Using nighttime lightdata from NASA, remote sensing, official outage records and census information, a study reveals notable differences in power-restoration rates between urbanized and rural areas and between disadvantaged and more affluent communities after Hurricane Michael in Florida’s Panhandle.
Tag: Hurricanes
Why people say no to low interest disaster recovery loans, and why they should say yes
A University of Iowa researcher found that 28% of eligible recipients turn the loans down because they worry the interest rate is too high. However, as climate change causes more destructive natural disasters, they should be encouraged to say yes to avoid stressing public relief agencies.
Hurricanes Cooking up an Intense Season
The onset of the hurricane season has brought renewed attention to the impacts and preparedness efforts necessary to mitigate the damage caused by these powerful storms. The increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes are attributed to global warming and climate change, posing significant risks to lives, property, and economies.
FAU Experts for the 2024 Hurricane Season
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, and forecasts indicate a highly active season. Several Florida Atlantic University faculty experts are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation and aftermath.
FSU faculty available to comment for 2024 hurricane season
By: Bill Wellock | Published: May 16, 2024 | 3:36 pm | SHARE: The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching.The season runs from June 1 through November 30. This year’s forecast includes an above-average number of storms.Florida State University faculty are leaders in the study of hurricanes and ways to mitigate their destruction.
At the Climate READi workshop: Resilient power systems in the context of climate change
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other institutions joined industry stakeholders in exploring solutions for power grid climate resilience at the Climate READi Southeast workshop co-hosted by EPRI and ORNL’s Water Power Program on April 10-11.
Details of Hurricane Ian’s Aftermath Captured with New Remote Sensing Method
Using aerial imagery data and LiDAR, a study remotely identified the hardest-hit areas of Southwest Florida’s Estero Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Researchers estimated the extent of structural damage and compared pre- and post-storm beach structural changes.
Florida Wildlife Corridor Eases Worst Impacts of Climate Change
Florida is projected to lose 3.5 million acres of land to development by 2070. A new study highlights how Florida can buffer itself against both climate change and population pressures by conserving the remaining 8 million acres of “opportunity areas” within the Florida Wildlife Corridor (FLWC), the only designated statewide corridor in the U.S.
Severe Hurricanes Boost Influx of Juveniles and Gene Flow in a Coral Reef Sponge
A study is the first to evaluate substrate recolonization by sponges in the U.S. Virgin Islands after two catastrophic storms using genetic analyses to understand how much clonality verses sexual recruitment occurs on coral reefs post-storms.
‘Cone of uncertainty’ graphic to feature more information
University researchers explain why the revamped graphic, to be unveiled this hurricane season, will better aid residents.
In a Warming World, Climate Scientists Consider Category 6 Hurricanes
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.
Hurricane Expert: Otis Shows Need for More Research on Rapidly Intensifying Storms
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 25, 2023) — Hurricane Otis made landfall late Tuesday night near Acapulco, Mexico, as an unexpected Category 5 hurricane with 165 mph winds. The storm rapidly grew from a tropical storm in the morning to Category 5…
NYU Tandon School of Engineering Researchers Develop Hurricane Power Outage Prediction Model that Outperforms Traditional Methods
Conventional hurricane power-outage prediction models often produce incomplete or incorrect results, hampering companies’ abilities to prepare to restore power as quickly as possible, especially in cities that are susceptible to prolonged hurricane-induced power outages.
‘Coastal Squeeze:’ Massive Loss of U.S. Coastline Tidal Flats Over 31 Years
The entire contiguous U.S. has experienced massive urban expansions and the Atlantic Coast shows outstandingly high rates. Urban expansion has substantially squeezed the space of tidal flats and affected surrounding environments. In new urban areas, tidal flats have undergone considerable degeneration with more significant patterns as they get closer to new urban locations. Tidal flats protect against the ocean’s destructive powers such as hurricanes. Without some inland spaces to move around, they will likely disappear, which will have dire consequences for beachfront communities.
El Niño and record warm ocean temperatures: FSU climatologist offers insight on what they mean for hurricanes
By: Patty Cox | Published: July 20, 2023 | 12:52 pm | SHARE: Record-breaking high temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean combined with El Niño spell uncertainty for the Atlantic hurricane season. El Niño, known to reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, developed early this summer. With the conflicting factors of El Nino in the Pacific leading to fewer hurricanes and warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures favoring hurricane development, seasonal forecasts are for near-normal activity with lower confidence than other years.
