For more than 50 years, the National Hurricane Center has used the Saffir-Simpson Windscale to communicate the risk of property damage; it labels a hurricane on a scale from Category 1 (wind speeds between 74 – 95 mph) to Category 5 (wind speeds of 158 mph or greater). But as increasing ocean temperatures contribute to ever more intense and destructive hurricanes, climate scientists wondered whether the open-ended Category 5 is sufficient to communicate the risk of hurricane damage in a warming climate.
Tag: Hurricane
Case Western Reserve University faculty available to discuss Hurricane Idalia, its impact and what to expect in its wake
https://thedaily.case.edu/what-can-we-expect-in-the-wake-of-hurricane-idalia-cwru-faculty-share-their-expertise/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thedaily_expertinsights Tali Babila, assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Peter Shulman, the Elizabeth and Raymond Armington Professor and associate professor in the Department of History Thomas King, professor and chair of the Department of Accountancy …
Experts predict ‘average’ Atlantic hurricane season, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be strong storms
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was among the most damaging and deadly in modern history, but that isn’t necessarily an indicator for 2023. According to Virginia Tech meteorologist Stephanie Zick most seasonal forecasts are predicting a near average season, which goes from June 1 to November 30. NOAA’s outlook predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, with numbers similar to last year.
Hurricane’s effects killed sturgeon in Apalachicola River
As hurricane Michael churned through the Gulf of Mexico to make landfall near Florida’s Apalachicola River in 2018, it left a sea of destruction in its wake. The path was easy to follow on land, but debris and infrastructure failures also diminished the river’s water quality and led to the death of roughly half the gulf sturgeon population there.
When cyclones and fires collide…
As strong winds and torrential rains inundate Australia’s south-eastern coast, new research suggests that high intensity bushfires might not be too far behind, with their dual effects extending damage zones and encroaching on previously low-risk residential areas.
Bridging knowledge with action: Notre Dame climate experts discuss the future of our planet
At the University of Notre Dame, climate change researchers are bringing real-world solutions to communities worldwide, providing perspective on policy issues and encouraging shifts in human behavior to face that uncertainty with resilience.
Coastal experts available to discuss hurricane emergency preparation, disaster response and recovery
As the coast of Florida braces for Hurricane Ian, Virginia Tech has a team of coastal experts available who can provide insight about hurricanes, flash flooding, storm surge, sea-level rise and emergency response. Robert Weiss examines the impact of coastal hazards…
Tropical storm expert Shuyi Chen shares her thoughts on Hurricane Ian
Shuyi Chen, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, was traveling to an American Meterological Society meeting in Boston as Hurricane Ian approached the Gulf of Mexico. During breaks at the meeting, she provided her thoughts on…
Wind-force expert available to talk about Hurricane Ian
Dr. Grace Yan, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, is an expert in extreme winds, storm surges and floods, and the structural damage they can cause. She is available to talk…
Major storm modeled to follow Fiona, possibly en route to Florida
The strongest hurricane of the Atlantic season caused death and destruction in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other parts of the Caribbean and continues to pose a threat along the eastern seaboard. But now models are predicting a storm that…
FSU expert: Third consecutive La Niña could bring more hurricanes
By: Bill Wellock | Published: September 20, 2022 | 8:42 am | SHARE: Meteorologists predict current La Niña conditions will persist this year through a third consecutive winter, a situation that usually brings a more active late hurricane season, followed by a dry and warm fall and winter across Florida.La Niña is the popular name for a phase of what meteorologists call the “El Niño-Southern Oscillation,” or ENSO, a recurring pattern of relatively warmer and cooler surface-water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
GW Experts Available to Discuss Extreme Weather and Climate Change
WASHINGTON (July 19, 2022) — Much of Europe has been hit by the latest record shattering heat wave. Such sweltering temperatures are part of global trends toward climate-fueled high temperatures that can lead to wildfires and damaging health consequences. The…
Uncrewed Systems are Revolutionizing Hurricane Forecasting
A paper published in the peer review magazine Oceanography shows that robotic ocean observing platforms can improve intensity forecasts for hurricanes and tropical storms and should be supported as a crucial component of the ocean infrastructure designed to protect the lives of coastal residents and mitigate the economic impact from storms.
Johns Hopkins Hurricane Experts Available
With hurricane season set to begin tomorrow, and an “above normal” Atlantic hurricane season predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Johns Hopkins University experts are available to discuss storms and their potential impact. The official hurricane season runs…
Remote sensing research improves hurricane response
Researchers with the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Response (RIDER) Center are investigating better ways to predict where road-clogging debris will be most severe after tropical cyclones.
Better hurricane forecasts from use of infrared satellite measurements of cloudy skies
Weather forecast models have long struggled to integrate satellite observations of infrared radiation in cloudy regions of the sky.
