NASA satellites sample critical 'ingredients' to predict hurricane formation, including sea surface temperature of at least 82 F, rotating winds, air temperature, and humidity. The data helps forecasters determine storm strength, location, and tracks.
Dr. Ginis receives two-year grant to improve hurricane forecasting model and enhance storm prediction capabilities. The model, developed in collaboration with NOAA scientists, aims to better understand and predict extreme winds and heavy rain causing $5 billion in annual damages.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Hurricane Floyd caused substantial changes in healthcare patterns that lasted for over a year. The storm led to increased use of emergency rooms and outpatient services, particularly among Medicaid recipients, with estimated costs of $13.3 million.
A research paper analyzed ice crystals from Hurricane Nora's cirrus clouds, revealing the presence of sea salt and plankton. The study found that hurricane winds transported marine life particles to high altitudes, affecting ice crystal growth and shape.
Researchers found that less than two feet of water can noticeably reduce landfall decay in hurricanes. However, surface roughness significantly reduces wind speed and evaporation, which fuels a hurricane's intensity.
Since 1992's Category 5 Hurricane Andrew, NASA satellites have provided critical data to improve hurricane forecasts. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), QuikSCAT, and Aqua satellites offer insights into rainfall intensity, wind patterns, and ocean temperatures.
Researchers from NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program explore the impact of selective fishing on fish populations and develop acoustic sensing methods to improve hurricane predictions. Tsunami forecasting also receives attention with a model specifically designed for Hawaii's unique terrain.
Princeton students have created a comprehensive map of the US's natural hazard risks, revealing that large events like hurricanes and earthquakes drive costs. The data also suggests a 30-year east-to-west oscillation in hurricane tracks, potentially shifting their trajectory northward.
Researchers found the warmest portion of a hurricane's eye is approximately 3.5 miles high, corresponding to falling pressure and destructive winds. The data provided a comprehensive 3D image of the inner core, revealing how heat from rising air powers the storm.
Researchers found high concentrations of small ice crystals at the top of Hurricane Humberto, reflecting more sunlight and creating a temperature contrast that may contribute to its strength. The discovery is being entered into computer models to improve hurricane predictions.
Scientists discover ozone reduces common spoilage bacteria in seafood processing facilities, extending shelf life. Researchers also study hurricane-resistant retrofits on damaged houses to reduce storm damage.
A Penn State study found that disasters like Hurricane Hugo increase marriages, births, and divorces in affected areas. The study analyzed marriage, birth, and divorce records in South Carolina before and after the hurricane, finding a significant increase in all three life changes in disaster-affected counties.
Researchers are using fractal mathematics to measure past events and forecast future hurricane events with increased accuracy. The technique has been shown to provide a deeper level of understanding of complex systems in nature, enabling better forecasting of hazardous natural phenomena.
A team of students and researchers from Clemson University test eight houses in coastal South Carolina to determine the most effective hurricane retrofits. The study uses various methods, including cranes and vacuum chambers, to simulate real-life conditions and evaluate the performance of different retrofit measures.
Researchers have used Empirical Mode Decomposition to analyze patterns in tropical storm occurrences along the East Coast. The technique reveals four distinct cycles, or modes, that determine the number of hurricanes making landfall each year.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts are flying into the eyes of hurricanes using advanced airborne sensors to gather real-time data. The new IWRAP system will provide finer resolution than previous systems, enabling better predictions about storm intensity and potential path.
A unique study on lizard populations reveals that the presence of a top predator can make prey populations more vulnerable to catastrophic events. The researchers found that on islands without predators, mice populations rebounded quickly after a natural disaster, whereas those with predators struggled to recover and some became extinct.
Researchers developed a new method to save lives and protect property in windstorm-prone areas using a laminated glass window unit with a sacrificial ply. The design concept is promising for enhancing hurricane resistance of windows and offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive shutters or boards.
LSU will create a new engineering discipline to address design concepts behind buildings and infrastructure in hurricane-prone regions. The program will offer courses in civil engineering and disaster engineering for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students.
A new method developed by UF engineer Michel Ochi accurately estimates the severity of waves near shore during hurricanes, helping engineers design more hurricane-ready buildings. The study also highlights the importance of tide levels at hurricane landing, making generalizations problematic.
