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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
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  • Government Organization
    NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit www.noaa.gov and follow us on Twitter via @NOAA.
    About
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  2. SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 15 is INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP 2012
    Next week, people from all over the globe will come together to collect marine debris in the largest one-day volunteer event on behalf of clean oceans and waterways! Join NOA...
    A and "Sign Up to Clean Up" here: http://bit.ly/PZcAvr. To learn more about other ICC events, visit http://go.usa.gov/rmWm.

    Photo: NOAA Marine Debris Program; http://www.marinedebris.noaa.gov/
    See More
    Photo: SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 15 is INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP 2012
Next week, people from all over the globe will come together to collect marine debris in the largest one-day volunteer event on behalf of clean oceans and waterways! Join NOAA and "Sign Up to Clean Up" here: http://bit.ly/PZcAvr. To learn more about other ICC events, visit http://go.usa.gov/rmWm.

Photo: NOAA Marine Debris Program; http://www.marinedebris.noaa.gov
  3. NOAA Research is back in the Submarine Ring of Fire to study undersea volcanoes. Go to http://go.usa.gov/rvh4 for more on the mission including 3-D fly-throughs to explore virtually.
    Photo: NOAA Research is back in the Submarine Ring of Fire to study undersea volcanoes. Go to http://go.usa.gov/rvh4 for more on the mission including 3-D fly-throughs to explore virtually.
  4. Speaking of estuaries...Take a view of your national estuarine research reserves in a whole, new way:
    This graph shows a big jump in rainfall and a big drop in water salinity at Weeks Bay, Alabama, at the end of August. Can you guess what caused this?

    Try your hand at creating a graph of weather, water, and nutrients at one of our nation's estuarine reserves with NOAA's cool online app!

    http://go.usa.gov/rvBH
    Photo: This graph shows a big jump in rainfall and a big drop in water salinity at Weeks Bay, Alabama, at the end of August. Can you guess what caused this? 

Try your hand at creating a graph of weather, water, and nutrients at one of our nation's estuarine reserves with NOAA's cool online app!   

http://go.usa.gov/rvBH
  5. It's Estuary Wednesday at NOAA! Here's a great photo of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Florida. It encompasses approximately 73,352 acres of salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland habitat and offshore seas in Northeast Florida. The GTM Reserve is located in the East Florida subregion, south of Jacksonville and sandwiching St. Augustine. It contains the northernmost extent of mangrove habitat on the East Coast of the United States, some of the highest dunes in Florida, measuring 30-40 feet, and one of the few remaining "inlets" in northeast Florida not protected by a jetty. Thus, the estuary presents an easy study of what an inlet might have looked like in the past. The coastal waters of the GTM Reserve are also important calving grounds for the endangered right whale. Learn more about NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserves at: http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/.
  6. NEW VIDEO: When it comes to downpours and droughts, timing is everything. In this latest video, Deke Arndt of NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center reports that heavy rains from Hurricane Isaac in late August fell too late—and mostly in the wrong places—to provide much relief from U.S. drought. Watch the video online: http://1.usa.gov/RHr2El
  7. Hey there, rock fans: Linkin Park becomes 1st band in nation to receive designation by NOAA's U.S. National Weather Service as a "StormReady Supporter" -- What does that mean exactly? See below for more:
    Last month, the internationally-recognized rock band Linkin Park became the first band in the nation to receive NWS StormReady® Supporter recognition. The rock band established severe weather safety plans which are an essential part of buil...
    ding a Weather- Ready Nation. They are a Force of Nature by taking the initiative to keep their workers and fans safe.

    Read more…

    http://nyti.ms/QCAHfx

    http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/news/091012_linkin.html

    Pictured here are: Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Smith from the NWS Norman, Okla., forecast office (Standing-4th from left) along with WDT staffers and Linkin Park band members (Standing-far left) Joe Hahn, (Kneeling-L to R) Dave Farrell, Rob Bourdon, Chester Bennington, Brad Delson and (Standing-far right) Mike Shinoda (Photo: NWS Norman)
    See More
    Photo: Last month, the internationally-recognized rock band Linkin Park became the first band in the nation to receive NWS StormReady® Supporter recognition. The rock band established severe weather safety plans which are an essential part of building a Weather- Ready Nation. They are a Force of Nature by taking the initiative to keep their workers and fans safe.

Read more…

http://nyti.ms/QCAHfx

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/news/091012_linkin.html

Pictured here are: Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Smith from the NWS Norman, Okla., forecast office (Standing-4th from left) along with WDT staffers and Linkin Park band members (Standing-far left) Joe Hahn, (Kneeling-L to R) Dave Farrell, Rob Bourdon, Chester Bennington, Brad Delson and (Standing-far right) Mike Shinoda (Photo: NWS Norman)
  8. September 11 is a day of remembrance of lives lost and lives altered, and one of reflection for Americans in every part of our great nation. Hawaiians also remember another disaster of a different sort – a natural disaster – that devastated their state on this day 20 years ago in 1992: Hurricane Iniki. Iniki, which made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, killed six people and was to be the costliest and most powerful hurricane to strike the Hawaiian Islands. The hurricane caused close to $3 billion in damage as its eye passed directly over the island of Kauai and was one of the costliest storms in the history of the United States. Today, more than ever, we realize the importance of being prepared for any disaster that might strike -- and that means having an emergency plan for yourself and your family. Take a few moments to learn more about emergency preparedness at http://www.ready.gov/.

