The weather these days can be very unpredictable. It can be sunny for a moment and then rain badly the next. Sometimes, things take a turn for the worst and you’re suddenly faced with an impending hurricane. That’s where hurricane tracker apps come in. These apps will not only help you keep an eye on a storm but also give you information on how fast it’s moving and when it will make its landfall.
In this article, discover which hurricane tracker apps are the best to download to prepare yourselves for an impending hurricane.
Also Read: AccuWeather: A Tutorial Guide For Beginners
Hurricane Tracker Apps: What Are They?
As the name suggests, hurricane tracker apps give you information on a storm or a hurricane. Most apps will provide users with basic weather information, forecasts, and the like. A hurricane tracker is slightly different in the sense that it gives the users a full-on view of an impending hurricane. At most, these apps will provide users with the location, speed, and the forecasted landfall of the storm.
It can also provide users with information such as wind speed, trajectory, and even the areas affected by the hurricane or the storm. It’s different from the usual weather apps because they provide more information and an in-depth view of the hurricane. Most apps also give alerts on the weather and when the storm is about to hit.
Hurricane tracker apps are great to keep because they allow users to keep track of the hurricane in their area. They also give the users a chance to better prepare for the storm through the alerts.
10 Best Hurricane Tracker Apps to Download Today
Without further ado, here are some of the best hurricane tracker apps that you can download today. Bear in mind that this list is not restricted to tracker apps alone and you might find apps that aid in hurricane and storm preparedness as well.
1. Hurricane by American Red Cross
Hurricane by American Red Cross is a free hurricane tracker app that allows you to know when there is a hurricane threat within the radius of your chosen location. It not only helps to prepare you for the storm to come but it also shows you what to do before, during, and after the hurricane. Moreover, it also shows you when your loved ones might be in the vicinity of a dangerous storm.
While the app can’t be used to track your loved ones and yourself in real-time, it can show you whether or not they are in the middle of a storm. You can also use the app to alert your loved ones that you are safe. It’s a great app to have when you are far away from your relatives. It helps to keep you in the know of the storm activity in their location.
PROS
- You can monitor anyone from your contact list
- Has a list of Red Cross centers within the storm area
- Can be used offline
- Shows the trajectory of the storm and forecasts the time of its landfall
- The app can send emails, texts, and other alerts to show that you are safe in the middle of the storm
- Has an alarm siren and strobe light
CONS
- The app can be slow
- You can’t view things at the same time
Download for Android (Play Store)
2. Maps
While many might underestimate the use of Google Maps, you can use the app to source out disasters. Not only does it show you when a disaster arises, but it can also point out directions and alternate routes if you need to evacuate. It also serves as a directory with numbers and addresses of shelters, local authorities, local businesses, and other resources. Additionally, this is an app that you might already have on your phone so you don’t have to worry about downloading another app for it.
Since the app updates in real-time, you won’t have trouble moving towards one location from the other. Google Maps might not be the first choice for most people but is it one of the apps that’s ready to serve in the event of a hurricane.
PROS
- Most phones already have it
- Contains a list of nearby establishments and local resources
- Real-time traffic updates
CONS
- You have to be online to use it
- Some information might be inaccurate
- Doesn’t provide information on the hurricane
Download for Android (Play Store)
3. Storm Radar
Storm Radar is an app that provides information on storms and hurricanes in detail. With this app, you won’t have any trouble seeing the location that will be affected the most and the time that it will make its landfall. You’ll be able to see where the storm is headed and even get a nearly accurate representation of the route that the hurricane will pass through. Inevitably, this is one of the best apps that you can rely on when you need an accurate app that will help you track hurricanes.
Additionally, if you don’t have or can’t access a phone, you can use Storm Radar on your laptop or desktop. It’s free to use on all platforms but some features such as lightning tracking will only be available once you upgrade to the paid version.
PROS
- Easy-to-view weather conditions
- Smooth to use
- Allows you to switch back and forth between map overlays
- Shows the map 2 hours before and several hours after to help visualize a forecast
CONS
- Advertisements
- Some features only work if you purchase the paid version
4. Hurricane Tracker
Another app that you can rely on is Hurricane Tracker. You’ll have access to push notifications, 65 radar maps, analysis and weather information, wind speed, and more. The app gives you as much information as possible regarding an approaching hurricane without having to switch to other apps or sources.
The information allows you to set alerts by region. This feature is great especially if you’re looking to track a specific area. Further, the updates that you’ll receive are from The National Hurricane Center for the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Eastern Pacific. The only downside of the app is that you will have to purchase it upfront before you can use it. Otherwise, it’s a great app to consider downloading if you’re looking for a reliable hurricane tracker app.
PROS
- Allows access to complete weather information and analysis
- Has at least 65 radar maps available
- Clean UI
CONS
- The app requires payment upon downloading
Download for Android (Play Store)
5. Clime (NOAA Weather Radar)
When on the hunt for the best hurricane tracker app, Clime is one of the best ones in the market today. Previously known as the NOAA Weather Radar, Clime allows you to view what’s happening during a storm in detail. By overlaying rain, radar, and satellite images on the tracker, you’ll be able to get a better idea of what’s happening in the storm. Further, the app also works offline. This means that you can still easily access information even if a black-out occurs.
