Research on hurricanes and tropical storms. Covers AI storm tracking, wind-damage assessment, warning systems, and Hurricane Hunter data.
Professor Lynn Shay has been elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for his outstanding contributions to atmospheric and oceanic sciences. His research focuses on upper ocean impacts on hurricane intensity changes, and he has published over 85 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
NASA's TRMM satellite provided critical clues to Philippe's strengthening, revealing towering thunderstorms and intense rainfall. The satellite's data showed deep convective towers reaching heights of over 13km, indicating the storm was intensifying.
Tropical Depression 10 and Tropical Storm Irwin formed in the eastern Pacific after Hurricane Hilary dissipated. The storms were detected by NASA's Aqua satellite, which captured strong convection around their centers of circulation.
Tropical Storm Philippe is battling intense wind shear from the northwest, causing heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms on its southeastern quadrant. The storm may strengthen and reach hurricane status in the next couple of days.
Hurricane Hilary is experiencing its heaviest rainfall in the northwest quadrant, with rain falling at 2 inches per hour. The storm is also showing signs of strengthening, with cloud tops cooling and towering clouds indicating increased power.
NASA satellite imagery revealed 'hot towers' around Hurricane Maria's center, indicating its inner strength and potential intensification. Cloud temperatures also showed strong convection and powerful thunderstorms, with cloud-top temperatures as cold as -63F/-52C.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite measured powerful convective storms dropping rainfall at over 50mm/hr northwest of Maria's center. Heavy rainfall bands were detected between the storm's center and Bermuda, with winds predicted to reach minimal hurricane strength by 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Tropical Storm Maria is approaching the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm may bring 3-5 inches of rainfall to the region, with isolated totals as high as 8 inches.
Researchers analyzed 61 years of tropical storm data to find correlations between hurricane tracks and climate patterns. They discovered that El Niño seasons tend to produce fewer storms, while those that do form are less likely to make landfall due to changes in atmospheric steering currents.
Tropical Storms Nate and Lee are affecting the Gulf of Mexico, while raging wildfires in Texas are also being monitored. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Nate to become a hurricane and make landfall in Mexico this weekend.
Hurricane Katia is causing rough surf along the U.S. east coast, while Tropical Storm Lee's remnants bring heavy rain to the Mid-Atlantic states. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Maria appears disorganized, and Tropical Storm Nate is expected to strengthen in the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche.
Tropical Storm Maria is expected to strengthen over the next two days, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. Hurricane Katia, a Category one hurricane, is moving between Bermuda and the U.S., prompting a tropical storm watch for the island.
NASA satellites have been monitoring Hurricane Katia's transition, capturing clear images of its cloud patterns and spiral shape characteristic of strong storms. The storm has undergone eyewall replacement, with a double-eyewall formation indicating it is likely to maintain major hurricane status.
Katia becomes a Category one hurricane with sustained winds near 75 mph, forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by Sunday.
The TRMM satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Katia's moderate to heavy rain and banding patterns, indicating a cyclonic circulation. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it encounters warmer waters and reduced wind shear, posing a threat to the Leeward Islands.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite has compiled rainfall total maps for Hurricane Irene, showing the eastern US was hit with extreme rainfall. The heaviest rainfalls were recorded in North Carolina and northeastern states, causing widespread flooding and damage.
Tropical Depression 12 strengthened into tropical storm Katia as daylight broke in the eastern Atlantic this morning. Katia is currently a compact tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane due to warm sea surface temperatures.
NASA satellites continue to monitor the remnants of Hurricane Irene as they bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to eastern Canada. The storm's massive size and remnants have caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in Quebec, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
NASA satellites monitor Tropical Storm Jose and newly formed Tropical Depression 12 in the Atlantic, while Hurricane Irene drenches Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada. The National Hurricane Center expects TD12 to strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane later this week due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
NASA satellites gathered detailed rainfall measurements and spotted heavy thunderstorms around Irene's center, indicating the storm's power. The storms were dropping rainfall at 2 inches per hour, with hurricane-force winds expected along the eastern U.S. coast.