    Image: NOAA. (September 11, 1992).
  9. NEW VIDEO: "Baking the Breadbasket: Persistent Drought in the Heartland"

    Watch NOAA’s Deke Arndt, Chief of the Climate Monitoring Branch at the National Climatic Data Center, as he gives us a recap of Summer 2012 climate conditions across the United States -- from scorching July heat to well-below-average summer rainfall: http://1.usa.gov/RyerZE
    From scorching July heat to well-below-average summer rainfall, NOAA’s Deke Arndt, Chief of the Climate Monitoring Branch at the National Climatic Data Center, recaps summer climate conditions across the United States. Watch the video: http://1.usa.gov/RyerZE
  10. This. Is. So. Cool.
    A collage of sanctuary photos showing the shapes of the alphabet from A to Z.
    Photo: A collage of sanctuary photos showing the shapes of the alphabet from A to Z.
  11. How much did Hurricane Isaac do to relieve the U.S. drought? Not as much as you might think ... http://1.usa.gov/TCbOGV

    *About the map image: A comparison of drought maps from August 28 (left) and September 4 (right) show how little relief Hurricane Isaac (track shown by blue line) brought to parched states in the central United States. A handful of states in the Lower Mississippi and Lower Ohio Valleys saw modest improvements. (Maps by NOAA Climate.gov team, based on U.S. Drought Monitor Data.)
    Photo: How much did Hurricane Isaac do to relieve the U.S. drought? Not as much as you might think ... http://1.usa.gov/TCbOGV 

*About the map image: A comparison of drought maps from August 28 (left) and September 4 (right) show how little relief Hurricane Isaac (track shown by blue line) brought to parched states in the central United States. A handful of states in the Lower Mississippi and Lower Ohio Valleys saw modest improvements. (Maps by NOAA Climate.gov team, based on U.S. Drought Monitor Data.)
  12. THIS JUST IN: According to NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, a scorching July 2012 contributed to the 3rd hottest summer on record for the contiguous United States: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/. Most of the United States was also drier than average. Rains from Isaac did little to relieve drought.

    MORE: Get the full story about our Summer 2012 climate recap at http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/article/2012/summer-2012-recap

    *About this image: Reds show June-August temperatures up to 8°F warmer than average. Blues show temperatures up to 2° F cooler than average — the darker the color, the larger the difference. Map by NOAA's climate.gov team and is based on U.S. Climate Division Data from NOAA's NCDC, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/.
    Photo: THIS JUST IN: According to NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, a scorching July 2012 contributed to the 3rd hottest summer on record for the contiguous United States: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/. Most of the United States was also drier than average. Rains from Isaac did little to relieve drought. 

MORE: Get the full story about our Summer 2012 climate recap at http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/article/2012/summer-2012-recap  

*About this image: Reds show June-August temperatures up to 8°F warmer than average. Blues show temperatures up to 2° F cooler than average — the darker the color, the larger the difference. Map by NOAA's climate.gov team and is based on U.S. Climate Division Data from NOAA's NCDC, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/.
  13. ...Severe Weather Moving Through the Northeast Today...

    A tornado has already been confirmed in the New York City Area and Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches extend from Virginia to the Canadian border. A strong cold front is bringin...
    g dangerous weather including the threat for tornadoes to the region. This threat will continue through the afternoon as the system progresses eastward. Be sure to monitor local officials or media for warnings for your area if you are in the path of these storms. Details...

    http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
    See More
    Photo: ...Severe Weather Moving Through the Northeast Today...

A tornado has already been confirmed in the New York City Area and Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches extend from Virginia to the Canadian border.  A strong cold front is bringing dangerous weather including the threat for tornadoes to the region.  This threat will continue through the afternoon as the system progresses eastward.  Be sure to monitor local officials or media for warnings for your area if you are in the path of these storms.  Details...

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
  14. Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on East Island, French Frigate Shoals. Photo by Andy Collins, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
    Photo: Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on East Island, French Frigate Shoals. Photo by Andy Collins, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
  15. Heads up, Twitter fans: NOAA's National Ocean Service Twitter account name is now @noaaocean.

