Articles tagged with Hurricanes
Tropical Cyclone Gita, a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale, is causing destruction and flooding in Fiji Islands. The storm's eye was located near 21.1 degrees south latitude and 179.1 degrees east longitude, with maximum sustained winds near 126.6 mph.
Heavy rainfall was triggered by Tropical Cyclone Gita, strengthening into a Category 4 hurricane on Feb 12. The storm produced intense rainfall rates of over 64 mm per hour in some areas, with the heaviest falls recorded northeast of Samoa at 224 mm per hour.
A study published in PLOS One compared pre- and post-Hurricane Harvey pollution levels in Houston's Manchester neighborhood, finding that flooding redistributed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Baseline data is crucial for understanding disaster-related public health issues.
Researchers develop risk assessment framework to incorporate three common failure modes into a comprehensive strategy. The analysis finds that any risk assessment must consider all pertinent failure modes of a structure.
Tropical Cyclone Cebile maintained its status as a major hurricane with sustained winds of 126.6 mph and an estimated eye visible through NASA's MODIS instrument. The storm is expected to weaken and turn southeast under adverse conditions.
Tropical Cyclone Cebile was a powerful hurricane in the Southern Indian Ocean when NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of its well-rounded circulation center. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 132 mph, centered near 16.1 degrees south latitude and 76.1 degrees east longitude.
A new study argues that US energy colonialism is a key cause of Puerto Rico's Hurricane María crisis, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure, debt crisis, and industrial contracts. The author calls for decarbonization and community control to address energy justice and sovereignty.
Tropical Cyclone Berguitta formed in the southwestern Indian Ocean on January 12, 2018, and showed intense rainfall rates around its center. The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 115 mph, but later dropped to 65 knots as it moved southwest.
Tropical Cyclone Ava made landfall along northeastern Madagascar's coast, as captured by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The eye of the storm was about 10 nautical miles wide and had strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 90 knots.
Researchers assess hurricane damage to Caribbean coral reefs, finding severe injury and changes in composition. Despite encouraging signs of recovery, scientists note increased vulnerability due to climate change and stressors.
New research shows human-induced climate change increased Hurricane Harvey's rainfall by at least 19 percent and potentially as much as 38 percent. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, confirms heavy rainfall events are increasing across the Gulf Coast region due to climate change.
Researchers are developing a new method to monitor hurricane intensity using seismic data, analyzing pressure changes on the surface that generate seismic waves. The technique, called beamforming backprojection, can detect even when the storm is still out at sea, offering a remote way to track storms.
Researchers developed a neural network-based model to assess coastal communities' resiliency to hurricanes. The model forecasts storms in terms of impacts, rather than just wind speed, and has been tested during real-time storms, including Hurricane Harvey.
Researchers analyzed anonymous Google location data to understand human mobility patterns before and after Hurricane Maria. Travel out of Puerto Rico increased by 20% the day before the storm, with people flocking to cities like Orlando and Miami for shelter.
A new MIT study finds that Texas will face a significant increase in the annual risk of extreme rainfall, rising from 1% to 18% by the end of the century. This rise is attributed to climate change, which is expected to shift the odds in terms of high-intensity storms around the world.
Post-tropical cyclone Rina has become a large storm in the North Central Atlantic, with sustained winds near 45mph. It is expected to move rapidly northeastward before dissipating over Ireland.
Researchers argue that central pressure deficit is a better indicator of economic damage from storms in the United States. The study suggests that this metric can be used to calculate peak wind speed, which could improve hurricane predictions.
Tropical Storm Rina has taken on a tight comma-cloud appearance, indicating it may be a sub-tropical cyclone. The storm is expected to turn north-northeast and then rapidly northeastward, with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph.
Tropical Depression Nineteen formed in the Central Atlantic Ocean despite wind shear conditions, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. The National Hurricane Center expects it to strengthen and potentially become a tropical storm later on Monday.
Researchers examine how civilians respond during disasters, highlighting the emergence of 'swarming' collective action. They aim to re-think traditional concepts like preparedness and response to marginalize vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to quickly collect building structure datasets from satellite images, supporting emergency response efforts after hurricanes. They also used neutrons to discover the molecular mechanism responsible for flow in a hydrogen-bonding liquid and studied a semiconducting material...
