error Ellipse

• Shows the range of possible positions of Shows the range of possible positions of the center at a given forecast hour based the center at a given forecast hour based on average NHC forecast errorson average NHC forecast errors

– Similar to the cone only in an hourly formatSimilar to the cone only in an hourly format

– Can combine with the forecast range of Can combine with the forecast range of sustained tropical storm force winds to show sustained tropical storm force winds to show the area under any threat of TS force winds at the area under any threat of TS force winds at a given hour based on average NHC errors.a given hour based on average NHC errors.

Alternate Forecast TracksAlternate Forecast Tracks

• Tool basically enables you to look at the full suite Tool basically enables you to look at the full suite of HURREVAC tools for alternate forecast of HURREVAC tools for alternate forecast scenariosscenarios

• Three options are availableThree options are available

– Direct hit on a given countyDirect hit on a given county

– Track on the right side of the NHC error coneTrack on the right side of the NHC error cone

– Track on the left side of the NHC error coneTrack on the left side of the NHC error cone

– All three are under the “What-Ifs” menu at the bottomAll three are under the “What-Ifs” menu at the bottom

Thoughts on Alternate Tracks and Thoughts on Alternate Tracks and NHC Error ConesNHC Error Cones

• The NHC error cone is based on the The NHC error cone is based on the averageaverage NHC NHC forecast error.forecast error.

– Some meteorological environments are higher forecast Some meteorological environments are higher forecast confidence than others.confidence than others.

– Being in the cone, particularly at days 4/5, does not Being in the cone, particularly at days 4/5, does not necessarilynecessarily mean there is a realistic threat for your area. mean there is a realistic threat for your area.

• We will give you guidance as to whether the We will give you guidance as to whether the forecast is more or less confident than normal, forecast is more or less confident than normal, and whether a track farther east or west is more and whether a track farther east or west is more likely.likely.

– This will enable you to use the alternate tracks and This will enable you to use the alternate tracks and MEOW to their best capability.MEOW to their best capability.

Other Useful ToolsOther Useful Tools

Right Click ToolsRight Click Tools

• Right click and then click on “Wind Details This Right click and then click on “Wind Details This Location”Location”

– Get the Wind Timing for the location you clicked onGet the Wind Timing for the location you clicked on

• Right click and then click on “Place Wind Tag Right click and then click on “Place Wind Tag Here”Here”

– Get wind direction at that point, and speed if you are Get wind direction at that point, and speed if you are within the sustained TS force wind areawithin the sustained TS force wind area

• Can also do custom text and toggle storm info Can also do custom text and toggle storm info labels with right click menulabels with right click menu

Text BrowserText Browser

• Allows you to view the text products from Allows you to view the text products from NHC (advisories, tropical weather outlook, NHC (advisories, tropical weather outlook, etc.)etc.)

– Click on Utilities Advisory Text ViewerClick on Utilities Advisory Text Viewer

– Pop-up Window with self-explanatory buttonsPop-up Window with self-explanatory buttons

– Print function will print everything that is in the Print function will print everything that is in the window!window!

Tidal GagesTidal Gages

• Can view the latest tide information for Can view the latest tide information for NOAA gages along the coastNOAA gages along the coast

– Click on Tools NOAA Tide Gages. This is a Click on Tools NOAA Tide Gages. This is a toggle (checkmark shows it’s on).toggle (checkmark shows it’s on).

– HURREVAC will go online to get the latest tidal HURREVAC will go online to get the latest tidal gage information (may take several minutes).gage information (may take several minutes).

– Once data has been brought in, right click on a Once data has been brought in, right click on a gage site to view the data for that location.gage site to view the data for that location.

GIS FunctionGIS Function

• Can export files into GIS format for input Can export files into GIS format for input into ArcView, Google Earth, WorldWind, into ArcView, Google Earth, WorldWind, etc.etc.

– Click on File Export Field(s) to GIS FileClick on File Export Field(s) to GIS File

– You have 4 options for what you want to You have 4 options for what you want to exportexport

• Forecast storm trackForecast storm track

• Past storm trackPast storm track

• Forecast Forecast andand past track past track

• Forecast wind rangesForecast wind ranges

Shelter ToolShelter Tool

• Keep track of your shelter locations and Keep track of your shelter locations and information via the shelter toolinformation via the shelter tool

• To start click on “Utilities” then “Shelters”To start click on “Utilities” then “Shelters”

– Click on “Add County File” to add your countyClick on “Add County File” to add your county

– Enter information for shelter, when done click Enter information for shelter, when done click “Next Shelter” to add “Next Shelter” to add

– Can show a up to date status list in a tabular Can show a up to date status list in a tabular format by clicking “Status List”format by clicking “Status List”

– Reports can also be printedReports can also be printed

Exercise ToolExercise Tool

• This tool enables you to create fictitious This tool enables you to create fictitious storms for use in drills or exercisesstorms for use in drills or exercises

– Start the tool under the “Utilities” menuStart the tool under the “Utilities” menu

Manual Data EntryManual Data Entry

• If you do not have internet access, you If you do not have internet access, you can manually enter the advisory can manually enter the advisory information HURREVAC needs to make its information HURREVAC needs to make its plotsplots

– Click on File Manual Data Entry/Setup to Click on File Manual Data Entry/Setup to start the toolstart the tool

Closing ThoughtsClosing Thoughts

• HURREVAC is a HURREVAC is a tooltool

– The information is only as good as the forecastThe information is only as good as the forecast

– Times and winds are approximationsTimes and winds are approximations

– Many caveats as we have discussed todayMany caveats as we have discussed today

• Best use is for briefings and as Best use is for briefings and as guidanceguidance, , along with NWS briefings and information, along with NWS briefings and information, in making your weather related decisions.in making your weather related decisions.