    If you were following them at @usoceangov, the switchover was automatic -- you are still following them, but you will notice their name has cha...
    nged. If you've never followed NOAA's National Ocean Service on Twitter, consider doing so -- they've got great articles, ocean facts, cool videos, engaging podcasts, stunning photos and more!
    See More
  16. River restoration isn’t the only way to help rebuild fish populations. That’s why California is looking at an innovative method—reclaiming abandoned gravel pits as habitat for salmon. http://1.usa.gov/NOZVws

    Photo: One bank of the largest of the four abandoned gravel pits.
    Photo: River restoration isn’t the only way to help rebuild fish populations. That’s why California is looking at an innovative method—reclaiming abandoned gravel pits as habitat for salmon. http://1.usa.gov/NOZVws

Photo: One bank of the largest of the four abandoned gravel pits.
  17. A stunning view of Hurricane Michael, the first Cat. 3 hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season. Note: There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and Michael is not expected to impact the United States. See image information below, as well as more details at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#MICHAEL
    Michael Becomes the First Category Three Hurricane of the Season

    Hurricane Michael — currently in the central Atlantic, about 980 miles south-southwest of the Azores — has strengthened to Category 3 to become the first major hurricane of t...
    he 2012 Atlantic season. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph and Michael is a small, but powerful, hurricane, with hurricane force winds extending outward about 15 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 70 miles.

    There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect and Michael is not expected to impact the U.S. Details...

    http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#MICHAEL

    More info. on image posted below:

    http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/MediaDetail2.php?MediaID=1180&MediaTypeID=1
    See More
    Photo: Michael Becomes the First Category Three Hurricane of the Season

Hurricane Michael — currently in the central Atlantic, about 980 miles south-southwest of the Azores — has strengthened to Category 3 to become the first major hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic season. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph and Michael is a small, but powerful, hurricane, with hurricane force winds extending outward about 15 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 70 miles.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect and Michael is not expected to impact the U.S. Details...

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#MICHAEL

More info. on image posted below:

http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/MediaDetail2.php?MediaID=1180&MediaTypeID=1
  18. Welcome back, science teachers! NOAA has new educational resources to help you and your students understand how space weather from the sun can affect us here on Earth. Check out the videos, activity suggestions, career profiles and more here: http://1.usa.gov/NuTX0a.
    Photo: Welcome back, science teachers! NOAA has new educational resources to help you and your students understand how space weather from the sun can affect us here on Earth. Check out the videos, activity suggestions, career profiles and more here: http://1.usa.gov/NuTX0a.
  19. El Niño conditions are likely to develop this month, according to the El Niño Watch issued today by the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center. More info...

    http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html
    Photo: El Niño conditions are likely to develop this month, according to the El Niño Watch issued today by the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center. More info...

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html
  20. Are you a vet looking for a job? NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco has posted about a NOAA/partner program in California seeking veterans to help restore critical habitat:
    Habitat restoration not only benefits our environment, but it's also creating American jobs for America's heroes. We’re hiring veterans in California to train for and work on habitat restoration and fisheries monitoring. The education and e...
    xperience they receive offer new pathways to exciting careers in natural resource management and habitat conservation. And, the environment they’re helping restore will increase spawning and rearing habitat for endangered coho salmon as well as boost populations of Chinook and steelhead trout. This web story from NOAA Fisheries Service explains more: http://bit.ly/CAVets

    About this image: Veterans on a San Diego fire crew in the Cleveland National Forest. Credit: California Conservation Corps.
    See More
    Photo: Habitat restoration not only benefits our environment, but it's also creating American jobs for America's heroes. We’re hiring veterans in California to train for and work on habitat restoration and fisheries monitoring. The education and experience they receive offer new pathways to exciting careers in natural resource management and habitat conservation. And, the environment they’re helping restore will increase spawning and rearing habitat for endangered coho salmon as well as boost populations of Chinook and steelhead trout. This web story from NOAA Fisheries Service explains more: http://bit.ly/CAVets 

About this image: Veterans on a San Diego fire crew in the Cleveland National Forest. Credit: California Conservation Corps.
  21. This Labor Day week, NOAA Fisheries Service has good news for fish habitat and job seekers alike -- restoration projects create immediate jobs and benefit the economy in the long term. On average, restoration projects create 17 jobs per mil...
    lion dollars spent, which is much higher than other traditional industries including coal, gas, and nuclear energy generation. And, of course, restored fish habitat promises to increase sport and commercial fishing opportunities in the coming years. This YouTube video shows how it works: http://youtu.be/uMvM0yZbQSA
    See More
  22. It's "Estuary Wednesday!"...Learn more from our colleagues at NOAA's National Ocean Service:
    Doesn't this look like fun? It's actually hard work. These folks are removing loosestrife, an invasive plant, from the waters of Chesapeake Bay -- our nation's largest estuary.

    Every Wednesday this month, we'll be featuring estuary facts and links to estuary info you can use in honor of National Estuary Day on Sept. 29. Not sure what an estuary is? Check out our Ocean Fact: http://go.usa.gov/rmSh
    Photo: Doesn't this look like fun? It's actually hard work. These folks are removing loosestrife, an invasive plant, from the waters of Chesapeake Bay -- our nation's largest estuary. 