The City College of New York has received a $174,895 NSF RAPID grant to investigate the impacts of post-hurricane land-atmosphere interactions on convective and precipitation processes in the Caribbean region. Researchers will conduct field studies in Puerto Rico to improve their understanding of storm development and intensification.
Researchers from the University of Houston are studying the impact of rainwater surging into Galveston Bay, estimating 34 trillion gallons fell along the Texas-Louisiana coast. They will survey the sea bottom and collect sediment samples to understand extreme event sedimentation patterns.
Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipated near the border of El Salvador and Honduras as its maximum sustained winds decreased to near 30 mph. The cyclone's estimated minimum central pressure was 1007 millibars, with weakening continuing until it dissipates over the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Tropical Storm Selma has high potential for heavy rainfall due to very cold cloud top temperatures, posing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The storm is expected to make landfall in western El Salvador on Saturday night, October 28.
University of Houston researchers are part of a $5.3 million NSF-funded effort to better understand disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Steven Pennings will examine mangrove protection, while Hanadi Rifai will characterize chemical and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways.
A recent study from Florida State University found that Miami-Dade County is not fully equipped to handle pet sheltering during emergencies. The study highlights the need for pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelters, particularly for older adults who represent 50-75% of disaster deaths.
The USF team uses 3D imaging and photogrammetry techniques to preserve historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas. The project aims to document the forts' histories and cultural influences, strengthening management and conservation efforts.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite provided detailed thermal and precipitation data on Hurricane Ophelia, showing extreme heavy rainfall rates of over 8.4 inches per hour. The hurricane was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but expected to bring hurricane-force winds to Northern Ireland.
A new study published in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure predicts that warmer oceans will lead to higher wind speeds and larger storms, resulting in increased damage and financial losses due to hurricanes. The study estimates a 70% increase in hurricane-related financial loss by 2100 for coastal communities in South Carolina.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found Ophelia's heaviest rainfall south of the center, with rain falling at a rate of almost 3.2 inches per hour. The storm strengthened into a hurricane on Oct. 11, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph and higher gusts.
A UTSA researcher has been awarded a grant to study microbial contaminants in southeast and south central Texas waterways following Hurricane Harvey. The research aims to provide critical information on microbiological water quality, human health risk, and remediation strategies.
Tropical Storm Ophelia was observed as a comma-like shape in NASA's infrared imagery, with cold cloud tops reaching -63°C. The storm is moving eastward at 3 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane within the next 12 hours.
Tropical Storm Ophelia developed on Oct. 9, strengthening into a tropical storm with strong thunderstorms and an eye-like feature. NASA forecasts gradual strengthening over the next 48 hours, with Ophelia expected to become a hurricane by Thursday.
A stepped care approach is more effective in reducing PTSD prevalence than usual care in the aftermath of hurricanes. The study found that stepped care delivered greater reach, treatment effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness than usual care when it came to hurricane-related PTSD.
NASA's Aqua and Suomi NPP satellites analyzed cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Nate, revealing the strongest storms were near the center of the tropical cyclone. Temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit indicate strong thunderstorms capable of heavy rain.
The NASA's Aqua satellite provided valuable temperature data to forecasters, showing the strongest storms were located in Hurricane Nate's eastern side. The storm's cloud top temperatures reached as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain.
Tropical Storm Nate is forecasted to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across a wide area of Central America. The storm's center is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea, reaching the eastern coast of Mexico before moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico.
A University of Utah study found that summary displays and ensemble displays can be misinterpreted by novice viewers, leading to inaccurate risk assessments. The researchers suggest that media reports should provide more context to help the public understand hurricane forecast visualization methods.
Heavy rainfall is expected to occur over a wide area, including locations well away from the center, along the Pacific coast of Central America. The tropical cyclone is forecast to strengthen as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening coastal areas from Louisiana through the Florida panhandle.
