National Hurricane Center

Is it time for a Category 6 for super cyclones? No – warnings of floods or storm surges are more useful

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

If a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 250 kilometres per hour is heading for you, you prepare differently than you would for a Category 1 with wind speeds of 65 km/h.

Key Points: 
  • If a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of 250 kilometres per hour is heading for you, you prepare differently than you would for a Category 1 with wind speeds of 65 km/h.
  • In a hotter world, cyclones are expected to become less common but more intense when they do form.
  • Only one hurricane in the Western Hemisphere has yet gone past the 309 km/h winds the researchers nominate for a Category 6.
  • And the whole idea of storm scales, including Australia’s own tropical cyclone scale, is that Category 5 storms are those likely to do catastrophic damage.

What are storm scales for?

  • There are several different intensity scales in use.
  • Different scales are used in the Australian, North Indian, Southwest Indian, and western North Pacific basins.
  • Tropical Cyclone Oswald, a 2013 Category 1 storm, led to heavy rainfall and flooding through Queensland and New South Wales, while the 1992 Category 5 Hurricane Andrew caused catastrophic wind damage – but little rain or storm surge damage when it hit Florida.

So do we really need a Category 6?

  • But this is the only one which meets their criteria in the last 40 years, as it was well observed by US aircraft missions.
  • The Australian Tropical Cyclone Scale has different thresholds but similar reasoning for a Category 5 storm.
  • Based on the understanding that winds at Category 5 and above lead to catastrophic outcomes, it’s hard to see how adding a Category 6 would help the public.
  • If a Category 5 means “expect catastrophic consequences”, what would Category 6 mean?

How can we best communicate cyclone threats?

  • Scientists came up with tropical cyclone intensity scales as a way to clearly communicate the nature and size of the damage likely to occur.
  • Fundamentally, these scales are meant to measure how well our buildings and infrastructure can survive the wind force and also protect us.
  • Read more:
    Even weak tropical cyclones have grown more intense worldwide – we tracked 30 years of them using currents


Liz Ritchie-Tyo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Names Mike Buresh 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 2, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH) named Mike Buresh, Chief Meteorologist, Action News JAX - WJAX, WFOX as the 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year (NWP). This annual accolade acknowledges weather professionals who exhibit exemplary leadership in advocating for disaster safety and resilience.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes , Inc. (FLASH) named Mike Buresh, Chief Meteorologist, Action News JAX - WJAX, WFOX as the 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year (NWP).
  • The 2024 winner describes himself as not just a weather expert but a "weatherholic" whose lifelong passion for meteorology began in his early years in rural Iowa.
  • His career highlights include providing accurate warnings and tracking information for weather events, including tornadoes, waterspouts, floods, and local tropical cyclones.
  • We congratulate Mike and all of our outstanding 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year finalists who serve the public with unwavering excellence every day, especially during hurricane season."

2024 National Disaster Resilience Conference: Resilience Reimagined Opens Call for Presentations

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) invites experts to submit presentations for consideration by the National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC24) committee. Set to take place from November 20 to 22, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Florida, the conference seeks to explore innovative approaches and programs that drive advancements in resilience policy, practice, science, and engineering.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) invites experts to submit presentations for consideration by the National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC24) committee.
  • NDRC24 serves as a platform for industry leaders to share insights that will shape the future of disaster safety.
  • Stories of Resilience: Showcasing the cause of disaster safety through human resilience and recovery in real-life case studies.
  • For more information or to submit an abstract, visit the National Disaster Resilience Conference website or email [email protected] .

2024 National Weatherperson of the Year Finalists Named by Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 18, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) revealed the names of the five finalists for the 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year award. This annual accolade acknowledges exceptional weather professionals who exhibit exemplary leadership in advocating for disaster safety and resilience.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) revealed the names of the five finalists for the 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year award.
  • This annual accolade acknowledges exceptional weather professionals who exhibit exemplary leadership in advocating for disaster safety and resilience.
  • "Each nominee has exhibited an unparalleled commitment to safeguarding the communities they serve and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
  • The 2024 winner will be announced on Friday, February 2, 2024.

Triple-I: ‘Above-Average’ 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Validates CSU’s Forecasts

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Colorado State University’s (CSU) July and August 2023 Atlantic hurricane season forecasts , calling for “above-average” activity, proved to be accurate as the season concluding tomorrow was above-normal, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) based on data from the National Hurricane Center .

Key Points: 
  • Colorado State University’s (CSU) July and August 2023 Atlantic hurricane season forecasts , calling for “above-average” activity, proved to be accurate as the season concluding tomorrow was above-normal, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) based on data from the National Hurricane Center .
  • Twenty named storms formed in 2023, with seven of these storms becoming hurricanes and three reaching major hurricane strength.
  • The average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes (e.g., Category 3, 4 or 5 ).
  • Three named storms, including one hurricane, made landfall in the continental United States this season, with Hurricane Idalia striking the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 3 major hurricane on Aug. 30.

