Researchers at the University of North Carolina developed a data assimilation method to improve multi-day forecast accuracy of coastal water levels. The method yielded substantially smaller errors in water level estimates and is now used by NOAA's Extratropical Surge and Tide Operational Forecast System.
A new study tracked large sharks in Miami and The Bahamas to understand their responses to major storms like hurricanes. Researchers found that different shark species behaved differently by species and location, with some evacuating shallow waters while others remained or even increased in numbers after the storm passed.
After Hurricane Maria, rhesus macaques in Puerto Rico expanded their social networks and became more tolerant of other individuals. The animals formed new connections, resulting in a more tolerant society as a whole.
A team of scientists detected a space hurricane in Earth's polar ionosphere and magnetosphere, revealing a long-lasting, swirling mass of plasma. The analysis allowed a 3D image to be created of the hurricane, which rained electrons instead of water.
Hurricane maximum wind speeds in the subtropical Atlantic around Bermuda have more than doubled over the last 60 years due to rising ocean temperatures. This increase in energy extraction from warm oceans leads to more intense hurricanes, posing a significant threat to Bermuda.
A team of researchers from Nova Southeastern University has made a breakthrough in hurricane forecasting by identifying the impact of bio-surfactants on sea spray generation. This new phenomenon may contribute to improved intensity forecasts, which is crucial during pandemics like COVID-19.
Researchers found higher abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes downstream of wastewater treatment plants, linked to human contamination. The study provides insights into the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in waterways after natural disasters.
New research extends Florida's hurricane record thousands of years back in time, hinting at a surprise finding. The study found that the state's Gulf Coast is hit by more intense hurricanes than its East Coast, with ancient tempest deposits suggesting this pattern may extend thousands of years back.
Hurricane Delta is expected to produce significant flash, urban, and small stream flooding in Louisiana, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches. NASA's satellite rainfall product estimated rainfall rates around the center of circulation as high as 50 mm per hour.
Hurricane Delta showed enhanced convection near its center, but was obscured by a central dense overcast. The storm strengthened with maximum sustained winds reaching near 105 mph, and NASA provides data to tropical cyclone meteorologists for forecast purposes.
NASA's Aqua satellite gathered water vapor data on Hurricane Delta, revealing highest concentrations of water vapor and coldest cloud top temperatures around the center of circulation. The storm is expected to produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the northern Yucatan Peninsula.
Hurricane Delta's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The storm is expected to produce significant flash flooding and mudslides across the northern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba.
A new study found Hurricane Irma resulted in 433 additional deaths among nursing home residents in Florida within 90 days, exceeding national averages by double
Heavy rainfall was found to be occurring around the compact eye of Major Hurricane Marie, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimating rainfall rates ranging from 3-20mm/hour. The satellite data provides valuable insights into the storm's intensity and helps improve hurricane forecasting.
Hurricane Marie is rapidly growing stronger and more powerful, with cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -80°F. The National Hurricane Center expects Marie to become a major hurricane late on Oct. 1, with rapid strengthening forecasted.
A Texas A&M University study reveals that marine heatwaves can strengthen hurricanes by combining with extreme weather events. The research found that Hurricane Michael became a Category 5 storm due to the compounding effects of Tropical Storm Gordon and an atmospheric heatwave in the Gulf of Mexico.
Paulette formed as Tropical Depression Seventeen and became a hurricane, then weakened into a post-tropical cyclone. NASA's Terra satellite found only one small area of convection with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers at Dauphin Island Sea Lab found that pre-storm oceanic environments contribute to hurricane intensification. Marine heatwaves, like those caused by Hurricane Michael, can prime the coastal waters for extreme storm events.
Hurricane Teddy is threatening Eastern Canada with powerful storms and cold cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms. The hurricane's forecast track predicts it will move over Nova Scotia on Wednesday, bringing tropical-storm-force winds and large swells.