Tropical Weather Experts Available to Discuss 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 30, 2023)—The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially kicks off on Thursday and runs through the end of November, is starting with a high level of uncertainty. Experts are predicting that El Niño conditions are likely to…
FAU Experts for the 2023 Hurricane Season
With the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season officially starting on June 1 and ending Nov. 30, several Florida Atlantic University faculty experts are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation and aftermath.
Broad Climate Change Concern in Florida Linked With Recent Extreme Weather
An increasing number of Floridians agree that human actions are causing climate change, including a record number of Florida Republicans. Virtually all respondents (90 percent) believe climate change is happening, with 65 percent attributing the causes to human actions, including 49 percent of GOP voters. Belief in and concern about human-caused climate change appears to be translating into support for policies to reduce emissions and reduce impacts. The explanation for this emerging consensus may be grounded in people’s lived experiences with weather events.
IDAHO RESEARCHERS DEVELOP TOOL TO HELP RESTORE ELECTRICITY AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS
Storm-DEPART helps utilities refine their damage estimates by combining utility infrastructure data with weather data from the National Hurricane Center to efficiently deploy restoration resources.
More Frequent Hurricanes Raise Risk to U.S. East and Gulf Coasts
New research finds that global warming will bring stronger and more frequent hurricanes to U.S. coasts, up by a third compared to current levels.
Risk of death for people with dementia increases after a hurricane exposure
The risk of death rises among older adults with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the months following exposure to a hurricane, a new University of Michigan study shows.
Using machine learning to help monitor climate-induced hazards
Combining satellite technology with machine learning may allow scientists to better track and prepare for climate-induced natural hazards, according to research presented last month at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union.
Cyclone researchers: Warming climate means more and stronger Atlantic tropical storms
Researchers report a warming climate could increase the number and intensity of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic, potentially creating more and stronger hurricanes. Researchers also examine a possible explanation for the relatively constant number of tropical cyclones around the globe every year.
Lights, Hurricane, Action: Preparing for and Enduring Big Storms
Scientists at PNNL are working to better prepare authorities, emergency responders, communities and the grid in the face of increasingly extreme hurricanes.
Double trouble when 2 disasters strike electrical transmission infrastructure
One natural disaster can knock out electric service to millions. A new study suggests that back-to-back disasters could cause catastrophic damage, but the research also identifies new ways to monitor and maintain power grids.
FAU Hurricane Evacuation Expert Available to Discuss Hurricane Ian
Florida Atlantic University’s John Renne, Ph.D., is available to discuss evacuation and other hurricane-related issues with the media. Renne is a professor and director of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions. He recently published a first-of-its-kind study, “What Has…
FAU Hurricane Evacuation Expert Available to Discuss Tropical Depression Nine/Hurricane Hermine
Florida Atlantic University’s John Renne, Ph.D., is available to discuss evacuation and other hurricane-related issues with the media. Renne is a professor and director of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions. He recently published a first-of-its-kind study, “What Has…
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.
It’s been 30 years since Hurricane Andrew made U.S. landfall. Are hurricanes getting more deadly? UWM expert Clark Evans can weigh in.
Clark Evans can discuss how hurricane activity in the U.S. is changing and how it’s affecting the modeling used to predict their trajectories. His lab at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee uses numerical models to better understand and improve prediction of…
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…
Expect Wetter and More Intense Hurricanes
Stony Brook atmospheric scientist weighs in on 2022 hurricane season, urges preparedness We are now in the 2022 hurricane season which lasts through November. Extreme weather expert Kevin Reed, PhD, Associate Professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences…
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…
Gulf of Mexico Loop Current forecasts a devastating run of hurricanes; where and when not clear
Marine scientists and climate experts have sounded an alarm ahead of this year’s hurricane season: the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current, an area of warm water that begins its journey in the Caribbean, is looking a lot like the 2005…
FAU Experts for the 2022 Hurricane Season
With the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast to be above average activity with a higher probability of major hurricanes making landfall along the continental U.S. coastline, several FAU faculty experts are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation and aftermath.
