Satellite data to aid hurricane forecasts

PASADENA, Calif., June 2 (UPI) -- U.S. space agency says it will provide satellite data for storm forecasts during the 2009 Atlantic and eastern Pacific hurricane seasons.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center is responsible for forecasting eastern Pacific and Atlantic tropical cyclones -- the generic name for hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms and tropical depressions.

NASA has several satellites in orbit that collect data vital for issuing accurate hurricane predictions. Data include storm and surface winds, sea surface heights and temperatures, rainfall intensity, lightning, cloud heights and temperatures, humidity and atmospheric pressure.

NOAA's preliminary forecast calls for an average, "near normal" Atlantic hurricane season and William Patzert of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said he sees merit in the cautionary prediction.

"It is the beginning of a long summer and oceanic and atmospheric conditions can change dramatically," Patzert said, adding being vigilant and preparing for a major hurricane is still the best way to prepare for any hurricane season.

"Along hurricane-prone coasts and areas, be ready; you can be clobbered no matter what the expert outlook is today," said Patzert.