Lixion A. Avila

Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2005

Abstract The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active of record. Twenty-eight storms occurred, including 27 tropical storms and one subtropical storm. Fifteen of the storms became hurricanes, and seven of these became major hurricanes. Additionally, there were two tropical depressions and one subtropical depression. Numerous records for single-season activity were set, including most storms, most hurricanes, and highest accumulated cyclone energy index. Five hurricanes and two tropical storms made landfall in the United States, including four major hurricanes. Eight other cyclones made landfall elsewhere in the basin, and five systems that did not make landfall nonetheless impacted land areas. The 2005 storms directly caused nearly 1700 deaths. This includes approximately 1500 in the United States from Hurricane Katrina—the deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1928. The storms also caused well over

Advances and Challenges at the National Hurricane Center

100 billion in damages in the United States alone, making 2005 the costliest hurricane season of record.

THE DVORAK TROPICAL CYCLONE INTENSITY ESTIMATION TECHNIQUE A Satellite-Based Method that Has Endured for over 30 Years

Abstract The National Hurricane Center issues analyses, forecasts, and warnings over large parts of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and in support of many nearby countries. Advances in observational capabilities, operational numerical weather prediction, and forecaster tools and support systems over the past 15–20 yr have enabled the center to make more accurate forecasts, extend forecast lead times, and provide new products and services. Important limitations, however, persist. This paper discusses the current workings and state of the nation’s hurricane warning program, and highlights recent improvements and the enabling science and technology. It concludes with a look ahead at opportunities to address challenges.

Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1991

The history of meteorology has taught us that weather analysis and prediction usually advances by a series of small, progressive studies. Occasionally, however, a special body of work can accelerate this process. When that work pertains to high-impact weather events that can affect large populations, it is especially notable. In this paper we review the contributions by Vernon F. Dvorak, whose innovations using satellite observations of cloud patterns fundamentally enhanced the ability to monitor tropical cyclones on a global scale. We discuss how his original technique has progressed, and the ways in which new spaceborne instruments are being employed to complement Dvoraks original visions.

ANNUAL SUMMARY: Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2001

Abstract The 1991 hurricane season in the Atlantic basin featured 73 tropical waves (also known as African waves), most of which were relatively weak. These waves generated fewer than normal Atlantic tropical cyclones: seven tropical depressions, of which only three intensified into tropical storms. Remarkably, none of these systems became hurricanes. The remainder of the Atlantic tropical cyclones formed from other sources. African waves triggered nearly all of the eastern Pacific tropical cyclones in 1991.

Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2001

Abstract Activity during the 2001 hurricane season was similar to that of the 2000 season. Fifteen tropical storms developed, with nine becoming hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Two tropical depressions failed to become tropical storms. Similarities to the 2000 season include overall activity much above climatological levels and most of the cyclones occurring over the open Atlantic north of 25°N. The overall “lateness” of the season was notable, with 11 named storms, including all the hurricanes, forming after 1 September. There were no hurricane landfalls in the United States for the second year in a row. However, the seasons tropical cyclones were responsible for 93 deaths, including 41 from Tropical Storm Allison in the United States, and 48 from Hurricanes Iris and Michelle in the Caribbean.

Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2004

Abstract The 2001 eastern North Pacific hurricane season is reviewed. It was a near-average season in terms of the number of systems, with 15 named tropical cyclones of which 8 became hurricanes. One tropical cyclone made landfall in Mexico and two reached category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. A description of each named cyclone is provided, and track and intensity forecasts for the season are evaluated.

Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1999

Abstract The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season is summarized, and the year’s tropical and subtropical cyclones are described. Fifteen named storms, including six “major” hurricanes, developed in 2004. Overall activity was nearly two and a half times the long-term mean. The season was one of the most devastating on record, resulting in over 3100 deaths basinwide and record property damage in the United States.

Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1998

Abstract The 1999 Atlantic basin hurricane season produced 4 tropical storms and 8 hurricanes for a total of 12 named tropical cyclones. Seven of these affected land. Hurricane Floyd—the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Agnes in 1972—caused a disastrous flood event over the U.S. mid-Atlantic and northeastern coastal states, resulting in 56 U.S. deaths and 1 death in the Bahamas. Heavy rain from a tropical depression contributed to some 400 inland flood deaths in Mexico.

Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1995

Abstract The 1998 hurricane season in the Atlantic basin is summarized, and the individual tropical storms and hurricanes are described. It was an active season with a large number of landfalls. There was a near-record number of tropical cyclone–related deaths, due almost entirely to Hurricane Mitch in Central America. Brief summaries of forecast verification and tropical wave activity during 1998 are also presented.