Every Wednesday this month, we'll be featuring estuary facts and links to estuary info you can use in honor of National Estuary Day on Sept. 29. Not sure what an estuary is? Check out our Ocean Fact: http://go.usa.gov/rmSh
  23. Washington: Construction underway at the Fisher Slough Marsh Restoration Project. Credit: The Nature Conservancy
    Photo: Washington: Construction underway at the Fisher Slough Marsh Restoration Project. Credit: The Nature Conservancy
    Photo: Oregon: Salmon River Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project 3. Spring Chinook spawning and redds in constructed riffle at pool-tailout in September 2010. Credit: The Freshwater Trust.
    Photo: Oregon: Salmon River Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project 4
Spring Chinook holding in excavated pool prior to spawning in September 2010. As of September 30th, 16 redds have been observed at this project site restoration element. Credit: The Freshwater Trust.
    Photo: Oregon: Salmon River Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project
Pool excavation and ELJ construction in August 2010.
  24. For many across the country this post-Labor Day holiday, it's back to "school". Good luck on a new education year!

    Photo: In the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Credit: NOAA FKNMS.
  25. YOUR MOMENT OF ZEN: No matter where you are or what kind of weather, NOAA wishes you a peaceful and rainbow-inspired Labor Day holiday.

    Photo: Labor Day, 2005. Credit: NOAA NWS CRH.
  26. According to a NOAA-led paper published in the journal Conservation Biology, high levels of background noise, mainly due to ships, have reduced the ability of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to communicate with each other ...
    by about two-thirds.

    From 2007 until 2010, a team of scientists used acoustic recorders to monitor noise levels, measure levels of sound associated with vessels, and to record distinctive sounds made by multiple species of endangered baleen whales, including “up-calls” made by right whales to maintain contact with each other. More than 22,000 right whale contact calls were documented as part of the study during April 2008.

    A team of scientists from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and Marine Acoustics Inc. were involved in the study.
    http://go.usa.gov/rRJH
    See More
    Photo: According to a NOAA-led paper published in the journal Conservation Biology, high levels of background noise, mainly due to ships, have reduced the ability of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to communicate with each other by about two-thirds. 

From 2007 until 2010, a team of scientists used acoustic recorders to monitor noise levels, measure levels of sound associated with vessels, and to record distinctive sounds made by multiple species of endangered baleen whales, including “up-calls” made by right whales to maintain contact with each other. More than 22,000 right whale contact calls were documented as part of the study during April 2008.