A study examines evacuation behaviors during a global pandemic, revealing that people impacted by mandatory hurricane evacuations are choosing to shelter in place due to health concerns. The research aims to inform public health messaging and identify safety education strategies to increase household preparedness.
Hurricane Teddy's rainfall rates were estimated at around 30 mm per hour near the center of circulation, with heavier rain showers expected across Atlantic Canada between Tuesday and Thursday. The storm is forecasted to transition into a powerful post-tropical cyclone, posing risks of wind, rain, and storm surge impacts.
Hurricane Teddy generated up to 30 mm of rain per hour on its western side, with heavier rainfall expected near Bermuda. The storm is moving northwestward, increasing the risk of strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Wilfred formed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean on September 18, marking the end of the 2020 hurricane season. The storm is generating heavy rainfall rates, with estimates suggesting up to 30 mm per hour around its center.
Tropical Depression 22 is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing infrared images. The depression is forecast to move slowly and could strengthen into a hurricane by Sunday.
NASA used satellites to estimate Hurricane Sally's rainfall and create a flood warning map. The storm generated high rainfall rates near its core, resulting in widespread flooding along the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Teddy's satellite appearance steadily developed overnight, with a ragged warming eye surrounded by convection. The storm is moving northwest at 12 mph, expected to continue for days, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected the strongest storms on Hurricane Teddy's western side, with coldest cloud top temperatures as low as -81 degrees Celsius. This suggests that the storm is experiencing westerly wind shear, a phenomenon that can lead to heavy rain.
Hurricane Sally made landfall near Gulf Shores, Alabama as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Heavy rainmakers were detected north of the eye, with cloud top temperatures reaching -80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hurricane Sally is expected to produce 10-20 inches of rainfall with isolated amounts of 30 inches along the central Gulf Coast. The storm's slow movement increases the risk of historic flooding and extreme life-threatening flash flooding, particularly in Florida and the southeastern United States.
NASA's Aqua satellite found structural changes and the strongest side of Hurricane Paulette as it moved away from Bermuda. The storm is expected to undergo extratropical transition, weakening rapidly on Wednesday.
Tropical Depression 20 strengthened into Tropical Storm Teddy, breaking a hurricane season record. The storm is expected to become a major hurricane later in the week, with life-threatening surf and rip current conditions forecasted for the Lesser Antilles.
Hurricane Paulette's large eye is approaching the island of Bermuda, prompting a Hurricane Warning. The storm has maximum sustained winds of near 90 mph and is expected to pass over the island during the next couple of hours.
Haishen has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane/typhoon with sustained winds near 140 knots (161 mph/259 kph), forecast to peak later on Sept. 4 and make landfall in South Korea after 3 days.
The NASA-NOAA satellite captured a nighttime image of Hurricane Nana just after it made landfall in southern Belize. The storm strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph (120 kph) before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved inland.
Researchers tracked changes in loggerhead sea turtle behavior before and after Hurricane Irene passed through the Mid-Atlantic Bight. The study found that turtles reacted to environmental changes, including cooler surface temperatures and disrupted thermocline layers, which influenced their movements and dive behavior.
Hurricane Laura made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane along the Louisiana coast, with sustained winds near 150 mph and a clear circular eye. NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a nighttime image of the storm just after landfall.
Tropical Storm Bavi made landfall in northwestern North Korea, weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 knots. The storm has transitioned to an extra-tropical cyclone, retaining hurricane-force winds as it moves across northeastern China.
A new study found that extreme hurricane rainfall events in the Caribbean are five times more likely in a warmer world, but meeting Paris Agreement goals could reduce this risk by up to half. The research highlights the urgent need to tackle global warming and recommends targeting resilience funding towards the most at-risk areas.
NASA satellites have been providing forecasters with data on major Hurricane Laura's temperature, rainfall capability, storm structure and extent. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit are generating heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Laura is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA capturing powerful images of the storm from space. The eye of the hurricane was located near latitude 26.4 degrees north and longitude 91.4 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 115 mph.
