Author Archives: Fred Pickhardt

About Fred Pickhardt

Fred Pickhardt, Marine Meteorologist I am a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade. I have extensive experience in marine weather analysis, marine weather forecasting, optimum ship routing, vessel performance evaluations and forensic marine weather event reconstructions. I founded Ocean Weather Services and as Owner and Chief Consultant currently provide optimum ship routing services and forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.

What does a “Gale Warning” mean?

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

The National Weather Service has developed a multi-tier concept for forecasting hazardous weather which includes outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories.  Below are the visual day flag and nighttime light signals that warn of rough weather.  NOAA discontinued using the flags in … Continue reading →

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Major Hurricane Florence Update

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

Major Hurricane Florence currently with max winds about 120 knots was moving west at 11 knots.  A building ridge to the north is forecast to steer Florence WNW then NW during the next 48-72 hours with an increase in forward … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Florence now Cat 4

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

  Major Hurricane Florence continues to develop with max winds now at 115 knots (Cat 4). Florence is moving in an area where wind shear is forecast to increase during the next 48 hours so Florence is expected to weaken … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Lane threatens Hawaiian Islands

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

Hurricane Lane over the central North Pacific has max winds of 125 knots and was moving northwestward towards the Hawaiian Islands and is forecast to turn more towards the north during the next 24-36 hours.  In 48-72 hours track guidance … Continue reading →

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Typhoon Soulik to impact South Korea

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

Typhoon Soulik over the western North Pacific was located about 192 nm WSW of Sasebo,Japan and was moving towards the NW at 7 knots.  Max winds currently estimated near 85 knots with hurricane force winds extending outward about 30 nm … Continue reading →

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Typhoon Cimaron bears down on Japan

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

Typhoon Cimaron over the western North Pacific was located about 245 nm WMW of Iwo To and was moving northwest at 19 knots.  Currently, max winds are estimated at about 100 knots with the hurricane force winds concentrated north and … Continue reading →

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Predictability of Atlantic hurricanes

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

By Judith Curry Cayman Financial Review  The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was remarkable, including five landfalls of Category 5 storms in the Caribbean Basin, and three Category 4 strikes on the U.S. coastline. The 2017 landfalls cost hundreds of lives … Continue reading →

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Typhoon Jongdari to hit Japan

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

Typhoon Jongdari located about 239 nm SE of Yokosuka, Japan is moving N-NW at 23 knots with max winds of 85 knots and max significant wave heights estimated at 40 ft. Forecast indicate that Jongdari will turn northwest then west … Continue reading →

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Typhoon Threat to Honshu Japan

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

A developing Tropical Depression (15W) located about 376 nm southwest of Iwo To, Japan was moving northward at 9 knots with max winds currently about 30 knots but likey close to tropical storm strength. Slow development is anticipated for the … Continue reading →

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TS Chris nears Hurricane Strength off US East Coast

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

TS Chris continues to strengthen off the US East Coast with max winds at 60 knots is close to reaching hurricane strength. Chris is nearly stationary but is forecast to begin moving towards the northeast in about 36 hours.   Chris … Continue reading →

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