A team of scientists from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and Marine Acoustics Inc. were involved in the study.
http://go.usa.gov/rRJH
  27. Have you ever wondered about those funny looking egg cases you find on the beach? In Alaska, skates can take 3 years to develop inside their egg cases. During this lengthy development period, it is important that their nursery areas are pro...
    tected. Experts say that skates are an important indicator of the overall health and productivity of Alaska’s marine ecosystem. That's why NOAA scientists and researchers are collaborating with the Pacific Fishery Management Council to identify important 'habitat areas of particular concern" to ensure skate habitat stays safe. http://1.usa.gov/PQ467e
    See More
    Photo: Have you ever wondered about those funny looking egg cases you find on the beach? In Alaska, skates can take 3 years to develop inside their egg cases. During this lengthy development period, it is important that their nursery areas are protected. Experts say that skates are an important indicator of the overall health and productivity of Alaska’s marine ecosystem. That's why NOAA scientists and researchers are collaborating with the Pacific Fishery Management Council to identify important 'habitat areas of particular concern" to ensure skate habitat stays safe. http://1.usa.gov/PQ467e
  28. NHC has issued its last advisory on Isaac, now a tropical depression centered over northern Louisiana. All coastal warnings have been discontinued.
    Even though Isaac is no longer a tropical storm, dangerous hazards from this system continu...
    e, including storm surge, inland flooding and tornadoes.
    Waters levels will remain elevated tonight along the southeast Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. A storm surge of 5 feet continues along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, and 4 feet at Waveland, Mississippi.
    Total rainfall accumulations of 7 to 14 inches are expected, with isolated amounts of 25 inches, over northern and eastern Louisiana, much of Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, Arkansas and southern Missouri through Friday. The heavy rain potential will be spreading eastward this weekend into portions of the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
    Tornadoes are possible along the central Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi River Valley through tonight.
    For local impacts, go to the NOAA NWS website at www.weather.gov
    NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) will issue updated statements on this system at http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
    See More
    Photo: NHC has issued its last advisory on Isaac, now a tropical depression centered over northern Louisiana. All coastal warnings have been discontinued. 
Even though Isaac is no longer a tropical storm, dangerous hazards from this system continue, including storm surge, inland flooding and tornadoes. 
Waters levels will remain elevated tonight along the southeast Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. A storm surge of 5 feet continues along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, and 4 feet at Waveland, Mississippi. 
Total rainfall accumulations of 7 to 14 inches are expected, with isolated amounts of 25 inches, over northern and eastern Louisiana, much of Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, Arkansas and southern Missouri through Friday. The heavy rain potential will be spreading eastward this weekend into portions of the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
Tornadoes are possible along the central Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi River Valley through tonight.
For local impacts, go to the NOAA NWS website at www.weather.gov
NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) will issue updated statements on this system at http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
  29. Learn more about this restoration project that created an oasis for wildlife out of a landfill and produced 100+ jobs: http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/highlights/landfillturnedurbanoasis.html
    Photo: Lincoln Park, NJ restoration project. Photo: Louis Berger.
    Photo: Lincoln Park, NJ restoration project. Photo: Louis Berger.
    Photo: Lincoln Park, NJ restoration project. Photo: Louis Berger.
  30. Not a whole lot can live in a trash dump . . . which is why we took a landfill in New Jersey and turned it into a wetland—now home to fish, birds, and other wildlife. We restored more than 40 acres of habitat right outside of New York City and supported more than 100 direct jobs with the project. Learn more about the transformation today: http://1.usa.gov/Q1hAig
    Photo: Not a whole lot can live in a trash dump . . . which is why we took a landfill in New Jersey and turned it into a wetland—now home to fish, birds, and other wildlife. We restored more than 40 acres of habitat right outside of New York City and supported more than 100 direct jobs with the project. Learn more about the transformation today: http://1.usa.gov/Q1hAig
  31. NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center issued its 5-day rainfall forecast. Isaac is bringing significant rain inland - be prepared and stay informed to your local weather forecast. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/qpf/tcqpf.php
    Photo: NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center issued its 5-day rainfall forecast. Isaac is bringing significant rain inland - be prepared and stay informed to your local weather forecast. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/qpf/tcqpf.php
  32. Tropical Storm Isaac is still producing life threatening hazards as it moves slowly over southeastern Louisiana. It's currently centered about 35 miles south of Baton Rouge, moving northwest at just 6 mph. The forecast track brings the cent...
    er farther inland over Louisiana tonight and Thursday, moving over southern Arkansas by early Friday.
    Maximum sustained winds are 70 mph, with higher gusts. Isaac will steadily weaken during the next 48 hours, and should become a tropical depression by Thursday Night. Tropical Storm Warnings continue along the coast from Cameron, Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama/Florida state line.
    Even though the storm is inland, tropical storm-force winds will continue to affect the warning area. The combination of storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising water.
    The heavy rain is a major threat with Isaac. Total amounts of 7 to 14 inches, with possible isolated amounts of 25 inches, are expected over much of Louisiana, south and central Mississippi, southwest Alabama, and central and southern Arkansas through Friday, producing significant lowland flooding.
    Isolated tornadoes remain a threat along the central Gulf coast region and parts of the lower Mississippi River valley tonight and Thursday.
    For local impacts, go to the NOAA NWS website at www.weather.gov. For the latest on the storm, visit the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
    See More
    Photo: Tropical Storm Isaac is still producing life threatening hazards as it moves slowly over southeastern Louisiana. It's currently centered about 35 miles south of Baton Rouge, moving northwest at just 6 mph. The forecast track brings the center farther inland over Louisiana tonight and Thursday, moving over southern Arkansas by early Friday. 
Maximum sustained winds are 70 mph, with higher gusts. Isaac will steadily weaken during the next 48 hours, and should become a tropical depression by Thursday Night.  Tropical Storm Warnings continue along the coast from Cameron, Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama/Florida state line. 
Even though the storm is inland, tropical storm-force winds will continue to affect the warning area. The combination of storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising water.
The heavy rain is a major threat with Isaac. Total amounts of 7 to 14 inches, with possible isolated amounts of 25 inches, are expected over much of Louisiana, south and central Mississippi, southwest Alabama, and central and southern Arkansas through Friday, producing significant lowland flooding.
Isolated tornadoes remain a threat along the central Gulf coast region and parts of the lower Mississippi River valley tonight and Thursday. 
For local impacts, go to the NOAA NWS website at www.weather.gov. For the latest on the storm, visit the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
  33. Satellite Captures Incredibly Detailed Image of Isaac

    At 1:35pm CDT on August 28, 2012, the NOAA/NASA Suomi NPP satellite flew over Isaac, capturing this image of the storm with the true color capability of the VIIRS sensor. Image: NOAA/NASA.

