Research on hurricanes and tropical storms. Covers AI storm tracking, wind-damage assessment, warning systems, and Hurricane Hunter data.
Tropical Storm Bertha has formed off the coast of South Carolina, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing critical forecast guidance. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash flooding across eastern and central South Carolina, as well as western North Carolina and southwest Virginia.
Mangga transitioned to an extra-tropical storm, losing tropical characteristics and retaining hurricane-force winds. The system brought damaging winds and high tides to Western Australia.
The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of post-tropical storm Arthur on May 19, revealing a weak circulation with clouds northeast and east of the center. The storm is expected to weaken and move southeast through Thursday, affecting waters in the Bahamas.
Tropical cyclones have increased in intensity over the past four decades, with wind speeds of at least 100 knots rising by approximately 15% between early and latter halves of record. The increase corresponds to a statistically significant rate of 8% per decade, consistent with physical theory and numerical simulations.
Tropical Storm Arthur remains poorly organized with strongest storms along the southeastern coast of North Carolina. Infrared data reveals strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a high risk of heavy rainfall.
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.
The NASA Aqua satellite revealed a unique feature of Cyclone Amphan: high concentrations of water vapor surrounding the storm's eye. This characteristic can lead to intense rainfall and stronger storms. The satellite data showed coldest cloud top temperatures as low as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
A low-pressure area, System 90L, is developing in the Straits of Florida, with NASA's Aqua satellite measuring cloud top temperatures indicating stronger storms. The system has a high chance of development into a tropical or subtropical storm by Saturday.
Typhoon Vongfong, also known as Typhoon Ambo, is strengthening to a typhoon strength in the Philippines. NASA's Terra satellite detected powerful storms with cold cloud top temperatures, indicating strong rainfall potential.
Researchers at Florida State University have found that even minor changes in atmospheric conditions can lead to the development of hurricanes. The study used numerical models to simulate cloud formation and found that most simulations produced major hurricanes in a range of latitudes, including areas near the equator.
Tropical Depression 1E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on April 25 and reached its peak with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The system weakened as it encountered dry air and cooler sea-surface temperatures, eventually becoming a post-tropical remnant low.
A recent study discovered that lizards in areas frequently affected by hurricanes have larger, stronger toepads than those not exposed to such storms. This suggests that hurricanes play a significant role in shaping the evolution of lizard populations across different geographic and phylogenetic scales.
A new study reveals that hurricanes trigger evolutionary changes in island lizards, resulting in larger toepads in populations frequently affected by the storms. The research, spanning 12 island populations and 188 Anolis species, shows a significant correlation between hurricane frequency and toepad size.
Climate scientists predict that human-caused warming will cause a significant slowdown in hurricane motion, particularly in populated mid-latitude regions. This could result in more damage from storms lingering over an area, like Hurricane Dorian, which had a translational speed of just 1.3 mph.
Cyclone Harold's transformation into an extra-tropical cyclone was captured by NASA's Terra satellite, revealing elongated clouds and convection displaced to the southeast. The system is undergoing a transition characterized by wind shear and baroclinic processes, which may retain hurricane-force winds.
Tropical Cyclone Harold generated heavy rain due to cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms. NASA's IMERG algorithm provided near-real-time precipitation estimates, helping gain a greater understanding of major storms.
NASA's IMERG satellite rainfall product reveals intense precipitation rates of over 30 millimeters per hour from Hurricane Harold's core region, resulting in significant flooding rains and strong winds.
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.
Tropical Cyclone Irondro is intensifying in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its organized storm structure and developing cloud-filled eye. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts maximum sustained winds near 75 knots by April 4.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite provides visible image of newly formed Tropical Cyclone Harold near Solomon Islands. The storm threatens Vanuatu, which has issued warnings for damaging gale force winds.
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.
A new study finds that hurricanes Irma and Maria combined to knock down a quarter of Puerto Rico's tree biomass, with rain dominating the damage caused by wind. The research suggests that future hurricanes stoked by warming climates may be even more destructive to forests than previously thought.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a comprehensive statistical framework to predict the evolution of floods in extreme situations like hurricanes. The algorithm considers underground drainage channels to provide an accurate representation of how floods propagate, enabling timelier emergency response.
A new study estimates the monetary value of wetlands' property-protecting services, with one square kilometer valued at $1.8 million annually. Coastal counties with more wetlands experience less property damage from hurricanes and tropical storms.
US counties with more wetlands experienced significantly less property damage from hurricanes and tropical storms over a recent 20-year period. Coastal wetlands serve as natural levees, reducing property damage by up to $430 million in Florida since 1996.
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.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of Tropical Cyclone Francisco re-developing a rounded shape with thunderstorms spiraling into its center. The storm is expected to make landfall over Madagascar and weaken as it tracks inland, dissipating on Feb. 15.
Tropical Cyclone Francisco formed on Feb 5, 2020, with powerful thunderstorms and shallow banding wrapping into the center. The storm is forecast to intensify slightly before weakening over the next day and a half, moving southeastward.
Tropical Cyclone Esami formed on January 24 and dissipated three days later due to weakening winds. NASA's Aqua satellite imagery confirmed the storm's dissipation on January 27.
Tropical Storm Blake is moving south and is expected to make landfall near Wallal Downs early Wednesday morning. The storm's center was located just off shore from Bidyadanga, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph (47 mph) on January 7.
A recent study by Stony Brook University confirms that climate change affected Hurricane Florence's intensity and rainfall patterns. The research found that the storm was 80 kilometers larger due to climate change, with increased rainfall amounts of up to 50% in certain areas.
