Research on hurricanes and tropical storms. Covers AI storm tracking, wind-damage assessment, warning systems, and Hurricane Hunter data.
A new study reveals that lower-quality public housing units are disproportionately located in areas with high flood risk, putting residents at risk of catastrophic damage. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color and those with limited ability to recover from flooding.
A recent survey by Purdue University found that nearly 21% of households in heavily affected states reported sometimes or often not having enough to eat within seven days of the storms' impact. Many respondents increased their food spending due to stockpiling, price increases, and access issues.
Recent studies analyze hurricane damage, water flow into dams, marine heatwaves, and the impact of air pollution on vegetable market prices in South Korea. Hurricane Katrina remains the most damaging U.S. hurricane, while a new system predicts extreme air pollution episodes in India's New Delhi megacity.
Research from the University of Kansas found that American and Canadian universities have made progress in addressing climate change in their curriculum, but vary widely in how they approach it. The majority of programs include climate change as an elective course, with a focus on adaptation rather than mitigation.
A new UN University study reveals Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts, with over 31,000 buildings affected and $12.5 billion in threatened property value. The disaster highlights the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and improved land-use planning to mitigate future extreme weather events.
A new AI tool generates realistic satellite images of future flooding, which can help communities visualize and prepare for approaching storms. The method combines a generative artificial intelligence model with a physics-based flood model, producing more accurate and realistic images than an AI-only approach.
A new machine learning algorithm reconstructs wind fields quickly and accurately, even with limited observational data. This enhances storm forecasting and hazard preparedness by providing valuable data on a tropical cyclone's intensity and potential impact.
New studies reveal significant increases in Atlantic hurricane seasons and derecho events, while also highlighting the dangers of turbulence near thunderstorms and extreme heat stress. Climate models predict a rise in precipitation extremes across US cities, particularly during winter and spring.
Gravity waves generated by Hurricane Helene were recorded 55 miles above the ground using NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment. The study helps understand how terrestrial weather affects space weather and disrupts satellites.
A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that triple exposure areas, where flood risk, social vulnerability, and climate change denial converge, hinder preparedness and resilience. These regions often have underestimated flooding risks, low income, mobility limitations, and skepticism towards climate change.
During recent hurricanes Harvey, Imelda, Laura, and Florence, social media buzz focused on politics, pets, and human-interest stories, drowning out important public safety messages. Researchers found that descriptive messaging about storms outperforms safety messages in reaching a broad audience.
Researchers at FSU and South Korea have improved hurricane intensity forecasting by accounting for the impact of sea spray on storms. By analyzing data from hurricane hunter airplanes, they found that sea spray increases heat and moisture in the atmosphere, leading to more accurate intensity forecasts.
International experts warn that climate change will have a significant impact on emergency medical services globally, with 62% of respondents saying no assessment or action has been taken. The need for mitigation actions, education, and research is considered crucial in all regions.
Researchers created a modeling tool to design more robust marine hydrokinetic technologies and inform risk assessments for financing and permitting. The tool estimates the fragility curve of devices, helping developers create mooring systems that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
New research reveals hurricanes and tropical storms in the U.S. cause a surge of deaths for nearly 15 years after a storm hits, with an estimated 3.6 million to 5.2 million total deaths. The study also finds that Black individuals are three times more likely to die after a hurricane than white individuals.
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
A new study by NSF NCAR reveals that detecting Kelvin waves can predict active hurricane periods weeks in advance, allowing forecasters to prepare for potential storms. The research used innovative computer modeling to analyze the connection between Kelvin waves and hurricanes.
Researchers analyzed nighttime light data to assess power restoration rates in urban and rural areas, finding disparities between socioeconomic status and community type. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address these disparities and improve disaster recovery.
A study by Stanford University researchers reveals a previously unknown relationship between Sahara dust plumes and hurricane rainfall. Thicker dust plumes can lead to heavier rainfall, while thinner ones may suppress hurricane formation over the ocean.
