Tropical Cyclones

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Tropical cyclones and hurricanes are xxx. They are the No.1 hazard for the US, causing xxx of loss.

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. In the Central Pacific Ocean, an average of 3 tropical storms, 2 of which become hurricanes form or move over the area during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Guam, the Northern Marianas and Micronesia experience typhoons all year round but the main season in July through November with a peak from mid-August to mid-September. Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane (winds of 111 mph or greater). By knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, you can increase your chance of survival. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of a hurricane, please share your story, including the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.. Please note that NS will then have permission to use your story for educational campaigns. Sharing this information may help save someone’s life in the future. Read stories from survivors and learn how to stay safe.

Impacts

Hurricanes pose hazards related to coastal flooding, erosion, and movement of contaminants in highly populated areas. Damage to natural systems can have long-term ecological consequences. The USGS applies a broad range of expertise to assess these hazards, forecast their impacts, understand potential risks, and use this knowledge to inform preparedness, response and recovery.

A better understanding of tropical cyclones and hurricane hazards will help to make a more informed decision on your risk and what actions to take.

The major hazards associated with hurricanes are:

  • storm surge and storm tide
  • heavy rainfall and inland flooding
  • high winds
  • rip currents
  • tornadoes

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

  • Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.
  • Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
  • Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
  • Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
  • Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
  • Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Dataset Information

National Hurricane Center Historical Database

Context: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) performs detailed post-storm analysis of each tropical cyclone in the Atlantic basin, which includes the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, as well as the North Pacific Ocean. This comprehensive examination utilizes all available observations to officially assess the cyclone's history, including data not available in real-time. The NHC is also committed to regularly updating the historical record as new analyses are reviewed.

Visualization

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a geographical map showing the tracks of selected cyclones from both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. Blue lines represent Atlantic cyclones, while green lines represent Pacific cyclones. This map provides a visual representation of the paths taken by these cyclones.


Content: The NHC releases the tropical cyclone historical data in a database known as HURDAT (HURricane DATabase). This repository consists of the Atlantic HURDAT2 and the NE/NC Pacific HURDAT2 databases. They provide six-hourly updates on various aspects of all known tropical and subtropical cyclones, including their location, maximum winds, and central pressure. Since 2004, the database also includes the size of these cyclones.

  • Data Type: Gridded, historical database
  • Coverage: Atlantic basin, North Pacific Ocean
  • Temporal Resolution: Six-hourly intervals
  • Variables:
    • Location (Latitude, Longitude)
    • Maximum Winds (knots)
    • Central Pressure (millibars)
    • Size parameters (nautical miles, post-2004)
  • File Format: CSV, PDF
  • Update Frequency: Post-storm analysis, with regular updates

Sample Entry

Below is an example of how data is recorded in the HURDAT database[1]:

ID Name Date Time Event Status Latitude Longitude Maximum Wind
AL011851 UNNAMED 18510625 0 HU 28.0N 94.8W 80
AL011851 UNNAMED 18510625 600 HU 28.0N 95.4W 80


Usage

Researchers, meteorologists, and the public can utilize the HURDAT databases for various purposes, such as climatological studies, risk assessment, and educational projects.



Accessing the Data

The HURDAT databases can be accessed through the following links:

Ocean data

Damage and Loss

Others

Citation

  1. ↑ https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
  2. ↑ Knapp, K. R. and J. P. Kossin, 2007: New global tropical cyclone data from ISCCP B1 geostationary satellite observations. Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 1, 013505. doi:10.1117/1.2712816
  3. ↑ https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
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