    Data courtesy of the NOAA/NASA Suomi NPP satellite
  34. ARCTIC SEA ICE BREAKS RECORD 2007 LOW: See this important news from our colleagues at NOAA Climate.gov: http://1.usa.gov/U7PsuT

    [*This image shows the Arctic sea ice extent (areas with 15% or more ice cover) on August 26, 2012, based on sa...
    tellite data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center. The orange line shows the boundary of the previous record low sea ice extent. The dark hole in the center is an area where, historically, satellites' orbits didn't go far enough north to observe the actual pole. ]
    See More
    The difference in Arctic sea ice extent between this year and the previous record low is so large that you could slip the state of West Virginia into the extra open water. See the map: http://1.usa.gov/U7PsuT
    Photo: The difference in Arctic sea ice extent between this year and the previous record low is so large that you could slip the state of West Virginia into the extra open water. See the map: http://1.usa.gov/U7PsuT
  35. Want to see what it's like to be onboard a NOAA P-3 "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft during one of its missions? NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco posted today about her experience during Sunday's flight (8/26) into Isaac:
    Tropical Storm Isaac as seen from "Kermit," one of NOAA's WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter planes during a flight in Isaac on August 26, 2012. Photo NOAA.
    Photo: Tropical Storm Isaac as seen from "Kermit," one of NOAA's WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter planes during a flight in Isaac on August 26, 2012. Photo NOAA.
    Photo: NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco participates in a mission briefing before a NOAA WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter flight into Tropical Storm Isaac, 8/26/12. Photo: NOAA.
    Photo: NOAA WP-3D Orion navigator Cmdr. Devin Brakob briefs NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Dr. Robert Detrick, assistant administrator for NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, prior to a flight into Tropic Storm Isaac. Photo: NOAA.
    Photo: NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco confers with Dr. Robert Detrick, assistant administrator for NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, aboard one of NOAA's WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter planes during an August 26 flight to investigate Tropical Storm Isaac. Photo: NOAA.
  36. Hurricane Isaac is still churning away... See the recent update below from NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center with important information for those in the hurricane's path:
    Isaac remains a hurricane, centered at 10 am CDT over the city of Houma, Louisiana. Maximum sustained winds are 75 mph. Gradual weakening is expected, and Isaac should become a tropical storm later today as it moves slowly northwest throug...
    h tonight.
    A Hurricane Warning continues along the coast from just east of Morgan City, Louisiana, eastward to the Mississippi/Alabama state line. A wind gust to 74 mph was reported at the Mid Lake Station in Lake Pontchartrain, and a gust to 63 mph at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
    Winds affecting the upper floors of high-rise buildings will be significantly higher than those near ground level. At the 30th floor, it would likely be one category higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
    Storm surge of 6 to 12 feet is occuring in the hurricane warning area, with 3 to 6 feet on the Alabama coastline.
    Rainfall amounts of 7 to 14 inches, with isolated 20 inches, are possible over much of Louisiana, southern Mississippi and southwest Alabama through Friday morning, resulting in significant lowland flooding that could last for days. This rain will spread into southern Arkansas on Thursday, with 3 to 6 inches expected by Friday morning, too.
    Isolated tornadoes are possible today along the central Gulf coast today and lower Mississippi Valley.
    Get the latest on Isaac, including watches, warnings, graphics and storm surge, on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
    For local impacts, go to the NOAA National Weather Service website at http://www.weather.gov/
    See More
    Photo: Isaac remains a hurricane, centered at 10 am CDT over the city of Houma, Louisiana. Maximum sustained winds are 75 mph.  Gradual weakening is expected, and Isaac should become a tropical storm later today as it moves slowly northwest through tonight. 
A Hurricane Warning continues along the coast from just east of Morgan City, Louisiana, eastward to the Mississippi/Alabama state line.  A wind gust to 74 mph was reported at the Mid Lake Station in Lake Pontchartrain, and a gust to 63 mph at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
Winds affecting the upper floors of high-rise buildings will be significantly higher than those near ground level. At the 30th floor, it would likely be one category higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Storm surge of 6 to 12 feet is occuring in the hurricane warning area, with 3 to 6 feet on the Alabama coastline.
Rainfall amounts of 7 to 14 inches, with isolated 20 inches, are possible over much of Louisiana, southern Mississippi and southwest Alabama through Friday morning, resulting in significant lowland flooding that could last for days. This rain will spread into southern Arkansas on Thursday, with 3 to 6 inches expected by Friday morning, too. 
Isolated tornadoes are possible today along the central Gulf coast today and lower Mississippi Valley.
Get the latest on Isaac, including watches, warnings, graphics and storm surge, on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov 
For local impacts, go to the NOAA National Weather Service website at http://www.weather.gov/
  37. With sunlight fading, NOAA's GOES-13 satellite captured this visible image of Hurricane Isaac last evening as the storm made landfall in Plaquemines Parish, which is about 95 miles east of New Orleans.
    Photo: With sunlight fading, NOAA's GOES-13 satellite captured this visible image of Hurricane Isaac last evening as the storm made landfall in Plaquemines Parish, which is about 95 miles east of New Orleans.
  38. The center of Hurricane Isaac made a second landfall near Port Fourchon, LA and is beginning to move inland over southeast Louisiana. Dangerous storm surge is a significant concern. Stay informed, stay alert & follow instructions from your local emergency management officials. Get the latest updates on http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#isaac and on Twitter at @NHC_Atlantic and @usNWSgov.
    Photo: The center of Hurricane Isaac made a second landfall near Port Fourchon, LA and is beginning to move inland over southeast Louisiana. Dangerous storm surge is a significant concern.  Stay informed, stay alert & follow instructions from your local emergency management officials. Get the latest updates on http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#isaac and on Twitter at @NHC_Atlantic and @usNWSgov.
  39. HURRICANE ISAAC PRODUCING DANGEROUS STORM SURGE: If you're within range of Isaac, remember: Stay informed, stay alert & follow instructions from your local emergency management officials. Get the latest updates on http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#isaac and on Twitter at @NHC_Atlantic and @usNWSgov.
    Isaac Producing Dangerous Storm Surge Along The Northern Gulf Coast