Researchers have found eight storm deposits in New Jersey's Cheesequake State Park wetlands, including evidence of a hurricane as early as 1584. These sediment records allow for a new geological record to be generated, enabling scientists to look further back in time than current instrumentation allows.
A new US-based database of hurricane evacuation orders can help leaders and communities increase resilience, create better policy, and ultimately reduce loss of life. The HEvOD database includes nationwide public-facing evacuation orders from 2014-2022, offering insights into effective strategies for future emergencies.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
Researchers found that higher atmospheric moisture produced weaker and slower-moving African easterly waves, making it harder for hurricanes to form. The study used innovative modeling capabilities to simulate the effects of increased regional moisture on hurricane formation.
Researchers have identified over 3,700 species threatened by natural disasters, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The study suggests strategies such as captive breeding programs and translocation to prevent extinctions.
Researchers found that early forecast information sets the stage for how people react to subsequent warning messages, and authoritative sources can better engage at-risk community members. The study identified the most effective types of images in conveying hurricane risks, with the 'cone of uncertainty' being the most retweeted graphic.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.
Texas A&M University researchers have developed a 3D visualization technology to identify potential outcomes of hurricane flooding before it occurs. This allows for improved safety and reduced damage costs. The technology can also model specific buildings, accounting for basements, back entrances, and windows.
A LSU study found that chronic relative sea level rise combined with short-term weather-related shocks, such as droughts and hurricanes, led to the decline of Phragmites-dominated stands in the marsh. The study suggests elevating marsh beds with sediment can improve resilience.
A new remote sensing method captures details of hurricane Ian's aftermath, identifying 2,427 structures impacted by the storm. The study found that most damaged structures were single-family and multi-unit residences, with a total assessed value of over $200 million.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
Researchers developed a comprehensive modeling method to predict energy losses during hurricanes. The U.S.-Caribbean super grid configuration showed the highest power reliability increase. The study has broad implications for renewable integration and U.S. energy independence from fossil fuels.
Research published in Global Change Biology indicates that a single hurricane can down 4.6–9.4% of New England's aboveground forest carbon. The study also shows that current carbon market policies are insufficiently buffered against the risks posed by hurricanes, which could lead to catastrophic emissions
A study analyzed over 2,000 tweets before and after Hurricane María made landfall, revealing insights into social media use during disasters. The research identified key categories of messages, including information about the disaster, emotional appeals for help, and solidarity efforts among marginalized communities.
Residents in Florida and Texas exhibit declining personal risk perception after hurricanes, with average risks decreasing as time passes. However, long-term proactive adaptations are needed to counteract the paradoxical effects of climate change on risk perceptions.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that severe hurricanes can increase the recovery of coral reef sponges by boosting the influx of juveniles and promoting gene flow. Genetic analyses revealed that populations of clonal marine species may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes to maintain gen...
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that low- to mid-level flooding events are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can overwhelm the system and cause a flood downstream. The study developed a mathematical framework to identify vulnerabilities in stormwater systems, allowing municipalities to assess their risks.
A new study published in Nature Energy finds that protecting a small but critical set of power lines can prevent large-scale outages almost entirely. The method identifies the most critical lines and increases the system's resilience, reducing the risk of major power outages in regions or cities by up to 99%.
A study published in PLOS ONE predicts that climate change will inundate over 4,200 archaeological sites along the US state's coast, with nearly 5,000 at risk by 2100. The authors used a predictive model to account for storm surge events, highlighting the need for cultural heritage managers to take action.
A recent study found that rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones (RI) are already more hazardous than normal TCs and will worsen coastal flooding under future climate warming. RI events may increase by 10-30% for each degree of global mean temperature increase, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
A recent study from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center highlights the significant gaps in understanding and addressing the effects of hurricanes and extreme weather events on biological, psychosocial, and clinical outcomes among cancer survivors. The research reveals that these events can disrupt cancer care, exacerbate stress levels, an...
