Articles tagged with Storms
A rapid succession of coronal mass ejections sent a pulse of magnetized plasma towards Earth, potentially causing widespread disruptions to the electrical grid and disabling satellites. Fortunately, the event occurred just nine days too late, narrowly missing the planet.
Researchers will assess how vulnerable coastlines are to future extreme Atlantic storms, which are expected to become more frequent. They aim to develop adaptation strategies that might be implemented before future storms.
New NASA Van Allen Probes observations help scientists test and improve a model to forecast radiation environment changes in near-Earth space. By combining data from the Van Allen Probes with computer simulations, researchers can better predict how particles and energy affect the Earth's atmosphere.
The TRMM satellite's data revealed a large low-pressure center in the Pacific Ocean moving towards California, resulting in over four inches of rain and evacuation orders. The storm then affected Arizona, New Mexico, and eventually the Ohio Valley, with precipitation and snow covering large areas of the Eastern US.
Scientists at MIT and NASA have identified a process in the Earth's magnetosphere that reinforces its shielding effect, keeping incoming solar energy at bay. A plume of low-energy plasma particles slows magnetic reconnection, blunting the sun's effects on Earth.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible and infrared imagery of Tropical Cyclone Dylan as it began landfalling in Queensland, Australia. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 55 knots and was expected to dissipate within one day.
A 27-year study found that climate change is a major cause of chick death in Magellanic penguin colonies, with an average of 65% of chicks dying per year. The rising frequency of storms and heatwaves is particularly detrimental to young penguins, who struggle to regulate their body temperature.
The TRMM satellite provided detailed time series data on Tropical Cyclone Ian, capturing its intense rainfall rates of over 169 mm/hour around the eye. The satellite's data revealed a well-defined eye wall with powerful thunderstorms reaching heights of up to 15 km.
Cyclone Ian has been battered by strong wind shear, causing its bulk of precipitation to shift east and southeast. The storm's temperature varied greatly, with coldest cloud tops near -63F/-52C in some areas.
Researchers created image-based mobile phone alerts connected to the Weather Research and Forecasting system to track Cyclone Phailin's progression. This alert system has the potential to save lives and property in India, reaching an estimated 97% of the population.
Leading scientists will examine the western tropical Pacific Ocean's 'global chimney,' which shapes climate and air chemistry globally. The region fuels heat and moisture into thunderstorms that loft gases and particles into the stratosphere, influencing climate patterns.
Tropical Cyclone Bruce is experiencing strong effects of wind shear and cooling ocean waters, leading to its rapid weakening. The NASA Aqua satellite captured images of the storm on December 24, showing a low-level center exposed to outside winds and rapidly decaying.
Research suggests that tropical forests play a crucial role in regulating water flow, with forested land releasing more water than grasslands during the late dry season. The study's findings support the sponge effect phenomenon, which aims to minimize flood damage and maximize water availability in the tropics.
Tropical Cyclone Amara has an elongated eye visible on NASA satellite images, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 80 knots. The storm is in a region of low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, allowing it to intensify rapidly.
A massive ejection of material from the sun in 2012 could have created a technological disaster if it hit Earth, short-circuiting satellites and power grids. The event highlights the need for society to prepare for severe space weather events.
A U of A research team has identified a giant cosmic accelerator above the Earth, accelerating particles to near-light speeds within the Van Allen radiation belt. The discovery could improve space weather forecasts and protect man-made systems from damage.
Researchers found that pollution decreases the size of cloud and ice particles, making them linger in the sky. This leads to taller, bigger anvil-shaped clouds that cool the earth during the day but trap heat at night.
Tropical Storm Helen is affecting southeastern India with strong winds, rough seas, and a storm surge of up to 1.5 meters. The storm is expected to weaken as it nears the coast, making landfall in Tenali on November 22.
Ex-tropical storm 30W has re-developed into a low-pressure area near Chennai, India, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to make landfall within the next two days. The system is moving west-southwest at 9 knots per hour, bringing up to 10 inches of rain to northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.
Cyclone 03A made landfall in east central Somalia on Nov. 11 with sustained winds of tropical-storm force, before moving inland where it is dissipating over eastern Ethiopia. NASA satellites captured images of the storm before and after landfall, showing concentrated thunderstorms around its center.
