One of the most common mistakes during hurricane season is focusing too narrowly on the cone. NOAA’s message today is simple: understand the forecast—and remember, the cone does not show the full footprint of danger.
The National Hurricane Center’s website at https://t.co/920h69zQfm is the go-to resource for hurricanes and tropical storms. By clicking on a storm on the map, you can get more detailed information about that storm - like the forecast cone. pic.twitter.com/vdcZzi2wQL
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) May 5, 2026
Rely on official forecasts and trusted weather sources—not sensational headlines—to understand a storm’s potential impacts. Meteorologist Leslie Hudson explains, click the YouTube video below.
The forecast cone shows where the storm’s center is most likely to track.
It does not show the size of the storm—and it does not limit where impacts can occur. Those impacts can reach far inland and well outside the cone.
It's National Hurricane Preparedness Week! Taking a few simple steps now can help you be ready for a storm.
— NC Department of Insurance (@NCInsuranceDept) May 4, 2026
📋 Create a home inventory
🚨Build an emergency kit
⛈️ Stay informed
For more information on what to do before, during, and after a storm, visit: https://t.co/kChSPTKPhQ pic.twitter.com/71gHySbsng
Click the link here: NHC Video: How to use the cone graphic
The next step is to stop treating the cone like a comfort zone—and start focusing on the specific hazards forecast for your community. Because when those risks begin to take shape…timing your decisions can make all the difference.