Artificial Intelligence Brings Better Hurricane Predictions
A new model offers more accurate predictions of how intensely hurricanes may strike.
For hurricane victims, prolonged disruption of utilities, limited preparation lead to longer recovery times
Studying major hurricanes Notre Dame researcher, Sisi Meng, found that the fate of hurricane victims depends on a number of factors including how well-prepared they are, whether they have weathered a hurricane before and how quickly their utility services are restored.
Rutgers to Lead Regional Large-Scale Coastlines and People Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub with Nearly $20M from National Science Foundation
Advancing its mission and leadership role to improve climate risk management critical to societal well-being, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey will lead a multi-university Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub (MACH) made possible by a grant through the National Science Foundation’s Coastlines and People (CoPe) Program with expected total funding of $19.9+ million over the next five years.
New Research Analyzes Millions of Twitter Posts During Hurricanes to Understand How People Communicate in a Disaster
In the face of a potentially disastrous storm like Hurricane Ida, people take to Twitter and other social media sites to communicate vital information. New research published in the journal Risk Analysis suggests that monitoring and analyzing this social media “chatter” during a natural disaster could help decision makers learn how to plan for and mitigate the impacts of severe weather events in their communities.
Rutgers Experts Share Tips on Staying Safe After a Hurricane
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School experts Diane Calello, executive and medical director at the New Jersey Poison Control Center, and Bruce Ruck, managing director at the same center, are available to discuss tips on how to stay safe after a…
GCOOS Spring Meeting Includes Hurricane Update, Board Election Results
The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) recently hosted its annual Spring Meeting online, providing updates to members and supporters about the ocean observing system focused on the Gulf of Mexico.
Survey Launched to Learn More about Deaths Tied to Hurricane Maria
Researchers at the George Washington University and the University of Puerto Rico will launch a first-of-its-kind survey to investigate the causes of deaths that occurred during the first two weeks after Hurricane Maria. The fact-finding mission will help identify the factors and socio-environmental conditions that led to more than 1,700 deaths in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Hurricane and climate experts from @IndianaUniv are available to comment on #HurricaneSally’s landfall in Alabama.
Gabriel Filippelli Gabriel Filippelli is a biogeochemist, focusing on the flow and cycling of elements and chemicals in the environment. This includes his work on pollutant distribution and exposure to human populations, and ways to engage communities to reduce their own…
FSU communication, engineering researchers awarded grant to study natural disaster response
When Hurricane Michael devastated rural inland communities in the Florida Panhandle in 2018, public libraries played a critical role in the natural disaster response. It also exposed the need for improved upon procedures and policies for public libraries responding to natural disasters.
Fallout from hurricanes, wildfires will hit immigrants hard
Hurricane Laura devastated parts of Louisiana and Texas last week with high winds and flooding, as communities in California battle severe wildfires. Federal government programs intended to help communities in the aftermath of disaster face additional challenges this year due…
Devastating hurricanes could be up to five times more likely in the Caribbean if tougher global warming targets are missed
Global warming is dramatically increasing the risk of extreme hurricanes in the Caribbean, but meeting more ambitious climate change goals could up to halve the likelihood of such disasters in the region, according to new research.
IU experts available to comment on Hurricane Laura and Storm Surge
Gabriel Filippelli Earth sciences and human health, remediation technology, sediment geochemistry, chemical weathering, nutrient cycling, paleoceanography, terrestrial metal cycling. IUPUI Phone: 317-274-3795 Email: [email protected] Expert Bio Professor Gabriel Filippelli is a biogeochemist, focusing on the flow and cycling of elements and…
Expert: Devastating Hurricane Laura storm surge could push miles inland
Civil engineer and coastal hazards researcher Hermann Fritz says the setup along the coast where Hurricane Laura is forecast to make landfall creates a potentially devastating scenario: The storm is on a dangerous path almost perpendicular to the shoreline, which…
Application of machine learning can optimize hurricane track forecast
When a hurricane approaches, providing a few extra hours’ notice can be the difference between life and death. Now, Penn State researchers report that applying a machine learning technique to a group of possible storm paths could help meteorologists provide more accurate medium-term forecasts and issue timely warnings to communities in the path of these potentially deadly storms.
Experts: Prepare for Active 2020 Hurricane Season Amid COVID-19
ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 4, 2020) – While emergency responders are continuing to focus on the COVID-19 crisis, another threat is looming – a potentially very active and destructive Atlantic hurricane season. Already, Hanna, the first named hurricane of the 2020…
Disaster Research Center offers service, experts to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias
Emergency officials in cities and towns that could be in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias have a tool – and a roster of experts – that can help them prepare for and respond to the storm’s impact. The University…
Rensselaer Experts Available To Provide Perspective on Hurricane Season
With hurricane season already underway and projected to be active, communities throughout the U.S. are trying to balance disaster preparation amid an unprecedented public health crisis. While significant attention is rightly being given to COVID-19, leaders – especially those in communities along the coast – must plan for the possibility of dual disasters.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have extensive experience studying and responding to natural disasters and are available during this hurricane season to share their research and perspectives.
