A question about the NOAA Hurricane Tracking Maps;

[hedgehog]

OK, D is for depression, S is for storm, H is for Hurricane, but what does M mean?

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at2.shtml?5-daynl?large#contents

[lpbk2713]

1. Sustained winds in excess of 110 mph.

(Lower right corner of the map)

[hedgehog]

3. First reaction: D'oh! Why didn't I see that key!

Second Reaction: There's a symbol for a storm worse than a hurricane?!? I suppose that technically we're talking a storm that's Class 3 or better, but still!

[Strelnikov_]

2. Major hurricane

Tropical cyclones that possess wind speeds of at least 96 kt (178 km/h, 111 mph) are classified as Category 3 hurricanes. Category 3 also marks the point at which the NHC and CPHC classify strong storms as major hurricanes.

[Warpy]

4. Lower right

S = winds 39-73 MPH, H = winds 74-110 MPH, M = winds >110 MPH

[csziggy]

5. On the bottom right corner M > 110 mph n/t

[jobycom]

6. Not an answer, but another site to watch.

www.stormpulse.com . If you haven't seen it.

[glinda]

7. Thanks! Wasn't aware of that one.

[csziggy]

8. Also take a look at BoatUS

http://www.boatus.com/hurricanes/tracking.asp

I love seeing all the different spaghetti models to see what the outliers are saying.