Tropical Storm Calvinia has moved south of the island of Mauritius in the Southern Indian Ocean, with a tropical cyclone warning class III still in effect. The storm is expected to turn southeast and strengthen to 65 knots, eventually becoming extra-tropical after January 1.
NASA's Terra satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Phanfone, revealing maintained circular shape and thunderstorm bands. The storm is forecast to weaken and move toward Hainan Island, China.
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 physicist has developed a new model predicting the increased destructive power of hurricanes as water temperatures rise. The model is based on a physics principle and suggests that the destructive power of Atlantic hurricanes off Africa could reach three times their current level if water temperatures increase by 2 degrees Celsius.
Researchers have discovered a new seismic phenomenon originating at the ocean floor due to powerful storms. Stormquakes, characterized by magnitude 3.5 quakes, are caused by storm-induced pressure zones on the seafloor. The track of the storm and depth of the ocean play key roles in determining whether a stormquake occurs.
Tropical Cyclone 02S is strengthening and consolidating as it moves west-southwest towards Madagascar. The storm's shape and organization indicate a shift from weakening to strengthening, with NASA monitoring its progress using satellite data.
Research finds that torrential rains are more severe after a hurricane has weakened to a tropical storm. This counterintuitive finding highlights the importance of considering weakening storms in disaster preparedness plans.
Tropical Storm Pawan, located near latitude 9.5 degrees north and longitude 55.9 degrees east, is moving to the west with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots (45 mph/74 kph). The storm is expected to weaken over the next day as it approaches Somalia.
Tropical Cyclone Ambali rapidly intensified after forming as a tropical depression, reaching hurricane status on Dec. 5 with maximum sustained winds of 81 mph/130 kph.
Tropical Storm 06A is maintaining its strength in the Arabian Sea, with powerful storms indicating heavy rainfall potential. The storm is expected to make landfall in east central Somalia late on Dec. 6.
Tropical Storm Kammuri's center of circulation is nearly centered in the South China Sea, with a tail of clouds streaming over Luzon and northern Philippines. The storm appears to be elongating, indicating weakening, as forecasters predict it will dissipate by December 6.
Extra-Tropical Storm Sebastien has transitioned from a tropical storm, coupling with a cold front and headed for the United Kingdom. The storm is forecast to affect southern England, with potential for heavy rain and flooding over the next several days.
A recent study found that people who pray before donating tend to give less than they would have otherwise. However, simply thinking about the victims had no significant effect on donation levels. The research suggests that prayers can act as a substitute for material help in some contexts.
Tropical Storm Sebastian showed very high, powerful storms with cold cloud top temperatures in the southwestern quadrant, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. Wind shear prevented the storm from intensifying, leading to gradual weakening and eventual dissipation.
Kalmaegi, known as Tropical Cyclone Ramon in the Philippines, was a tropical depression that dissipated over the South China Sea. The storm's weakening was confirmed by NASA's Aqua satellite, which captured images of its shapeless form on November 21.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, showing strong thunderstorms around its low-level center. The storm is moving north and weakening rapidly, with maximum sustained winds of 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph).
Tropical Storm Sebastien is being pushed towards becoming a hurricane due to strong winds and low pressure. NASA's Terra satellite has captured images showing the storm's clouds and showers have been displaced by wind shear, weakening its rotation.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provides near-real-time rain estimates for Tropical Storm Sebastien, revealing moderate rainfall rates of up to 17.0 mm/hour east of the center. The storm is expected to become an extratropical cyclone in a couple of days and be absorbed by a cold front on Friday.
Typhoon Kalmaegi is moving towards the northern Philippines, causing signal warnings in Luzon provinces. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 86mph and is expected to weaken rapidly as it enters the South China Sea.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of newly formed Tropical Storm Sebastien northeast of the Leeward Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is moving northwest at 8mph and may strengthen slightly over the next day.
Typhoon Kalmaegi is affecting the northern Philippines with signal warnings in effect. The NASA Terra satellite captured an image of the storm, revealing its oblong eye covered by high clouds. Forecasters predict the storm will weaken as it moves into the South China Sea.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected light rain falling at a rate of 0.4 inches per hour from Tropical Depression Fengshen on November 18. The storm is expected to become a remnant low-pressure system later that day.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission found light rain falling at a rate of 0.4 inches per hour in Tropical Depression 21E. The depression, which never matured into a tropical storm, is expected to dissipate by Nov 21.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected highest water vapor concentrations and coldest cloud top temperatures north and west of Kalmaegi's center. This analysis provides critical data on the storm's development potential and intensity.
Tropical Storm Raymond has strengthened and organized into a tropical storm, with winds reaching near 45 mph and estimated minimum central pressure of 1005 millibars. The system is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 2-4 inches across southern Baja California Sur, posing life-threatening flash flood risks.
Typhoon Fengshen strengthened from a tropical storm to a typhoon with an eye, producing deep convection and strong thunderstorms. The storm made landfall near Japan's Iwo To Island, expected to weaken over the next five days.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured heavy rainfall exceeding 1.6 inches per hour in Tropical Storm Fengshen. The storm is forecast to intensify through Friday and pass just north of Agrihan, with maximum sustained winds reaching 40 mph.
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute find that hurricanes have increased in size and destructive force, with a clear climate signal behind the trend. The new calculation method reveals a significant increase in the frequency of the most destructive hurricanes, which now rival those from the past century.
A study from 1900 to 2018 found that hurricanes have become more damaging over time. The researchers developed a method to compare the impact of hurricanes across centuries and found that storms with high land area destruction increased in frequency faster than moderately damaging storms.