A new wave/current/surge information system will provide accurate storm surge predictions and support evacuation plans. The system, called WAVCIS, uses offshore instruments to measure oceanographic conditions.
Researchers found a strong link between westerly winds in the Pacific and hurricane formation in the Gulf of Mexico. The Madden-Julian Oscillation repeats every 30 to 60 days and correlates with increased hurricane activity four times more likely, giving officials advance warning.
A new LSU study reconstructs past hurricane landfalls dating back 5,000 years and finds the US has a low incidence of major hurricane landfalls along the Gulf Coast over the past 1,000 years. The study provides concrete information on catastrophic hurricane landfalls in the US, with a likelihood of once every 300-600 years.
The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts a moderate 2000 season with fewer storms than recent years. This is attributed to the La Niña phenomenon weakening by next season, which should reduce its enhancing effect on hurricane formation in the Atlantic Basin.
Researchers use satellite altimetry to analyze warm ocean features and predict hurricane intensification, helping forecasters identify areas most at risk from storm surges. A study found that hurricanes crossing warm eddies intensified their winds by up to 70mph in just nine hours.
Clemson University engineers are deploying mobile data-acquisition platforms, called 'wind towers,' to measure wind speed and direction in the path of Hurricane Floyd. The goal is to provide accurate ground-level data to help develop design bases for hurricane-resistant homes.
The Johns Hopkins University hurricane test house, built in 1997, has collected over 2,000 data sets on wind pressure and movement, shedding light on the impact of powerful winds on coastal homes. The research aims to inform building codes and reduce property damage caused by hurricanes.
The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts a highly active 1999 hurricane season with landfall probabilities above average for the East Coast and Florida Peninsula. The team expects four major hurricanes with minimum winds of 111 mph, which historically cause most hurricane-spawned destruction.
A scale model wind machine is being tested at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory to simulate natural storms. The experimental data collected will aid in designing hurricane-resistant homes, with a focus on affordable solutions for shelter protection.
A group of engineers and scientists reconstruct hurricanes using a custom-built tower with data-gathering equipment. The goal is to fabricate house-sized hurricane-force winds at the HomeSaver national test facility.
The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts 14 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 intense hurricanes for the 1999 season. The U.S. Atlantic coast has a higher probability of being hit by major storms, with the Gulf Coast facing an increased risk of landfall.
The 1998 hurricane season saw a significant increase in storm frequency and intensity, with three hurricanes and four tropical storms making landfall along the US coastline. The season was attributed to warming ocean temperatures and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns.
Hurricane Georges caused over 100 deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage across the Caribbean. PAHO mobilized experts to provide emergency relief supplies and repair damaged health facilities.
The third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) campaign observed rare lightning fields and purple sprites in the eye of Hurricane Georges. The team studied the hurricane's unique characteristics, including large cloud turrets and variable wind speeds.
Researchers from UC Davis and Washington University found that larger organisms were more resistant to hurricanes' immediate impact, but the most prolific ones recovered faster. After a year, lizard populations had not changed, while spider numbers returned to pre-hurricane levels.
A 1996 hurricane study found that recovery rates increase with dispersal ability and size, while larger organisms are more resistant to moderate disturbance. The researchers also discovered that tidal surges can cause devastation on low-lying islands.
Global climate factors point to more active storm era, with warmer sea surface temperatures and increased rainfall in the Sahel region. This trend contrasts with the most inactive four-year stretch within the same period, from 1991-94.
A new study analyzes US hurricane damage data, normalizing for inflation, coastal population increase, and wealth. It finds that landfalling hurricanes in the 1940s-1960s would have produced over $10 billion in damages if they struck today, contradicting claims of climate change causing recent damage increases.
A research team at Colorado State University predicts that the 1997 hurricane season will be above average, with 11 tropical storms expected to form. The team expects seven of these storms to become hurricanes, with three becoming major hurricanes, which cause 75% of all storm-spawned damage.
Researchers are conducting studies on wind load, wind engineering meteorology, and wind flow around low-rise buildings. Computer programs have been developed to calculate direct/indirect costs of natural hazard disasters. The goal is to mitigate damage caused by hurricanes and other severe weather events.