Should the NHC take over the South Atlantic?

[HURAKAN]

Three tropical cyclones in three years is something unheard for the South Atlantic Ocean. But it has happened. Two tropical cyclones in 2004, and one in 2006 (so far!). The meteorological community should start paying more attention to what once was though to be an infertile place for tropical cyclones. Everyone knows that that is partially true, the South Atlantic is most of the time very unfavorable for tropical cyclones to form. Furthermore, two continents block any passage from any other South Hemisphere's cyclones. I think it's time for an organization to take responsibility over this basin and in my opinion, like it has been already discussed, the NHC is the best option. They have already trained professionals and in the case a tropical cyclone forms in the winter in the South Atlantic Ocean, it will only take a little overtime!

Your opinion is always welcomed.

[Weatherfreak000]

It's a part of the Atlantic, so i'd say yes.

[P.K.]

I'd just leave it to Argentina, Brazil, or South Africa depending on which region it was to form in. I'm not sure I see the need for a RSMC or TCWC down there yet though.

[TheEuropean]

I'd just leave it to Argentina, Brazil, or South Africa depending on which region it was to form in. I'm not sure I see the need for a RSMC or TCWC down there yet though.

But in 2004 the brazilian weather service didn't see a tropical cyclone, they spoked about an extratropical system. So I think the trained NHC ist the right institution for watching the southern atlantic.

[Coredesat]

The whole Catarina fiasco was why I voted that the NHC should monitor the South Atlantic, or at the very least work with South American governments to form some kind of joint tropical cyclone task force.

[P.K.]

But in 2004 the brazilian weather service didn't see a tropical cyclone, they spoked about an extratropical system. So I think the trained NHC ist the right institution for watching the southern atlantic.

Well there may always be small differences in opinon when looking at different forecasters.

The fact this was noticed just indicates they are now looking at more closely at these systems. Still if a RSMC was set up down here it would have to be either Brazil or South Africa I guess as the USA doesn't cover this area of the ocean at all. http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/tempusfugit/marine/metarea.gif

[WindRunner]

I say yes, as it would be the most cost-efficient and effective solution. If the NHC takes over, then all that is needed is a little more work on the NHC staff's part. Another RSMC would require too much monetary and time investment (for now - if these storms become more frequent, then it's a different story). Of course, the WMO will have the final decision on the subject, and that's what matters.

[P.K.]

My point is the USA forecasts for its part of the North Atlantic all year, and this is the part that the NHC also covers. This area is already covered by Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa so I don't see why the NHC should have to do it. I'm sure they are fully capable covering these systems especially given how often they occur.

[senorpepr]

My point is the USA forecasts for its part of the North Atlantic all year, and this is the part that the NHC also covers. This area is already covered by Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa so I don't see why the NHC should have to do it. I'm sure they are fully capable covering these systems especially given how often they occur.

Exactly. This is already the aforementioned countries' area of responsibility. They forecast for these waters daily. Why not let one of the nations take up a TCWC/RSMC position?

[JonathanBelles]

My point is the USA forecasts for its part of the North Atlantic all year, and this is the part that the NHC also covers. This area is already covered by Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa so I don't see why the NHC should have to do it. I'm sure they are fully capable covering these systems especially given how often they occur.

Exactly. This is already the aforementioned countries' area of responsibility. They forecast for these waters daily. Why not let one of the nations take up a TCWC/RSMC position?

more expense

[MiamiensisWx]

Perhaps a new organization should be in place for the South Atlantic area... any thoughts?

[senorpepr]

My point is the USA forecasts for its part of the North Atlantic all year, and this is the part that the NHC also covers. This area is already covered by Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa so I don't see why the NHC should have to do it. I'm sure they are fully capable covering these systems especially given how often they occur.

Exactly. This is already the aforementioned countries' area of responsibility. They forecast for these waters daily. Why not let one of the nations take up a TCWC/RSMC position?

more expense

There wouldn't be more expense if, say, the Brazilian Met Office accomplished the task much like the Honolulu WSFO doubles as the CPHC.

[Hurricanehink]

Look at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The Central Pacific is only a bit more active than the South Atlantic, and if you exclude EPAC crossovers, there can be years at a time without a TC.

[Derek Ortt]

After Caterina, are we sure that the Brazilians should have any say? I'd take JTWC before I took the Brazilians (I wonder if they issue any warnings for threats to US Navy ships in the region?)

[senorpepr]

After Caterina, are we sure that the Brazilians should have any say? I'd take JTWC before I took the Brazilians (I wonder if they issue any warnings for threats to US Navy ships in the region?)

If the JTWC didn't, the ship's meteorologists would/should.

[senorpepr]

After Caterina, are we sure that the Brazilians should have any say? I'd take JTWC before I took the Brazilians (I wonder if they issue any warnings for threats to US Navy ships in the region?)

FWIW, it was the Brazilians that raised the flag on 90L/Q/T/whatever this year.

[Andrew92]

After Caterina, are we sure that the Brazilians should have any say? I'd take JTWC before I took the Brazilians (I wonder if they issue any warnings for threats to US Navy ships in the region?)

FWIW, it was the Brazilians that raised the flag on 90L/Q/T/whatever this year.

If I recall correctly, they also called Catarina a "never-before-seen extratropical storm."

My take is this: The NHC should take over for a while. During that time, the Brazilians should be educated on what exactly happened in 2004 so that they are not surprised if it happens again, which it could. Then, when they understand that a few of the storms forming in the Southern Atlantic are in fact tropical storms or of hurricane strength, give the responsibility to the Brazilians. They should also be trained on what exactly makes a tropical storm tropical and not extratropical. That seems to make the most sense to me, but what do I know.

-Andrew92

[Jim Cantore]

Let the NHC do it

Brazils guys didnt know a hurricane when it slapped them literally in the face

[JonathanBelles]

Let the NHC do it

Brazils guys didnt know a hurricane when it slapped them literally in the face

lol

[StormScanWx]

The National Hurricane Center is part of NOAA, which is part of the Department of Commerce. This is the US government, and we have no territory areas in that region, so I say leave it up to the WMO to decide.