Researchers introduce a hypothetical Category 6 hurricane classification to address increasing intensity and damage from hurricanes. With global warming projected to increase storm risks by up to 50% near the Philippines and doubling in the Gulf of Mexico, the new classification aims to raise awareness about the growing threat.
Researchers suggest introducing a hypothetical Category 6 storm with winds exceeding 192 mph, citing increased risk in Southeast Asia and the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed change aims to raise awareness about growing major hurricane risks under climate change.
A new compound flooding model predicts that New York City will experience historic and devastating floods every 30 years by the end of this century, a fivefold increase from the present climate. The tool helps city planners prepare and protect against future disasters by providing detailed flood forecasts.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that certain symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with a higher risk of substance use among children after a natural disaster. The study identified irritable behavior and angry outburst symptoms as being linked to the greatest risk for coping through...
Researchers found local rivers and streams to be the source of Salmonella enterica contamination after Hurricane Florence, contradicting assumptions about pig farms. The study has critical implications for disease control and prevention in coastal regions affected by tropical storms.
Two new studies show that renters living along the East and Gulf coasts experience rent increases, higher eviction rates, and less affordable housing after a hurricane. Renters often lack access to post-disaster government aid and benefits from federal mitigation programs.
Researchers developed a geoknowledge-guided GPT model that extracted location data from Hurricane Harvey tweets with an accuracy rate 76% better than default models. The model recognized complete location descriptions, enabling first responders to reach victims more quickly and potentially saving lives.
Research by The Jones Center at Ichauway found that hurricanes increase cone production in longleaf pine by 31% and 71% two years after the event, suggesting a possible explanation for the masting phenomenon. This discovery sheds light on the role of weather conditions in triggering seed germination.
A team of researchers used trail cameras and GPS collars to track the effects of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park's mammal community. They found that body size was a key predictor of survival, with smaller animals more vulnerable to the storm's impact.
A study analyzing Twitter posts and news articles found that people in states affected by hurricanes discussed climate change up to 200% more frequently after the storm. However, these discussions were often related to unreliable news sources that promoted conspiracy theories about global warming.
New research identifies two modes of rapid intensification, one linked to favorable environmental conditions and warm surface waters, the other triggered by major bursts of thunderstorms far from the storm's center. These findings may lead to better understanding and prediction of catastrophic hurricanes.
A new Rowan University study reveals a 50-year trend in Atlantic hurricane intensification linked to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. The research shows that hurricanes are developing and strengthening faster, with more intense storms along the US east coast.
A recent study found that Atlantic hurricanes are now twice as likely to strengthen from weak to major intensity in a 24-hour period than between 1970 and 1990. The study suggests that warmer oceans under climate change are driving this increase, with the fastest intensification typically occurring over warm sea surface temperatures.
A study by researchers in the US and Indonesia found that women exposed to the 2004 tsunami had lower cortisol levels 14 years later, linked to stress and 'burnout' of the HPA-axis. The research provides insights into the long-term impacts of climate change on populations worldwide.
A new study confirms the presence of deadly Vibrio bacteria in Florida's coastal waters following Hurricane Ian. The research, led by University of Maryland senior author Rita Colwell, found high levels of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, particularly in oyster samples from Lee County.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey's record flooding, researchers discovered a unique form of evolutionary change called spatial sorting that dominated the evolution of Jadera haematoloma bugs. This rapid adaptation allowed them to access seeds on goldenrain trees, outcompeting native species with longer beaks.
Research reveals that Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are arriving three to four days earlier with each passing decade due to climate change. This shift in seasonal cycle can lead to compounding extreme events and challenges community preparedness.
Researchers found that human-induced aerosol emissions largely drive temperature fluctuations in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, impacting Sahel rainfall and hurricane formation. The study's results suggest a correlation between reduced aerosol emissions and increased Atlantic hurricane activity and Sahel rainfall.