Factors Important to Automated Vortex Tracking in Numerical Model Output

Tropical cyclone track and intensity forecasts derived from numerical models provide forecasters with critical objective guidance. The forecast information is typically pulled from the output of numerical models through the use of automated tracking algorithms. The purpose of this poster is to describe the current automated vortex tracking algorithm used in the GFDL vortex tracker. This tracker is used operationally for several National Weather Service models, including the Global Forecast System (GFS), the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecast (HWRF) Model, and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) hurricane model. Particular emphasis will be placed on comparing and contrasting various parameters that are used for tracking and identifying which set of parameters is the most critical for providing track guidance that is not only accurate but also consistent from one lead time to the next.