Researchers found that hurricane-suppressing effects of cooler sea surface temperatures were outweighed by the side effects of slowed ocean circulation in Florida during the Younger Dryas period. Turbidites captured the fury of Florida's stormy days, revealing a surprising level of hurricane activity despite chilly seas.
Hurricane Lee is weakening due to wind shear, with forecasters predicting gusty winds in Ireland and the UK over Sept. 30-Oct. 1. NASA satellite imagery shows the storm's disorganization, with wind shear pushing clouds to the south and southeast of the eye.
Tropical Storm Maria weakened to a tropical storm on Sept. 28, with NASA monitoring its trajectory. The storm showed signs of strength in infrared light, but its cloud top temperatures indicated a capacity for heavy rainfall.
NASA's Aqua satellite detects coldest cloud top temperatures in thunderstorms south of Hurricane Lee's center, indicating a strong storm with the capability to produce heavy rainfall. The hurricane is expected to continue weakening due to increasing wind shear and cooler waters.
Hurricane Maria appears asymmetric due to vertical wind shear, with eastern clouds receiving more precipitation than the western side. GPM radar data shows light rain showers around the eye, but stronger storms are located northeast of the center.
Tropical Depression Pilar weakened to a remnant low pressure area, with disorganized clouds and weak convection south of Baja California. The National Hurricane Center forecasted scattered showers and thunderstorms in the region, yielding heavy rain.
NASA's Aqua satellite provided infrared data on Hurricane Maria, revealing the coldest cloud tops and strongest storms were located in the eastern quadrant, which could produce heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to weaken due to cooler sea surface temperatures.
A NASA satellite detected a strengthening Hurricane Lee, with colder cloud top temperatures indicating stronger storms. The storm's eye cleared out and warmed, while the eyewall cloud tops cooled to -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting heavy rainfall potential.
The Suomi NPP satellite analyzed Hurricane Maria in visible and infrared light, revealing intense rainfall bands with rates of over 6.57 inches per hour. The satellite's data helped forecasters predict storm track and strengthen, with Maria expected to become a tropical storm by Tuesday night.
Tropical Storm Lee strengthened into a tiny hurricane after being forgotten following Hurricane Irma and Maria's impact. It is expected to move west and northeast over open ocean waters, with maximum sustained winds near 90mph.
The Columbia Engineering team will design a methodology to test various adaptation strategies and their ability to protect interdependent infrastructure. They will investigate physical, protective options such as sea-walls and elevating houses to reduce damage from storm-induced flooding.
Tropical Storm Pilar formed off Mexico's coast on September 23 and continued to make landfall as a tropical depression. NASA's satellite imagery captured the storm's strong thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures, indicating potential for heavy rainfall and flooding in affected areas.
A new criterion for studying post-traumatic stress disorder in children has been developed, identifying those who need support services after a disaster. The study found that two-thirds of distressed children recover naturally over time, with factors such as social support and coping skills playing a key role.
The MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite found cloud top temperatures of strong thunderstorms in Maria's quadrant as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates that Maria has the capability to create heavy rain, posing a threat to coastal areas.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Jose is continuing to weaken off the New England coast, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm's slow southeastward drift will impact Bermuda and the US east coast, causing dangerous surf and rip current conditions.
Hurricane Maria continues to move in a northerly direction with an asymmetric distribution of convection due to southwesterly vertical wind shear, according to NASA. The storm's eye became filled with high clouds on September 22 before clearing again on the next day.
Cyclone Jose, a large storm with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 220 miles from its center, continues to bring conditions to southern New England. The storm is expected to meander off the coast of New England for several days, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and gradual weakening forecasted.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite provided a thermal image of Hurricane Maria, revealing the strongest sides of the storm. The National Weather Service reported heavy rain causing flooding in eastern Puerto Rico, with flood warnings issued until 5:45 p.m. EDT.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of large Tropical Storm Jose south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, showing a defined center of circulation. The storm is expected to continue meandering off the coast of southeast New England for several days.
NASA used a fleet of satellites to measure Hurricane Maria's rainfall, estimating totals greater than 10 inches (254 mm) along its track. The storm caused catastrophic flooding in Puerto Rico, with extreme flooding reported in San Juan and the capital city.