The National Hurricane Center  has declared a "Hurricane Watch"  (scroll down page) for the Carolinas as Ernesto gains momentum.

Then, about 6,500 nautical miles west, Hurricane John  continues its assault on Mexico's Pacific coast.

The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies  operates at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center. CIMSS develops techniques to improve forecasting tornadoes and hurricanes. The scientists there play "a major role in the transfer of new technology into operational practice," according to their Mission Statement.

Jen O'Leary adds, "SSEC is helping out as one of the US geostationary weather satellites moves to Latin America...the satellite is in such a position that we can see Ernesto dissipating along the seaboard with one minute imagery. Usually we get imagery every three hours. It's really amazing." 

The work they do is daily, ongoing and dedicated to making all the complicated gear tell us something. As scientists, they also get the opportunity to do groundbreaking stuff—satisfying to them and valuable to us. In sum, they do cool stuff that makes property more secure and helps saves lives, darn it.

But enough formality—let's look at cool science! (CIMSS helps you enable JAVA for their rippin' movies here .) Here's Ernesto (image  and movie ) and here's John (image  and movie ).

And meet Kristy (image  and movie ). She's on her way...