You can also pin multiple locations on the map and get alerts whether the said locations are within the hurricane’s trajectory. You can also access week-long forecasts for temperature, wind speeds, and more for a specific location.
PROS
- Allows offline tracking
- See future forecasts for the storm/hurricane
- Has a lightning tracker and other local alert options (e.g. coastal flooding)
- Provides a variety of map overlays
- Changeable units (distance, wind speed, pressure, and temperature)
CONS
- Advertisements
- Weather forecasting requires in-app purchases
- Hurricane track only has a one-week trial period
Download for Android (Play Store)
6. Hurricane Impact
If you’re looking for the best hurricane tracker app, you don’t want to skip out on Hurricane Impact. This app shows you important information on hurricanes such as pressure data, path predictions, wind speed, weather radars, and more. It also features a live camera of the storm as it goes on which is especially helpful if you need a visual representation of how strong the hurricane or storm is. Apart from that, you can also see or receive alerts of when the wind is picking up speed or if the storm has made landfall.
The downside of the app is that its UI isn’t exactly the best which might disappoint users. Another aspect that might not appeal to users is that it’s a paid app that requires you to pay upfront. Nonetheless, it’s a great app to consider if you’re looking for a hurricane tracker app for Android.
PROS
- Live cameras
- Access to important weather information
CONS
- UI isn’t the best
- Upfront payment
Download for Android (Play Store)
7. My Hurricane Tracker
My Hurricane Tracker is an app that’s simple and easy to use. It provides users with straightforward updates on storms and hurricanes. Its simple interface makes it an app that’s easy to use for everyone — even for those who aren’t adept at using technology.
The app allows you to see the storm’s trajectory and even identifies active storm threats. You’ll also be able to see the storm’s origin, current position, and the area where it’s set to make its landfall.
PROS
- Simple and easy-to-use
- Alerts whenever there are new updates
- Displays the forecasted location of the hurricane
- Provides the exact coordinates and wind speeds
CONS
- Advertisements
- Doesn’t show the details such as rain and clouds among others
- Storm size isn’t shown
Download for Android (Play Store)
8. Ventusky
Ventusky isn’t your typical hurricane tracker app. This app provides users with more information on the location of the wind, its origin, and where it is moving toward during a storm. While you can still get the standard storm and weather information, Ventusky also provides you with information on thunderstorms, temperature, clouds, humidity, waves, and even snow cover among others.
It’s a unique app that provides users with interesting information that goes beyond the usual weather information.
PROS
- Customizable maps
- Shows a weekly weather forecast
- Superb animation
- Free for Android
CONS
- Maps can’t be layered on top of one another
- The app doesn’t give alerts on hurricanes and storms
- iOS users will have to pay to use the app
Download for Android (Play Store)
9. SeaStorm Hurricane Tracker
SeaStorm Hurricane Tracker is another great app that you can use to track hurricanes and storms. It provides users with an overview of the storm with advisories and even expert analysis. You’ll also have access to information such as sea surface temperature and tropical surface analysis among others. Additionally, you can also get information on wave height which is great for surfers and beachgoers.
Unfortunately, the app requires payment upfront and it doesn’t have a free demo version.
PROS
- Great for beachgoers and surfers
- Provides storm analysis
CONS
- Paid app
- UI might not be the best
Download for Android (Play Store)
10. FEMA
FEMA is a decent hurricane tracker app that gives you a guide for upcoming disasters. While it does lack the standard weather information, the app can help you organize emergency kits, provide tips, and even help you set up rendezvous points in the event of a disaster. It’ll also help you find disaster resources and help you get in touch with shelters among others. It’ll alert you of hurricane activity in advance so you can prepare for the storm to come.
As mentioned, the app is more for hurricane preparedness than it is for tracking. Still, you’ll be able to use this app before disaster comes as you’ll be more prepared for it.
PROS
- Helps to locate shelters
- Provides storm and hurricane updates
CONS
- Storm alerts are glitchy
Download for Android (Play Store)
Hurricane Tracker Apps: Why Are They Important?
Much like weather reports on the news, hurricane tracker apps are also important to have in any event. Not only do they provide you with updates but it also alerts you every time a hurricane is about to hit your area. Users will be more prepared and they’ll even have an idea of the local resources that they have during the hurricane. Some apps will even allow users to alert their loved ones that they are safe during the storm. It not only helps with preparedness but also keeps you in the know of the current situation outside your home.
Moreover, most hurricane tracker apps work offline. This way, you’ll still be able to keep an eye on the hurricane even if you experience blackouts. In all, these apps are essential to keep because they help users become prepared and alert for what is about to come.
Wrap-Up
Having a hurricane tracker app on your phone is a great help especially if you’re in an area that is often hit by storms and hurricanes. It helps you to become more alert and prepared for the weather conditions that you’re about to face. Moreover, it’ll also give you an idea of how long you have before the storm hits so you can prepare yourself for it. In all, these apps are helpful references to hurricanes and storms because you can carry them anywhere with you. However, don’t forget to check with your local news channels on the TV or the radio to confirm weather updates as some apps might experience delayed updates.