The sun continues to produce mid-level and significant solar flares, including an X1.0 flare on Oct. 27 and an M5.1 flare on Oct. 28, potentially impacting Earth's atmosphere and electronic systems. The recent activity is part of the sun's normal 11-year activity cycle.
The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean season formed on October 27 and dissipated by October 28. The storm was characterized by an elongated low-level circulation center battling wind shear.
NASA's Terra satellite captured visible and infrared data on Lekima, revealing its 20 nautical mile-wide eye with intense thunderstorms. The storm's powerful winds were near 140 knots, extending 55 nautical miles from the center.
Tropical Storm Octave made landfall in western Mexico on October 13, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region. The storm's remnants caused significant flooding and damage, particularly in the state of Sonora.
A University of Illinois survey found that homeowners are willing to pay for storm-water runoff management to reduce flooding in their basements. The study also showed a strong demand for water quality improvements and environmental benefits, with residents willing to pay for low-impact development approaches.
Researchers found that three insect species altered their mating behaviors in response to falling air pressure, which may reduce injury and death. The study suggests insects are adapted to respond to potential bad weather, impacting not only individual animals but also ecological communities.
A new study investigates why gorgonian corals, which can form a 'canopy' over reefs, appear to be proliferating in certain places. Preliminary data suggests that gorgonian coral density has been increasing on shallow reefs surrounding St. John, even as stony corals have declined.
Tropical Depression Seven strengthened into Tropical Storm Gabrielle just 70 miles south of Ponce, Puerto Rico. The storm brought heavy rains to Puerto Rico and adjacent islands on September 5.
Scientists have observed water ice and ammonia ice in Saturn's atmosphere for the first time. The new findings suggest that clouds of different chemical compositions can coexist, with water ice making up 22% and ammonia ice 55%.
Tropical Storm Toraji is expected to make landfall in Kyushu and move back over open waters in the Sea of Japan. Strong wind shear from the southwest and interaction with the land are not expected to intensify the storm before it makes landfall.
Heavy rainfall was recorded in western Taiwan due to Tropical Storm Kong-Rey, with rates exceeding 205mm/hour. The storm passed through the region on August 28, causing widespread flooding and damage.
Portugal's Serra da Estrela National Park was finally brought under control after 24 hours of fighting, but one firefighter killed and nine injured. The fires have destroyed over 31,000 hectares this year, according to Portugal's conservation institute.
Tropical Storm Fernand's heavy rain caused mudslides in Mexico, resulting in 13 deaths. NASA's TRMM satellite gathered data on the storm's precipitation, which was used to estimate TMPA rainfall totals and monitor damages across 19 municipalities.
Tropical Storm Fernand's remnants are still streaming moisture over eastern Mexico, causing heavy rainfall and cloud cover in the region. The National Meteorological Service of Mexico expects intense and heavy rain to hit northeastern states, east and central Mexico, with a warning remaining in effect for heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Kong-Rey has formed in the northwestern Pacific, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its strengthening circulation. The storm is expected to bring scattered to widespread rain showers and thunderstorms to eastern Luzon, with sustained winds of 32-39 mph/52-63 kph.
The Arctic sea ice cover is on track to reach its annual minimum, but it's unlikely to break records this year. The ice extent has been declining steadily over the last decade, with a sustained downward trend observed by NASA and other satellites. Antarctic sea ice, however, is expected to reach its largest extent on record.
A recent CME sent billions of particles into space, reaching Earth in one to three days, potentially causing geomagnetic storms and disruptions to communication signals and power grids.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) struck Earth on August 20, 2013, affecting satellite systems and power grids. The CME's magnetic fields altered the shape of Earth's magnetosphere, causing geomagnetic storms that can degrade communication signals.
A CME passed Earth on July 16, 2013, causing a geomagnetic storm that can degrade communication signals and cause electrical surges in power grids. The event was predicted by NASA research models and may also affect the Messenger and Juno spacecraft.
Tropical Depression 08W formed east of the Philippines and is moving northwest, expected to intensify into a tropical storm. The depression's strong thunderstorms have cloud top temperatures near 210 K (-81.6 F/-63.1 C), while sea surface temperatures support its development and intensification.
A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun has been directed towards Earth and Mercury, posing a risk to electronic systems and communication signals. The CME's magnetic fields can cause geomagnetic storms, potentially leading to aurora displays.