Hurricane Irene's diameter is nearly one-third the length of the U.S. Atlantic coastline, with winds extending 255 miles from its center.
A Louisiana State University researcher is leading a multi-university team to investigate how disaster-impacted communities cope with disruptions and recover from past calamities. The study aims to identify traditional elements of resilience that enable coastal societies to bounce back after traumatic events.
Hurricane Irene strengthened into a major hurricane on the GOES-13 satellite video, reaching Category 3 status with 115mph winds. The storm is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina as a major hurricane, bringing devastating damage and heavy rainfall.
Researchers study paleo-hurricane records from South Carolina marshlands and find that spatio-lateral continuity of hurricane deposits is poor. High-precision geochronology of the Chinle Formation provides new insights into early dinosaur evolution and temporal constraints on their evolution.
The TRMM satellite captured detailed images of Hurricane Irene, revealing a lack of eye formation and organized circulation. Rainbands indicated low-pressure circulation, with areas of intense rain near the center, suggesting potential for strengthening.
Researchers confirmed that tropical cyclones with hot towers intensify faster than those without. Hurricane Irene featured multiple 'hot towers', leading to its intensification into a hurricane. The storm's heavy rainfall is expected across several Caribbean islands, with totals reaching up to 20 inches in some areas.
Tropical Depression 8 is expected to produce heavy rainfall across Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize, with total accumulations of 3-5 inches possible. Isolated areas may see up to 8 inches, posing a risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
NASA satellite data shows strong convection in both Tropical Storm Fernanda and Hurricane Greg, making them match in size. Both systems are moving towards the western coast of Mexico.
Tropical Storms Fernanda and Greg are chasing each other in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Fernanda appears more organized and stronger, while Greg is still developing its signature shape. Greg has moderate to heavy rainfall along the southwestern Mexico coastline.
Tropical Depression Emily made a brief comeback on August 6, strengthening to 30 mph winds before dissipating by Sunday. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Emily's thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures, showing signs of strengthening and heavy rain.
Researchers urge more stringent building standards to reduce property damage and loss of life in tornado and hurricane-prone areas. The new report highlights the need for tailored construction practices that consider local risks and specific storm events.
Tropical Storm Emily was formed and morphed into an elongated area of low pressure over the Caribbean Sea. A 60% chance of a comeback is given by the National Hurricane Center due to favorable upper-level winds on the weekend.
NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured the formation of Tropical Storm Don, which strengthened into a tropical depression and then storm over two days. The storm is expected to bring isolated showers and tropical storm-force winds to Texas coast, potentially providing drought relief.
NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured an image of Tropical Depression Bret, Tropical Storm Cindy, and a low-pressure area associated with a tropical wave in the Caribbean. The storm system is located in two ocean basins, with Bret and Cindy racing through the North Atlantic and Hurricane Dora weakening in the eastern Pacific.
Hurricane Dora's eye was visible on multiple NASA satellites, including Aqua and GOES-11, providing forecasters with clear views of the storm's intensification. The National Hurricane Center expects some weakening by tonight and rapid weakening on Friday as Dora battles wind shear and cooler waters.
A triple-header of tropical cyclones was captured by the GOES-13 satellite on July 20, including System 99L, Tropical Storm Bret, and Hurricane Dora. System 99L is showing signs of organization and potential to become a tropical depression in the next 48 hours.
Frigid cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Dora's thunderstorms indicate their strength and power. The storm's strong convection and rapid rising air formed a large area of very cold and powerful thunderstorms around the center.
Tropical Storm Dora has strengthened to near-hurricane strength, expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to southern Mexico. Cloud top temperatures have dropped significantly, indicating increasing convection and thunderstorm activity.
Tropical Storm Bret is experiencing a weakening convective uplift due to dry air intrusion, resulting in decreased thunderstorm intensity and cloud top temperatures of -63F (-52C). The National Hurricane Center forecasts Bret to dissipate by the weekend as it battles increasing wind shear.
Tropical Storm Bret formed in the northwestern Bahamas on July 17, strengthened into a tropical storm by July 18, and continued to intensify. The GOES-13 satellite recorded the storm's development, providing a video of its birth and strengthening process.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured clear images of Typhoon Ma-on's eye, indicating a strong storm. The typhoon has strengthened to Category Four status with maximum sustained winds at 132 mph.
