Hurricane Lowell
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Independent guide

How to read the storm maps

Understand the forecast cone, model tracks, wind probabilities, arrival times and satellite imagery without mistaking them for certainty.

The cone is uncertainty—not storm size

The line shows the predicted path of the storm’s centre. The shaded cone shows uncertainty in that path. Wind, rain, flooding and dangerous seas can occur outside it. Do not use the cone’s edge to decide whether to prepare or evacuate.

Source: NHC · What the forecast cone means ↗

The forecast cone is not a boundary for storm impactsA narrow forecast cone widens along a predicted path. A separate, illustrative area of possible effects extends outside it. Neither shape represents this storm or a forecast. Centre uncertaintyForecast centre lineImpacts extend outside.Not the storm’s size.
Illustration only—not Lowell’s track, wind field or impact area. The dotted outline is a teaching example, not a hazard boundary.

The centre symbol marks the latest reported position, not a live GPS location. Check the issue time before reading any map.

Why do the coloured model tracks differ?

Models use computer calculations to predict a path. They are not separate official forecasts or equal votes. Several models can share information, so agreement does not guarantee a result.

The model-time slider selects supplied forecast points, not invented hourly positions. A missing dot means the model has no point for that time. The official forecast does not move with this slider.

Source: NHC · Model guidance guide ↗

What does the chance of strong winds mean?

These charts show the chance of winds reaching a stated speed during the period printed on the chart. They do not show current wind speeds or the chance of rain. Read the speed threshold and time window together.

NHC · Forecast graphics explained ↗

When could strong winds begin?

Wind-arrival charts describe the start of tropical-storm-force winds—not landfall. “Earliest reasonable” is an earlier planning scenario; “most likely” is not a guarantee that winds will wait until then. Follow official preparation deadlines.

What does the satellite image show?

Cloud patterns across a wide region, not a close-up of Lowell. A cloud image alone cannot tell you wind speeds on the ground, flood depth or the forecast path. Check the observation time printed on the image.

The NOAA STAR imagery on this site is not intended for operational decisions. Use official forecasts and warnings for safety decisions.

Distance and pressure need context

Distance to nearest land is an approximate centre-to-coast measurement, not time until impact. Falling pressure often accompanies strengthening, but pressure alone is not enough to judge the storm. Read it alongside official wind, classification and warnings.

Current, delayed or out of date?

“Current” describes this tracker’s source checks—not a promise of real-time conditions. When a source fails, saved data can remain visible with a warning. Different sources have independent timestamps. Always follow the direct official link if the copy is old or unavailable.

Return to the storm map → · Our source and freshness policy →

Sources checked September 4, 2026. General guidance; follow local emergency instructions.