Why a map can look empty

Every reason a layer shows nothing, and how to tell them apart. No events is not the same as safe.

What you get: You know whether an empty area means nothing is happening, or that the product cannot see there.

Steps

Check the layer is on: the "All layers" line in the "LAYERS" panel counts active layers, and each row has its switch.
Check where it reaches: its row names its coverage. NWS alerts, SPC outlooks, FAA delays and river gauges are United States only.
Check the zoom: some layers draw only when you are close (street imagery from zoom 12, for example).
Check the time: if the "LIVE" badge is dark, you are looking at another moment. Press L to return.
Check for a message on the layer row: loading, unavailable or stale.
Check whether your own filters are narrowing it — alert categories, for instance.

"No events in the loaded sources" is a statement about our sources. It is never an all-clear.

You can name why the area is empty: off, outside coverage, too far out, another time, waiting, or genuinely nothing reported.

The whole map is black.: The basemap or satellite imagery is still loading, or the browser blocked graphics (WebGL). Reload; see Troubleshooting for browser requirements.
The ocean has no ships.: Vessel positions come from shore stations; see Aviation and maritime.

Last checked against the product on 23 September 2026. Live contents change; this describes how the product works.