A study by North Carolina State University found that organized sports can bring people together and provide hope in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. The research highlighted both the positive and negative impacts of sports on community recovery.
Tropical Storm Arlene made landfall near Cabo Rojo in northeastern Mexico on June 30 at 7 a.m. EDT, moving westward with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm caused significant rainfall, leading to flash flooding and mudslides in mountainous areas.
Tropical Storm Arlene formed over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, strengthening into a full-fledged hurricane with sustained winds near 40 mph. The GOES-13 satellite captured the storm's development from June 27 to June 28, revealing its transformation from a low-pressure area to a tropical storm.
Scientists studied contrail effects on climate, finding a small positive contribution from line-shaped contrails. Researchers also investigated Aboriginal forest burning's influence on the Australian summer monsoon, discovering it altered local climate and extended dry season.
Hurricane Beatriz developed an eye that opened on microwave imagery but closed on visible imagery, appearing to give satellites a 'wink' as it brought heavy rains and high surf to the southwestern Mexican coast. The storm strengthened into a hurricane by June 20 night and made landfall near Manzanillo, Mexico.
Tropical Storm Beatriz is strengthening towards hurricane status, according to NASA satellite imagery, which revealed powerful thunderstorms and cloud tops cooling. The storm is expected to bring excessive rainfall, life-threatening flash floods, and mudslides to southwestern Mexico.
System 92E is a low-pressure area in the Eastern Pacific Ocean that has gained organization and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm. Favorable environmental conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures and light vertical wind shear, are contributing to its development.
Hurricane Adrian's rapid dissipation was captured by NASA's Aqua satellite on June 10, revealing a rounded-pinwheel shape with a visible eye. The storm weakened to remnant low pressure area status by Sunday, June 12, with maximum sustained winds between 20-30 knots.
Tropical Depression 1A formed in the Arabian Sea on June 11, bringing heavy rainfall to regions near Gir Forest National Park. The system weakened quickly, with satellite imagery showing disorganized clouds by June 13, and was expected to dissipate rapidly.
NASA satellite imagery shows Adrian's eye despite overcast clouds, revealing strong thunderstorms and a minimum central pressure of 948 millibars. The storm is expected to stay at sea but will stir up rough surf along the southwestern coast of Mexico.
Hurricane Adrian has plenty of strong thunderstorms over 9 miles high, fueled by warm ocean water. The storm's eye is confirmed by NASA's infrared image, with coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit.
NASA has confirmed Tropical Depression 05W (TD05W) as the fifth NW Pacific tropical depression, bringing rainfall to the northwestern Philippines. The storm is expected to intensify into a tropical storm and move toward southern China.
Tropical Storm Adrian forms in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, strengthening with high cloud tops and moderate rainfall, triggering a tropical storm watch in Mexico. The storm is forecast to reach hurricane strength by the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical Depression 1E forms near Acapulco, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1006 millibars. TRMM data reveals hot towers reaching heights of up to 16 km, indicating intense energy within the storm.
A low-pressure area, System 93L, has formed off the North Carolina coast and is now located off northeastern Florida. The storm is expected to move over northern Florida later today, bringing scattered strong thunderstorms and isolated thunderstorms to the region.
A recent study reveals that households in New Orleans broke up more than double the national rate following Hurricane Katrina. The study found that extended-family households were especially vulnerable to breakups due to their composition and response to economic need.
Rima Taher, a civil and structural engineer at NJIT, presents research on designing low-rise buildings for extreme winds and hurricanes. Her recommendations include using square or hexagonal floor plans with multiple-sloped roofs to improve wind resistance.
The SSPEED Center will focus on four key areas: the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, Galveston city, and low-lying coastal lands. The goal is to develop and evaluate alternative concepts for protecting these areas in light of new regulations.
A Virginia Tech researcher is working on developing mathematical-based computer models to help emergency managers better plan, train, and carry out complex evacuation tasks. The goal is to create efficient and safe evacuation strategies for hospitals and entire coastal communities.