Verisk Estimates Industry Insured Losses from Hurricane Otis to Range from MXN 50 Billion to MXN 110 Billion (~USD 3 Billion to 6 Billion)

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

BOSTON, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading global data analytics and technology provider, estimates industry insured losses to onshore property for Hurricane Otis will likely fall from MXN 50 billion to MXN 110 billion (~USD 3 billion to 6 billion).

Key Points: 
  • BOSTON, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading global data analytics and technology provider, estimates industry insured losses to onshore property for Hurricane Otis will likely fall from MXN 50 billion to MXN 110 billion (~USD 3 billion to 6 billion).
  • Hurricane Otis first became a tropical depression on October 22, with the forecast at the time anticipating it not reaching hurricane strength nor reaching land.
  • At 1:00 am local time Tuesday, Otis remained a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
  • As Otis continued to strengthen that morning, the official forecast was increased to bring the cyclone to hurricane intensity by landfall.

Lilt Supports AI-Powered Translated Forecasts Offered By NOAA's National Weather Service

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023

"From day one, Lilt has been on a mission to make the world's information available to everyone, irrespective of language," said Lilt CEO Spence Green.

Key Points: 
  • "From day one, Lilt has been on a mission to make the world's information available to everyone, irrespective of language," said Lilt CEO Spence Green.
  • We could not be more proud and aligned with the National Weather Service to ensure that all people have access to lifesaving weather warnings and forecasts."
  • "This language translation project will improve our service equity to traditionally underserved and vulnerable populations that have limited English proficiency," said Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service.
  • "By providing weather forecasts and warnings in multiple languages, the NWS will improve community and individual readiness and resilience as climate change drives more extreme weather events."

PGT Innovations mobilizes team to deliver post-storm aid following Hurricane Idalia

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 12, 2023

PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI), a national leader in the premium window, door, and garage door category, recently mobilized a team following the landfall of Hurricane Idalia to deliver much-needed emergency supplies and assist those affected in Steinhatchee, Fla. and the surrounding region.

Key Points: 
  • PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI), a national leader in the premium window, door, and garage door category, recently mobilized a team following the landfall of Hurricane Idalia to deliver much-needed emergency supplies and assist those affected in Steinhatchee, Fla. and the surrounding region.
  • On Friday, Sept. 8, team members from PGT Innovations filled two PGT Innovations semi-trailers with over $100,000 worth of emergency supplies, then traveled over 235 miles to Steinhatchee.
  • The free, post-storm aid event was held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Steinhatchee Marina located at 104 First Avenue SW and was open to the public.
  • “We are very fortunate that we have the ability to provide essential supplies to families in the impacted areas during this extremely trying time,” said Jeff Jackson, President and CEO of PGT Innovations.

CPSC Urges Consumers in Puerto Rico and U.S. East Coast to Take Precautions as Hurricane Lee Strengthens to Category 5

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 8, 2023

While its exact path is unclear, Hurricane Lee could impact Puerto Rico this weekend and parts of the U.S. East Coast next week, according to the National Hurricane Center .

Key Points: 
  • While its exact path is unclear, Hurricane Lee could impact Puerto Rico this weekend and parts of the U.S. East Coast next week, according to the National Hurricane Center .
  • CO poisoning from portable generators can happen so quickly that exposed persons may become unconscious before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.
  • Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal levels of CO.
  • If you smell or hear gas leaking, leave your home immediately and contact local gas authorities from outside the home.

What is geospatial intelligence? A geographer explains the powerful melding of maps and data

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 5, 2023

The good news, through all of this: Geospatial intelligence has offered valuable insights to help governments and organizations protect communities.

Key Points: 
  • The good news, through all of this: Geospatial intelligence has offered valuable insights to help governments and organizations protect communities.
  • Geospatial intelligence is the collection and integration of data from a network of technologies, including satellites, mobile sensors, ground-control stations and aerial images.

Disasters sudden and slow

    • For example, the National Hurricane Center actively monitors the location, formation and trajectory of tropical cyclones.
    • Detailed information on the timing, location and strength of a given hurricane helps officials distribute resources and personnel, as well as issue storm warnings and evacuation orders.
    • With climate change intensifying extreme weather events, there is likely to be a corresponding increase in threats to human safety and security.

Military and civilian logistics

    • In this way, geospatial intelligence represents an extension of the free press.
    • Another use of geospatial intelligence is in transportation, logistics and global supply chains.
    • Digital twins are being used in many civilian and military settings to improve decision making.
    • Digital twins have been highly effective in conflict settings by simulating weather and terrain to help militaries and peacekeepers develop and enact strategies.

Growing need

    • The need for geospatial intelligence is more important than ever.
    • Average temperature is projected to increase between 2 to 9.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 to 5.4 degrees Celsius) by the end of the century.
    • Whether reconstructing the past, describing the present or anticipating the future, geospatial intelligence provides valuable information to help keep people and communities safe.