Hurricane Laura strengthened as a hurricane, with NASA providing infrared imagery showing its structure and rainmaking capabilities. The storm is over 350 miles in diameter, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 45 miles from the center.
Hurricane Genevieve's size and strength were revealed through NASA's wide-angle photos, showing a clear eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm's wind field expanded, affecting the Baja California peninsula with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large ocean swells.
The NASA-NOAA satellite Suomi NPP provided a nighttime image of Hurricane Genevieve on August 18, showing its well-defined eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. Forecasters can use this infrared imagery to track the storm's strength and structure.
Genevieve strengthened into a hurricane, with the most powerful thunderstorms in its eyewall having coldest cloud top temperatures as low as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to become major and bring life-threatening surf and rip current conditions to Mexico's southern coast.
Hurricane Elida's eye has become fully covered by high clouds, a sign of the storm weakening due to cooler waters. The storm is expected to weaken quickly and degenerate into a remnant low-pressure area on Thursday.
Hurricane Elida intensified into a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 100 mph and an eye apparent on night-time imagery. The storm is expected to weaken rapidly over colder water, degenerating to a remnant low pressure area by Thursday.
Hurricane Douglas passed close to Hawaii, bringing strong surf, heavy rains, and gusty winds. NASA's Terra satellite imagery showed the storm's track and center stayed just off shore from the islands.
NASA's Aqua satellite identified strongest storms surrounding Hurricane Douglas' eyewall, with coldest cloud top temperatures as low as -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move near or over the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Hurricane Douglas rapidly intensified into a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph, surrounded by powerful bands of thunderstorms. The storm's eye showed development of an eye and powerful thunderstorms circling it.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo showed slight disorganization in visible and microwave imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is forecast to approach the southern Windward Islands on Friday night and move across them Saturday, with a possibility of becoming a hurricane.
NASA's infrared data revealed strong thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures around Tropical Storm Douglas, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. Despite the threat, Douglas is moving westward at 15 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on July 23.
A recent study reveals that Hurricane Lane's extreme weather conditions, combining heavy rainfall and fire hazards, exacerbated the storm's impact on the Hawaiian Islands. The research highlights the importance of considering both environmental and socioeconomic factors in assessing population vulnerability to natural hazards.
Tropical Cyclone Nisarga strengthened significantly before making landfall in west central India, according to NASA infrared data. The storm intensified from 40 knots to hurricane strength within 12 hours, with cloud top temperatures reaching as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hurricane flooding can lead to widespread water pollution, affecting human health and ecosystems. Researchers have developed an algorithm to identify flooded areas beyond state-mapped hazard zones, with a focus on vulnerable communities and potential sources of pollution.
A study analyzing nearly 40 years of hurricane satellite imagery found a global increase in maximum sustained winds, consistent with expectations of how hurricanes respond to a warming world. The research built on previous work identifying trends in hurricane intensification and poleward migrations of hurricanes.
Tropical Cyclone Harold brought heavy rains and hurricane-force winds to Vanuatu, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite tracking its movement towards Fiji. Forecasters expect the storm to make a brief landfall over Fiji on April 7, although intensity may remain steady or increase if an eye forms.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Herold with a well-developed hurricane and powerful thunderstorms surrounding its eye. The storm is forecast to turn southeast and strengthen to 90 knots before becoming subtropical.
The top ten list reveals Hurricane Harvey as the most extreme event, followed by Hurricane Sandy and deadly Hurricane Maria. The cost of all ten events totalled over $400bn, with devastating consequences including widespread flooding and injuries.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that ongoing habitat management can help prevent hurricane-driven extinctions. The research found that a rare Florida plant, the pineland croton, weathered the damage from Hurricane Irma better in plots under human management than those left alone.
A study found that Hurricane Maria's damage to Puerto Rican coffee farms was not linked to the amount of shade on the farm. However, farmers' socioeconomic context and ability to fertilize their plants were key factors in determining resilience. Weeds played a significant role in the recovery process.