Those who want to use their smartphones to track Tropical Storm Isaac and keep safe during the storm have a variety of websites and apps available to them.
The National Hurricane Center, a leading authority in hurricanes and tropical storms, published a mobile site last year that allows users to get the latest advisories issued by the center. The site, which is available here, tracks storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and the Pacific. Updates are issued regularly.
Apps are also available for iOS, Android and Windows 7 users, many of which use information provided by the National Hurricane Center. Most apps will run you less than $5 and will give you the opportunity to track storms as well as receive information concerning your area.
Here's a selection of apps to look for smartphone devices.
HurricaneSoftware.com's iHurricane HD-
Free for iOS users, iHurricane provides maps, satellite images, warnings and alerts for those tracking Isaac on their phones. The app is also available on Android phones under the name Hurricane Software and on Windows 7 phones under the name Tracking the Eye. Users can submit their email to receive storm alerts as well.
NOAA Radio Free-
Available for iOS devices, NOAA Radio Free gives users radio broadcast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The app, which allows users to upgrade to a paid version for additional forecast cities, is not available to Android or Windows 7 users.
Hurricane by American Red Cross-
Less meteorological data and more safety tips can be found on this Android/iOS app by the American Red Cross. The app allows users to find nearby Red Cross shelters, know what to do in case cell phone towers are down and provides flashlight and strobe light functions in case of a blackout.
AccuWeather -
Another app for storm tracking, AccuWeather allows iPhone and Android users to get the latest weather information in case of storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, rain and high winds. The app lets users see videos, animated satellite and radar photos and interactive maps. AccuWeather is free on both iOS and Android devices.
Before using these apps, those tracking major storms and hurricanes should heed local warnings about evacuations and safety precautions to stay safe.