Cyclone Science

very epic hurricane has a birthplace—and most of the Atlantic’s fiercest storms start their journey the same way: as a barely-there ripple of wind rolling west from Africa. These ripples…

In 1999, storms changed communities forever. Huge waves surged inland, buildings crumbled, and thousands lost their lives. Fast forward to 2024, we still faced monstrous storms—but thanks to better preparation…

Ever wondered why we name storms—and why these powerful forces of nature get male and female names? It's not just a quirky tradition; there's a practical, historical, and fascinating reason…

Ever wondered why storms suddenly intensify out of nowhere? The secret often lies beneath their swirling clouds—right on the ocean’s surface. Sea-surface temperature (SST) is basically a storm’s fuel gauge,…

Tropical cyclones are notorious for their unpredictability, but perhaps the most alarming behavior is rapid intensification (RI)—when a storm's wind speeds surge by at least 35 mph (55 km/h) within…

You've probably noticed the buzz on social media or your favorite weather app mentioning Invest 90L. Before you start worrying about hurricane shutters or canceling weekend plans, let's clear up…

When it comes to hurricanes, cyclones, or severe storms, there’s one truth every emergency planner agrees on: Don’t wait for the first warning to get ready. By the time an…

Have you ever wondered how meteorologists figure out just how bad a hurricane might be? That’s where the Hurricane Wind Scale, officially known as the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, comes…

Ever heard the weather forecaster casually mention a "tropical wave" and wondered what exactly that means? You're not alone! A tropical wave is like the starting line for many hurricanes…

Have you ever wondered why the same weather phenomenon has three different names—cyclone, hurricane, and typhoon? It might seem confusing, but the explanation is simpler than you think. These three…