The CPC (Climate Prediction Center) division of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) released its annual Hurricane Outlook earlier this week, to limited fanfare in the national media. We shall address a few generalities today, and delve into more details at a later date.
A few important items for the general public to remember when examining such documents are that:
1. The CPC’s outlook does not forecast how many hurricanes will make landfall in the United States.
2. If you feel that the outlook provides what you consider to be less than normal projected activity, it in no way means that you should not make annual preparations and maintain a state of heightened awareness, in anticipation of activity that may affect your safety and well being.
The first graph we have provided for you (top left), represents an average number of monthly tropical storms and hurricanes that form for each month throughout the year (based upon data from 1851-2007). Recall that hurricane season runs from the month of June through November, and formation can occur in any month.
As is clearly evident in our first graph, the month with the highest average tropical formation is September, at an average of around three tropical storms & hurricane formations for that month. After Memorial Day weekend June opens our 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, with an average of around 0.5 formations per month, clearly not our most active time of the year.
Our second graphic represents an application of spatial analysis techniques to highlight geographically, those areas most likely to have either tropical formation, or existence for only the month of June (based upon data from 1851-2007). Notice the concentration of highest spatial probability for this month spans from the Yucatan Peninsula east to Cuba, and south along the coast of central America. Does this differ from the article I wrote last October?
As a means to visually compare for yourself the distribution of June tropical activity, compare the third graphic provided, that is simply a visualization of tropical storm and hurricane tracks (1851-2007). The colors represent weaker systems (green) to more powerful formations (red). As is quite clear, simply plotting the tracks of historical tropical activity is generally not very useful, yet somewhat interesting, which is why I apply my spatial techniques above to highlight areas of commonality.
For this year, the CPC feels that we will have generally a “normal” year of tropical activity. So what does that mean? Well, since 1995 we have been in a period classified as ‘heightened’ tropical activity, so compared to 1983, it would be considered a more active season; but as compared to the last decade or so, we will be running right around par.
The CPC numbers for the Atlantic Basin break down as follows:
- 9-14 Named Storms are forecast to form
- 4-7 of the named storms above, will reach hurricane strength (74mph/64knt/119km/hr)
- 1-3 of the hurricanes above are expected to reach the classification of a ‘major hurricane’
So that’s basically it! The CPC predicts a ‘normal’ year of tropical activity. However, recall that this is in no way a representation of how many storms are forecast to make landfall this year, but simply a general guide of how they feel activity will unfold for this season.
For those that may find it useful, I have included the graphic at left, that represents storm names for the Atlantic basin from this year (2009) through 2014.
Additionally, below is a snippet of text from the NHC (National Hurricane Center) that explains the Saffir-Simpson scale for your benefit.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (Experimental) source:
NHC
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane’s intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damages and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity. In general, damages rise by about a factor of four for every category increase. The maximum sustained surface wind speed (peak 1-minute wind at 10 m [33 ft]) is the determining factor in the scale. The historical examples (one for the U.S. Gulf Coast and one for the U.S. Atlantic Coast) provided in each of the categories correspond with the intensity of the hurricane at the time of landfall in the location experiencing the strongest winds, which does not necessarily correspond with the peak intensity reached by the system during its lifetime. The scale does not address the potential for such other hurricane-related impacts, as storm surge, rainfall-induced floods, and tornadoes. These wind-caused impacts are to apply to the worst winds reaching the coast and the damage would be less elsewhere. It should also be noted that the general wind-caused damage descriptions are to some degree dependent upon the local building codes in effect and how well and how long they have been enforced. For example, recently enacted building codes in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina are likely to somewhat reduce the damage to newer structures from that described below. However, for a long time to come, the majority of the building stock in existence on the coast will not have been built to higher code. Hurricane wind damage is also dependent upon such other factors as duration of high winds, change of wind direction, amount of accompanying rainfall, and age of structures.