Researchers have explained the behavior of Saturn's giant storms for the first time, using computer models and high-resolution images from the Cassini space probe. The storms are characterized by intense winds of up to 500 km/h and a turbulent ring with an enormous surface area.
A recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that social factors such as neighborhood bonds and social supports play a vital role in coping with disasters. The study revealed that friends, family, and neighbors were the most important sources of help before, during, and after Superstorm Sandy.
A June 20, 2013, solar eruption sent billions of tons of particles into space, potentially affecting electronic systems on satellites and the ground. The event, known as a geomagnetic storm, can cause aurora and degrade communication signals.
Tropical Storm Barry was captured by NASA's Aqua spacecraft on June 20, 2013, revealing maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches are expected in southern Mexico, posing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
NASA's TRMM satellite measured rainfall totals of 400-600 mm over Cuba and the southeast Gulf of Mexico, with widespread flooding reported in western Cuba. Along Andrea's track, rainfall amounts were lighter, ranging from 45-150 mm over parts of South Carolina, eastern Georgia, and coastal North Carolina.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals a significant increase in dust emissions across the Western United States over the past 17 years. The research found that dust erosion is linked to an increase in calcium deposition in precipitation, with major increases observed in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.
A new study found that installing storm drain diversions at 26 beaches in Santa Monica Bay and Malibu increased attendance by 350,000 to 860,000 annually. The installation of these diversions improved the environmental quality of coastal areas, leading to a direct correlation between increased attendance and reduced beach closures.
Cyclone Mahasen is strengthening in the Bay of Bengal, with NASA satellites tracking its movement and predicting a large storm surge along the Bangladeshi coastline. Heavy rainfall totals over 500 mm have been recorded in the northern Indian Ocean, posing significant flooding risks for residents in coastal areas.
A detailed analysis of the archaeological remains of Dunwich, dubbed 'Britain's Atlantis', has produced an accurate map of the town's streets and buildings. The study used advanced underwater imaging techniques to examine the ruins on the seabed, shedding new light on the town's layout and structures.
University of Manchester scientists discover sting jets in storms, shedding light on violent windstorms like the Great Storm of 1987 and January 2012 gusts. Their findings provide added knowledge for forecasters.
The EVEX mission aims to better understand and predict electrical storms in Earth's upper atmosphere, which can interfere with satellite communication and global positioning signals. By launching two rockets through the equatorial ionosphere, scientists will gather data on electric fields and charged particles to develop a warning syst...
Cyclone Imelda continues to strengthen with powerful convection throughout the storm. Infrared satellite imagery captures cloud top temperatures indicating stronger uplift and higher thunderstorm development. The cyclone is moving west-southwest at 4 knots, influenced by a high-pressure ridge and a low-pressure trough.
Scientists at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a physics-based model to calculate radiation doses from intense gamma-ray bursts in thunderstorms. The model suggests that these bursts, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, emit high-energy particles that can pose a radiation hazard to airplane passengers.
A record-breaking algae bloom in Lake Erie was triggered by a combination of long-term agricultural practices and extreme weather events. The researchers predict that future blooms will be even more severe unless agricultural policies are revised to reduce nutrient runoff.
A solar storm was triggered by a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) approaching Earth, causing a mild geomagnetic storm with weak power grid fluctuations and minor impact on satellite operations. Aurora may be visible at high latitudes in northern US states such as Michigan and Maine.
The remnants of ex-cyclone Tim are drifting west towards the Queensland coast, causing rough to very rough seas and moderate south to southeasterly swell. NASA's infrared satellite imagery shows the weakening storm with significantly warmed cloud top temperatures and strongest thunderstorms appearing in a small area offshore.
Researchers analyzed over 70 years of hourly precipitation data from 13 US sites to test the hypothesis that storms are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms. They found a significant steady increase in stormy activity on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, which is famously prone to drizzle.
A study by UCSD and NOAA finds that aerosols from the Sahara desert help spur precipitation in California, highlighting the impact of global weather patterns on regional water supplies. The research uses advanced instruments to track the journey of aerosols across continents and demonstrates their role in seeding storm clouds.
NASA released an animation of NOAA satellite imagery showing the lifetime of the historic nor'easter that brought over 2 feet of snow to New England states on Feb. 8-9, 2013. The storm left over 650,000 without power and led to travel bans in several governors' states.