Research on hurricanes and tropical storms. Covers AI storm tracking, wind-damage assessment, warning systems, and Hurricane Hunter data.
Researchers from Michigan State University are studying how journalists became first responders during Hurricane Maria, transforming news stations into community centers for refugees. The team aims to analyze why infrastructure failed and provide policy recommendations for effective crisis communication.
Hurricane Helene is decoupling from wind shear due to southwesterly vertical wind shear, pushing the bulk of the storm away from its rotating center. The NHC expects wind shear to increase on Sept 13, potentially weakening the storm further.
Wind shear is affecting Tropical Storm Isaac, causing its circulation center to be displaced and potentially weakening the storm. The satellite data reveal a small area of coldest cloud top temperatures off-center, which can generate heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Florence's powerful winds and storm surge are being closely monitored by NASA. The satellite images reveal a weakened eye due to southern shear, with cloud tops as cold as -80F (Celsius). This suggests potential for heavy rainfall.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed a large eye surrounded by powerful storms in Typhoon Mangkhut, which could generate heavy rainfall due to cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80F. The storm made landfall along the northeast coast of Luzon, Philippines on Sept. 14, with warnings already in effect.
The GPM satellite analyzed heavy rainfall in Tropical Storm Isaac, revealing intense convective storms with rain rates over 140 mm per hour. The storm's structure was also observed in a 3D view from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Hurricane Florence is approximately 400 miles in diameter, with cloud top temperatures of -80F indicating heavy rainfall capability. The storm has the potential to produce extremely dangerous conditions, including life-threatening storm surges and rainfall exceeding 20 inches in coastal North Carolina.
Scientists monitored hurricane water vapor to gauge potential for intense rainfall; analysis shows coldest cloud top temperatures reaching -70 degrees Fahrenheit. Forecasts predict storm weakening and shifting trajectory over the next few days.
Hurricane Olivia is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Hawaiian Islands as it moves towards the state. The storm's cloud tops have temperatures near minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall.
Tropical Depression Paul is moving westward, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The depression is expected to weaken into a remnant low on Wednesday due to stable air and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Tropical Storm Isaac's circulation center has shifted away from the bulk of clouds and precipitation, indicating wind shear is at play. NASA satellite data reveals a vertically stacked system of rotating winds, with wind shear pushing against the storm, weakening its rotation and balance.
The Suomi NPP satellite provided a visible image of Hurricane Helene's eye on September 10, measuring approximately 20 nautical miles in width. The storm showed signs of strengthening with strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops before expected weakening on September 12.
NASA's Aqua satellite observed Hurricane Florence undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle, which may lead to increased rainfall and storm intensity. The storm is expected to make landfall in North Carolina or South Carolina on Thursday, September 13, with severe weather warnings already in effect.
Hurricane Helene has strengthened and become highly organized, with maximum sustained winds reaching 105 mph. It is forecast to become a major hurricane by tonight and then undergo steady weakening by late Tuesday.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected a thick ring of powerful storms around Hurricane Isaac's central dense overcast, with coldest cloud tops reaching minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next day or two before weakening by the middle of the week.
Hurricane Olivia is expected to affect Hawaii with strong winds and heavy rainfall, according to NASA. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has issued Tropical Storm Warnings for Maui County and a Tropical Storm Watch for Oahu.
Tropical Storm Paul is experiencing wind shear, displacing its strongest storms from the center. This displacement has led to a lack of well-organized convection and minimal banding features, according to the National Hurricane Center. As a result, weakening is forecast, and Paul is expected to become a remnant low in a few days.
Hurricane Florence's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph, making it a category 3 hurricane. Satellite data reveal powerful thunderstorms with cloud tops as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Olivia's eye is clearly visible in infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite, surrounded by extremely cold cloud top temperatures of minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is moving west-northwest at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph and is expected to weaken slowly through the weekend.
Hurricane Norman is being battered by strong wind shear, causing it to weaken and move northwest of the Hawaiian Islands. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph, with higher gusts and a large swell affecting east-facing shores.
Tropical Storm Florence is experiencing temporary wind shear, causing cloud top temperatures to warm, but forecasters predict it will restrengthen into a hurricane over the weekend. Large swells are expected to affect the US East Coast and Bermuda, resulting in life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Hurricane Norman's stronger storms have expanded beyond its center, with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storm is forecast to pass 200-300 miles northeast of the main Hawaiian Islands, bringing large and potentially dangerous surf.
The GPM core satellite revealed heavy rainfall rates of 50 mm/h near the eye of Hurricane Florence, with storms producing rain at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The satellite also provided estimates of storm heights using data from geostationary satellites and radar.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found heaviest rainfall rates at 1.5 inches per hour around the storm's compact eye. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 25 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach 115 miles out.
Hurricane Norman rapidly intensified from 85 to 115 mph with Norman now a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The center of the storm is located near latitude 19.5 degrees north and longitude 147.7 degrees west, moving towards the west-northwest.
Hurricane Olivia has weakened to a Category 2 storm with decreasing maximum sustained winds of near 110 mph, indicating reduced strength. The National Hurricane Center expects continued slow weakening over the next few days.
Hurricane Florence strengthened into a major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 120 mph (195 kph), according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite observations. The storm is expected to gradually weaken and then re-strengthen through the weekend.
Tropical Storm Gordon has the potential to generate heavy rainfall as it moves inland over several days, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicated by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instrument were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting a high risk of heavy rainfall.
NASA's Aqua satellite found three areas of strongest storms east of Gordon's center, indicating heavy rainfall potential. The storm's cloud top temperatures were near minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall.
Cold cloud top temperatures near minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit indicate heavy rainfall potential for Hurricane Olivia.
