National Hurricane Center

396826 11: An American flag flies at full mast at the entrance to the United States National Hurricane Center November 3, 2001 in Miami, FL. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) maintains a continuous watch on tropical cyclones over the Atlantic, Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific from May 15th through November 30th. The Center prepares and distributes hurricane watches and warnings for the general public as well as for marine and military users. During the "off-season," the NHC provides training for U.S. emergency managers and representatives from many countries that are affected by tropical cyclones. The NHC also conducts applied research to evaluate and improve hurricane forecasting techniques, and is involved in public awareness programs. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)