    Hurricane Isaac is producing dangerous storm surge — in excess of 10 feet in some locations — as it moves slowly inland. A prolonged period of strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected over a large portion of the northern Gulf Coast. The threat of heavy rainfall and flooding is also expected to spread inland over the lower Mississippi valley region during the next few days. Details...

    http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#ISAAC
    Photo: Isaac Producing Dangerous Storm Surge Along The Northern Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaac is producing dangerous storm surge — in excess of 10 feet in some locations — as it moves slowly inland. A prolonged period of strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected over a large portion of the northern Gulf Coast.  The threat of heavy rainfall and flooding is also expected to spread inland over the lower Mississippi valley region during the next few days. Details...

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#ISAAC
  40. Hurricane Isaac is moving slowly along the southeast coast of Louisiana, with dangerous storm surge occuring along the coast. Isaac was centered at 8 pm CDT about 75 miles south-southeast of New Orleans, moving toward the northwest at 8 mph...
    . Hurricane conditions continue in the hurricane warning area, and you need to stay indoors during this dangerous storm.
    A wind gust to 64 mph was recorded in the past hour at New Orleans Lakefront Airport. A storm surge of 9.5 feet was measured at a NOAA National Ocean Service tide gauge at Shell Beach, Louisiana, and one of 5.7 feet at Waveland, Mississippi.
    Get the latest on the hurricane on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
    See More
    Photo: Hurricane Isaac is moving slowly along the southeast coast of Louisiana, with dangerous storm surge occuring along the coast. Isaac was centered at 8 pm CDT about 75 miles south-southeast of New Orleans, moving toward the northwest at 8 mph. Hurricane conditions continue in the hurricane warning area, and you need to stay indoors during this dangerous storm.
A wind gust to 64 mph was recorded in the past hour at New Orleans Lakefront Airport. A storm surge of 9.5 feet was measured at a NOAA National Ocean Service tide gauge at Shell Beach, Louisiana, and one of 5.7 feet at Waveland, Mississippi.
Get the latest on the hurricane on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
  41. Image of Hurricane Isaac (as a Category 1) at 7:45 EDT/6:45 p.m. CDT from NOAA's GOES-East satellite, August 28, 2012.
  42. HURRICANE ISAAC MAKES LANDFALL along southeast Louisiana coastline as of 6:45 p.m. CDT, according to the 8 pm EDT/7 pm CDT update from the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center. **If you live in the affected region, be safe: Pay attention to instructions from your local emergency management officials. Keep informed on Isaac at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#ISAAC and on Twitter at @NHC_Atlantic.
    Hurricane Isaac has made landfall along the southeast Louisiana coastline as of 6:45 pm CDT.
    NOAA National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicates the center moved over the coast in Plaquemines Parish just southwest of the mouth of the Mis...
    sissippe River, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
    As of 7 pm CDT, the center was located about 90 miles southeast of New Orleans, moving northwest at 8 mph. Hurricane conditions will continue in the hurricane warning area, and you need to stay indoors during the dangerous storm.
    Get the latest on Isaac on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
    .
    See More
    Photo: Hurricane Isaac has made landfall along the southeast Louisiana coastline as of 6:45 pm CDT. 
NOAA National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicates the center moved over the coast in Plaquemines Parish just southwest of the mouth of the Mississippe River, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. 
As of 7 pm CDT, the center was located about 90 miles southeast of New Orleans, moving northwest at 8 mph. Hurricane conditions will continue in the hurricane warning area, and you need to stay indoors during the dangerous storm.
Get the latest on Isaac on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
.
  43. ISAAC UPDATE: The NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center 5:00 pm EDT advisory says Hurricane Isaac is getting better organized as it nears southeastern Louisiana. Be prepared and stay informed: Visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and @NHC_Atlantic o...
    n Twitter for the latest updates and warnings.

    *This image below is from NOAA's GOES East satellite.

    *You can also view the evolution of Isaac in this high-speed imagery provided by the NOAA GOES-14 satellite: http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/MediaDetail2.php?MediaID=1166&MediaTypeID=1
    See More
    Photo: ISAAC UPDATE: The NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center 5:00 pm EDT advisory says Hurricane Isaac is getting better organized as it nears southeastern Louisiana. Be prepared and stay informed: Visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov and @NHC_Atlantic on Twitter for the latest updates and warnings. 