Preparing for hurricane season during COVID-19
Hurricane season 2020 is already shattering records, and it’s only July.
Tulane professor’s book goes back in time to examine Hurricane Katrina
Andy Horowitz, a Tulane scholar who studies the history of disasters, says a 1915 hurricane and its consequences are linked to Katrina and is one of the many factors that informed his writing “Katrina: A History, 1915-2015” (Harvard University Press).
Texas A&M Expert Available To Discuss Saharan Dust
An expert in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences in the Texas A&M University College of Geosciences is available to discuss with media the massive plume of Saharan dust that is forecasted to arrive above Texas late this week. Timothy Logan,…
Lessening water quality problems caused by hurricane-related flooding
June 1 is the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, with flooding often the most damaging effect of tropical storms. Now, in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology, researchers study water quality impacts of two recent hurricanes in North Carolina and suggest interventions to protect susceptible areas.
‘Hurricanes from scratch’: FSU researchers find even small disturbances can trigger catastrophic storms
You’ve probably seen the satellite images that show a hurricane developing: thick white clouds clumping together, arms spinning around a central eye as it heads for the coast. After decades of research, meteorologists still have questions about how hurricanes develop.
The Growing Impact of the Team Awareness Kit
The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) is the emerging DHS-wide solution for situational awareness. Its exceptional tactical value has been proven time and again.
Early treatment for PTSD after a disaster has lasting effects
In 1988, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Armenian city of Spitak. The temblor destroyed cities and is estimated to have killed between 25,000 and 35,000 people, many of whom were schoolchildren.
FSU RESEARCH: STRONG STORMS OFTEN GENERATE EARTHQUAKE-LIKE SEISMIC ACTIVITY
A Florida State University researcher has uncovered a new geophysical phenomenon where a hurricane or other strong storm can spark seismic events in the nearby ocean as strong as a 3.5 magnitude earthquake.
Predicting a Hurricane’s Intensity Can Prove Difficult
Many scientists have said that hurricanes are more intense than ever before – Cat. 4 or 5 storms used to be outliers, but today, it seems they are becoming the norm. Why?
That’s the question a research team that includes a scientist from Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography is working to answer – they are looking what contributes to the rapid intensification of storms.
New satellite may make flood prediction easier
A satellite on schedule to launch in 2021 could offer a more comprehensive look at flooding in vulnerable, under-studied parts of the world, including much of Africa, South America and Indonesia, a new study has found.
Mechanism Modeling for Better Forecasts, Climate Predictions
Modeling currents together with wind and waves provides more accurate predictions for weather forecasts and climate scientists.
While much of the focus on #Dorian has been on the gale force winds, #stormsurge will play a huge role in the #hurricane’s catastrophic impact, says Prof @KyleMandli. Given Dorian’s current track, a widespread surge is expected from Fl to the Carolin
Kyle Mandli models and simulates storm scenarios to develop strategies to protect against coastal disasters. He is especially focused on the impact of storm surge and sea level rise in a warming climate. An assistant professor of applied mathematics at…
Disaster Mental Health Resources Available Now for Hurricane Response and Recovery
Catastrophic natural disasters, such as hurricanes, cause extreme disruption and can be distressful for individuals, families and communities. Those receiving assistance as well as those involved in disaster management efforts can be affected. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress has released 12 new resources to aid in the response and recovery efforts for affected communities.
Bracing for Hurricane Dorian, coastal experts available to discuss emergency preparation, disaster response and recovery
Virginia Tech has a team of coastal experts available to talk with reporters as Hurricane Dorian heads toward the East Coast. Researchers can provide insight about hurricanes, flash flooding, storm surge, sea-level rise and emergency response. Robert Weiss examines the impact…
With #HurricaneDorian’s approach comes the threat of power loss, which can disrupt transportation and put lives at risk. @JohnsHopkins engineer Umesh Korde suggests that harnessing energy from ocean waves can help restore power more quickly.
As Hurricane Dorian threatens to strike Florida, officials are beginning to prepare for its potential impact on electricity, building infrastructure, transportation and more. Umesh Korde, a research professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at The Johns Hopkins…
UAlbany Atmospheric Scientists Available to Discuss Hurricane Dorian
ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 29, 2019) — According to latest forecasts, Hurricane Dorian has strengthened and could reach Category 3 status by Sunday morning. The storm is currently projected to make landfall early Monday somewhere along the Florida or Georgia coast.…
5 insurance tips for hurricane season
With eight hurricanes predicted this season, an expert shares ways homeowners can be prepared.