Tropical cyclone wind speed climatology

Wind Swath of Hurricane King over Miami

Tropical cyclone wind speed climatology is the study of wind distribution among tropical cyclones, a significant threat to land and people. Since records began in 1851, winds from hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones have been responsible for fatalities and damage in every basin. Major hurricanes (Category 3 or above) usually cause the most wind damage.[1] Hurricane Andrew for example caused $45 billion (2005 USD) in damage, most of it wind damage.[2]

Although wind damage is rare to tropical cyclones near landmasses, there are a few factors that lead to high wind speeds. Warm water temperatures, which was seen during Hurricane Wilma when its winds rapidly strengthened to 185 mph (298 km/h) in a 24-hour period due to the presence of abnormally warm water temperatures. Size and speed of the storm, which results in damage along a wide area as seen in Hurricane Isabel and Great New England Hurricane of 1938.[3][4]

  1. ^ "TCFAQ D1) How are Atlantic hurricanes ranked?". Aoml.noaa.gov. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  2. ^ NHC Report on Andrew
  3. ^ Hurricane Wilma Report
  4. ^ Hurricane Isabel Report