*This image below is from NOAA's GOES East satellite. 

*You can also view the evolution of Isaac in this high-speed imagery provided by the NOAA GOES-14 satellite: http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/MediaDetail2.php?MediaID=1166&MediaTypeID=1
  44. Isaac has now been upgraded to a hurricane. Reports from an USAF Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates that maximum sustained winds associated with Isaac have increased to 75 mph, a category one hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Hurrica...
    ne Wind Scale. It is centered about 75 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River or 165 miles southeast of New Orleans, moving toward the northwest at 10 mph.
    Get the latest on this hurricane, including watches, warnings, storm surge, and graphics, on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
    See More
    Photo: Isaac has now been upgraded to a hurricane. Reports from an USAF Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates that maximum sustained winds associated with Isaac have increased to 75 mph, a category one hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It is centered about 75 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River or 165 miles southeast of New Orleans, moving toward the northwest at 10 mph.
Get the latest on this hurricane, including watches, warnings, storm surge, and graphics, on the NOAA NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
  45. Isaac Still Just Below Hurricane Strength As It Continues Northwestward

    Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move northwestward at just below hurricane strength, about 165 miles southeast of New Orleans. Isaac should reach the coastline of so...
    utheastern Louisiana as early as Tuesday evening, and is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall — and slowly weaken after that. A Hurricane Warning is in effect east of Morgan City, La., to the Miss.-Ala. Border. Details...http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#ISAAC

    Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, your local NWS forecast office and local news media for impacts affecting your area. If you're on Twitter, follow the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center updates at @NHC_Atlantic
    See More
    As Isaac moves closer toward the northern Gulf Coast, residents there should monitor their local NWS forecast office for local impacts. The link below provides access to Hurricane Local Statements are prepared by local NWS forecast offices,...
    giving specific details on weather conditions, evacuation decisions made by local officials and other precautions necessary to protect life and property.

    http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/index_hls4.shtml
    See More
    Photo: As Isaac moves closer toward the northern Gulf Coast, residents there should monitor their local NWS forecast office for local impacts. The link below provides access to Hurricane Local Statements are prepared by local NWS forecast offices, giving specific details on weather conditions, evacuation decisions made by local officials and other precautions necessary to protect life and property.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/index_hls4.shtml
  46. NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center has issued its 5-day rainfall forecast associated with Tropical Storm Isaac. Dangerous inland flooding is a concern - stay tuned to your local forecast. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/qpf/tcqpf.php?sname=Isaac
    Photo: NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center has issued its 5-day rainfall forecast associated with Tropical Storm Isaac. Dangerous inland flooding is a concern - stay tuned to your local forecast. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/qpf/tcqpf.php?sname=Isaac
  47. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center 8:00 pm EDT advisory indicates Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to become a hurricane soon. Significant storm surge and flooding from rainfall is expected along the northern Gulf coast. Be prepared and stay informed – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
    Photo: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center 8:00 pm EDT advisory indicates Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to become a hurricane soon. Significant storm surge and flooding from rainfall is expected along the northern Gulf coast. Be prepared and stay informed – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
  48. NOAA's National Hurricane Center 5:00 p.m. advisory says the center of Tropical Storm Isaac is passing south of Key West. This image is from NOAA's GOES East satellite. Be prepared and stay informed - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
    Photo: NOAA's National Hurricane Center 5:00 p.m. advisory says the center of Tropical Storm Isaac is passing south of Key West. This image is from NOAA's GOES East satellite. Be prepared and stay informed - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
  49. NOAA's National Hurricane Center 11:00 a.m. advisory says Tropical Storm Isaac is lashing South Florida and the Florida Keys. Be prepared and stay informed - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
    Photo: NOAA's National Hurricane Center 11:00 a.m. advisory says Tropical Storm Isaac is lashing South Florida and the Florida Keys. Be prepared and stay informed - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
  50. NOAA's National Hurricane Center 11:00 p.m. advisory says Tropical Storm Isaac is heading toward the Straits of Florida and is expected to strengthen. Be prepared and stay informed - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
    Photo: NOAA's National Hurricane Center 11:00 p.m. advisory says Tropical Storm Isaac is heading toward the Straits of Florida and is expected to strengthen. Be prepared and stay informed - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
  51. NOAA pilots, aircrew and scientists are preparing to launch a series of flights to learn more about Tropical Storm Isaac on Sunday. NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft are flying laboratories that help us unlock the mysteries of tropical cyclo...
    nes. Did you know that our aircraft are named after the famous Jim Henson characters Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo? Kermit (one of our two WP-3D turboprop aircraft) and Gonzo (our high flying jet) will be gathering vital information about Isaac.
    See More
    Photo: NOAA's two WP-3D turboprop aircraft
    Photo: NOAA'S G-IV jet
    Photo: NOAA's G-IV jet, also known as Gonzo!
    Photo: NOAA's WP-3D turboprop, also known as Kermit