Virginia Tech tropical storm expert encourages people to be ‘weather aware’ as hurricane season starts June 1
A Virginia Tech meteorologist with expertise in hurricanes and tropical storms encourages people to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season that begins June 1 in part by finding a trusted area weather source and paying attention to local weather alerts. “During hurricane…
FSU faculty available to comment for 2022 hurricane season
By: Bill Wellock | Published: May 2, 2022 | 4:03 pm | SHARE: Florida State University faculty are leaders in the study of hurricanes and the effects of these destructive storms.Their scholarship has led to research on infrastructure challenges, evacuation routes, sustainable tools and mental health challenges for those affected by hurricanes.
UNH Receives $1.8 Million Grant to Study Road Resilience to Sea Level Rise
After a summer of high heat, steady sea level rise and devastating hurricanes, coastal roads have continued to take a severe beating resulting in endless wear and tear. Because these roadways have become increasingly vulnerable, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a $1.8 million grant to researchers at the University of New Hampshire to study how and why coastal hazards like excessive flooding are causing roads to crack and crumble and find ways to protect them.
UAlbany Experts Available to Discuss Active 2021 Hurricane Season
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 8, 2021) – As we hit mid-September, many experts in the atmospheric science community, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are proving to be right on their predictions of an active 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Already,…
Hurricane Ida ‘may be one of the best observed landfalling hurricanes’
A research team led by Michael Biggerstaff, a professor of meteorology in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, successfully captured data with mobile radars and other weather instruments as Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana.
FSU expert available to comment on hurricane evacuations
By: Bill Wellock | Published: August 31, 2021 | 12:21 pm | SHARE: For many people, choosing whether to evacuate in the face of an incoming hurricane or other natural disaster is not an easy decision.Hurricanes threaten people and property, but evacuation also carries risks and costs, especially if a would-be evacuee has difficulty moving or caring for themselves without help.
FAU Experts for the 2021 Hurricane Season
With hurricane season in full force, several Florida Atlantic University faculty experts are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation and aftermath.
FAU Experts for the 2021 Hurricane Season
With hurricane season in full force, several Florida Atlantic University faculty experts are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation and aftermath.
Shelter from the storm
The new book “All Creatures Safe and Sound” examines how pets are managed during disasters and provides tips for keeping them safe. Sarah DeYoung, core faculty in the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center, talks about previous studies and the work that still needs to be addressed.
Puerto Rico is Prone to More Flooding Than the Island is Prepared to Handle
Puerto Rico is not ready for another hurricane season, let alone the effects of climate change, according to a new study that shows the island’s outstanding capacity to produce record-breaking floods and trigger a large number of landslides.
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Encourages Residents to Get Ready for Hurricane Season Using Disaster Preparedness Resources
In support of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance encourages all Gulf Coast residents to get ready for the upcoming hurricane season. Individuals, families, and communities all have a role to play in reducing their risk from hurricanes and other natural disasters.
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.
FSU experts available to comment for 2021 hurricane season
By: Bill Wellock | Published: April 20, 2021 | 3:15 pm | SHARE: Florida State University faculty are among the world leaders in the study of hurricanes.From forecasting to insurance to ecological aftermath, FSU experts are available to discuss the many ways these storms impact people, property and the environment.These faculty members are available to answer media questions and provide perspective for news stories throughout the 2021 hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov.
Study looks at impact of disasters on mental health
A new study found suicide rates increase during disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. A team of researchers examined the impact of 281 natural disasters on suicide rates during a 12-year span and found overall suicide rates increased by 23% when compared to rates before and after the disaster.
Rutgers Experts Available to Discuss N.J.’s Vulnerability Eight Years after Sandy
New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 27, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick experts are available to discuss the busy 2020 Atlantic hurricane season and New Jersey’s vulnerability to coastal storms and flooding eight years after Superstorm Sandy, along with how to boost resilience.…
Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Vietnam’s Vulnerability to Floods
New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 23, 2020) – Rutgers Professor Pamela McElwee, an expert on Vietnam environmental issues, is available for interviews on the devastating flooding in that country this month and the flood threat posed by Typhoon Saudel. McElwee, who has done research…