Earlier versions of this scale – known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale – incorporated central pressure and storm surge as components of the categories. The central pressure was utilized during the 1970s and 1980s as a proxy for the winds as accurate wind speed intensity measurements from aircraft reconnaissance were not routinely available for hurricanes until 1990. Storm surge was also quantified by category in the earliest published versions of the scale dating back to 1972. However, hurricane size (extent of hurricane force winds), local bathymetry (depth of near-shore waters), and topographic forcing can also be important in forecasting storm surge. Moreover, other aspects of hurricanes – such as the system’s forward speed and angle to the coast – also impact the storm surge that is produced. For example, the very large Hurricane Ike (with hurricane force winds extending as much as 125 mi from the center) in 2008 made landfall in Texas as a Category 2 hurricane and had peak storm surge values of 15-20 ft. In contrast, tiny Hurricane Charley (with hurricane force winds extending at most 25 mi from the center) struck Florida in 2004 as a Category 4 hurricane and produced a peak storm surge of only 6-7 ft. These storm surge values were substantially outside of the ranges suggested in the original scale. Thus to help reduce public confusion about the impacts associated with the various hurricane categories as well as to provide a more scientifically defensible scale, the storm surge ranges, flooding impact and central pressure statements are being removed from the scale and only peak winds are employed in this revised version – the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Category One Hurricane:
Sustained winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/hr). Damaging winds are expected. Some damage to building structures could occur, primarily to unanchored mobile homes (mainly pre-1994 construction). Some damage is likely to poorly constructed signs. Loose outdoor items will become projectiles, causing additional damage. Persons struck by windborne debris risk injury and possible death. Numerous large branches of healthy trees will snap. Some trees will be uprooted, especially where the ground is saturated. Many areas will experience power outages with some downed power poles. Hurricane Cindy (2005, 75 mph winds at landfall in Louisiana) and Hurricane Gaston (2004, 75 mph winds at landfall in South Carolina) are examples of Category One hurricanes at landfall.
Category Two Hurricane:
Sustained winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/hr). Very strong winds will produce widespread damage. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings will occur. Considerable damage to mobile homes (mainly pre-1994 construction) and poorly constructed signs is likely. A number of glass windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Loose outdoor items will become projectiles, causing additional damage. Persons struck by windborne debris risk injury and possible death.. Numerous large branches will break. Many trees will be uprooted or snapped. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in widespread power outages that could last a few to several days. Hurricane Erin (1995, 100 mph at landfall in northwest Florida) and Hurricane Isabel (2003, 105 mph at landfall in North Carolina) are examples of Category Two hurricanes at landfall.
Category Three Hurricane:
Sustained winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 km/hr). Dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Some structural damage to houses and buildings will occur with a minor amount of wall failures. Mobile homes (mainly pre-1994 construction) and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Many windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Persons struck by windborne debris risk injury and possible death. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. Hurricane Rita (2005, 115 mph landfall in east Texas/Louisiana) and Hurricane Jeanne (2004, 120 mph landfall in southeast Florida) are examples of Category Three hurricanes at landfall.
Category Four Hurricane:
Sustained winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 km/hr). Extremely dangerous winds causing devastating damage are expected. Some wall failures with some complete roof structure failures on houses will occur. All signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes (primarily pre-1994 construction). Extensive damage to doors and windows is likely. Numerous windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Windborne debris will cause extensive damage and persons struck by the wind-blown debris will be injured or killed. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted. Fallen trees could cut off residential areas for days to weeks. Electricity will be unavailable for weeks after the hurricane passes. Hurricane Charley (2004, 145 mph at landfall in southwest Florida) and Hurricane Hugo (1989, 140 mph at landfall in South Carolina) are examples of Category Four hurricanes at landfall.
Category Five Hurricane:
Sustained winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 km/hr). Catastrophic damage is expected. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings will occur. Some complete building failures with small buildings blown over or away are likely. All signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes (built in any year). Severe and extensive window and door damage will occur. Nearly all windows in high rise buildings will be dislodged and become airborne. Severe injury or death is likely for persons struck by wind-blown debris. Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Hurricane Camille (1969, 190 mph at landfall in Mississippi) and Hurricane Andrew (1992, 165 mph at landfall in Southeast Florida) are examples of Category Five hurricanes at landfall.
Please be sure to view our Advisory and Radar Centers for the latest updates and developments.
As always stay tuned to your favorite weather outlet, stay informed, and stay safe!
cheers,
–patrick
