Rapid Hurricane Intensification Phenomenon
Hurricane Lee (September 2023) redefined rapid intensification by strengthening from Category 1 to Category 5 in just 24 hours, becoming the third-fastest intensifying Atlantic hurricane on record.
Tropical Cyclone Anatomical Structure
Tropical cyclones form over tropical waters when ocean temperatures reach at least 26°C (79°F). They achieve hurricane status when spinning winds exceed 118 km/h (74 mph), averaging 500 km diameter but potentially growing to thousands of kilometers wide.
Typhoon Tip Largest Storm Record
Typhoon Tip (October 1979) remains the largest, most intense storm ever recorded on Earth. It formed when three simultaneous storms near Micronesia competed initially, then one absorbed another’s energy becoming monstrous.
Fujiwara Effect Storm Interaction
The Fujiwara effect describes two tropical cyclones swirling around each other when in proximity. September 2022 demonstrated this when Category 5 Typhoon Hinnamnor (the year’s strongest) completely devoured Tropical Storm Gardo while approaching Taiwan.
Extratropical Transition Post-Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones traveling outside tropical regions over colder water become mid-latitude cyclones through extratropical transition. Hurricane Sandy (2012) exemplified this, transitioning just before striking New Jersey and New York.