Hurricane Norman's strongest thunderstorms are located southeast of its center, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates the potential for heavy rain generation, and the storm is expected to remain powerful through next week.
Hurricane Miriam is tracking north through the Central Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures reaching as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rapid weakening is expected to begin later today and continue through Sunday, with Miriam becoming a post-tropical remnant low pressure area.
Hurricane Miriam is moving northwestward across the Central Pacific, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph. The storm is expected to intensify today and then rapidly weaken by Saturday night, remaining far away from land.
Researchers observed hurricane storm tops circling at very low temperatures, indicating intense energy and heavy rainfall potential. These findings provide critical insights into the dynamics of powerful storms.
Typhoon Jebi, a category 4 hurricane, is expected to strengthen and maintain its strength for one and a half days before weakening on September 1. The storm has a small eye and deepening convection, with warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear favoring continued intensification.
Tropical Storm Norman is rapidly intensifying, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 60 mph, and a high chance of becoming a hurricane by Thursday. The storm's infrared satellite signature indicates significant strengthening over the next couple of days.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Lane has ceased to be a tropical cyclone and will dissipate soon after hitting record-setting rainfall on the Hawaiian Islands. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of its final hours, showing wind shear taking its toll on the storm.
Tropical Depression 16E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with coldest cloud tops reaching minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm and potentially become a hurricane by Thursday.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected slight improvement in Tropical Storm Miriam's cloud pattern and convective organization on Aug. 27. The storm still exhibited wind shear effects, with coldest cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tropical cyclones regularly develop in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. NASA's GPM mission observed intense rainfall near Tropical Storm Miriam's center, with rain falling at over 190 mm per hour. The satellite's radar data revealed the 3D structure of precipitation within the storm, providing insights into energy release and fuel formation.
Hurricane Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with localized amounts up to 40 inches possible over Hawaiian Islands. The slow movement of the storm increases the threat for prolonged heavy rainfall and extreme rainfall totals.
The GPM core observatory satellite analyzed rainfall rates and cloud heights of Hurricane Lane on Aug. 22, revealing very heavy rain occurring within the storm's eye wall. The satellite showed moderate to heavy rainfall extending outward from the storm's center, posing a threat to the Hawaiian Islands with powerful storms.
A multi-national collaborative study found that the record number of tropical cyclones in 2005 is close to the maximum number that might occur in the North Atlantic given existing climate conditions. The study used climate models to estimate this maximum number, which was found to be relatively low.
NASA's Terra satellite monitored Hurricane Lane's powerful storms, confirming strong thunderstorms capable of heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to make a turn toward the Hawaiian Islands, bringing large swells and excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
The GPM satellite provided highly accurate information about precipitation within Hurricane Lane, revealing intense feeder bands and eye wall storms. Rainfall rates reached over 89 mm/hour near the hurricane's eye, with some areas dropping rain at a rate of over 143 mm/hour.
Tropical Storm Ernesto has brought light to moderate rainfall to the eastern Atlantic, with the Global Precipitation Measurement mission (GPM) detecting rainfall rates of up to 1.2 inches per hour. The storm is expected to become post-tropical and move across Ireland and the UK on Saturday night.
A GPM satellite scan revealed Hurricane Lane's strengthening to a Category 2 hurricane, with intense rainfall rates of over 128 mm/hour and towering cloud heights. The storm's formation eye wall was accurately mapped using the satellite's radar data.
A University of Rhode Island professor has discovered that lizards with shorter hind legs are more likely to survive hurricanes due to their ability to cling to vegetation. This unexpected finding suggests that natural selection may be at play, favoring traits that enhance survival during extreme weather events.
Tropical Storm Lane is strengthening, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong thunderstorms capable of heavy rain. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph, and it is forecast to become a hurricane by tomorrow and potentially a major hurricane over the weekend.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite detected Tropical Depression 14E in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on August 14. The depression is moving west at 14 mph and is expected to become a tropical storm over the next few days, with gradual strengthening forecast.
Tropical Storm John weakened to a remnant low pressure area after moving over cool waters, indicating a loss of strength due to colder ocean temperatures. The storm's convection vanished, and it is now classified as a post-tropical cyclone, expected to dissipate in a couple of days.
Tropical Storm Kristy has a strong core with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful storms capable of heavy rain. The storm is moving north-northeast at 9 mph, with a turn expected later today and gradual weakening by Saturday.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured Hurricane Hector's large eye after it passed the Hawaiian Islands. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Johnston Island, with swells expected to produce dangerous waves.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Debby on Aug. 8, revealing three areas of strongest thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm has transitioned from a subtropical to a tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided detailed coverage of hurricane John, revealing heavy rainfall in the eastern half of the hurricane. The satellite's radar data showed extremely heavy rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour just east of John's eye, with storms reaching altitudes of up to 13.5 km.
Hurricane Hector maintains its major hurricane status as it moves south of Hawaii, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The National Weather Service predicts tropical storm conditions and large surf along the Big Island and Maui, prompting monitoring from interests in Johnston Island.
Tropical Storm Ileana has weakened due to interaction with land and nearby Hurricane John, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission observed Tropical Storm John's strengthening on August 6, 2018, with intense rainfall in feeder bands. The satellite's radar data revealed storm tops reaching heights above 13.7 km, indicating the storm's potential for intensification into a hurricane.
Hurricane Hector remains a Category 4 storm despite slight weakening, threatening the Big Island of Hawaii with hurricane-force winds and large swells. The storm is expected to pass 165 miles south of the island on Wednesday, bringing tropical storm force winds and potentially hazardous conditions.
Tropical Storm Ileana is intensifying off the coast of Mexico, with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Hurricane Center predicts heavy rain and flash flooding in coastal areas, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches.