TROPICAL CYCLONE LANDFALL IN THE UNITED STATES 1960-1989

• Main Authors: Anthony J. Vega, Mark S. Binkley
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.664.7608; http://nwas.org/digest/papers/1994/Vol19-Issue1-Aug1994/Pg14-Vega.pdf

All tropical cyclones which originated in the North Atlantic Basin (including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea) and made landfall within the United States during the period 1960-1989 are analyzed. The cyclones are divided into categories based on formation area (six distinct regions), month of cyclo-genesis, maximum strength the cyclone achieved (using the Saffir-Simpson scale), and landfall location (nine distinct zones). In order to identify climatological patterns and trends, statistical procedures are used with each of the stated variables. This study differs from others on tropical cyclone climatology through methodology. Here, only tropical cyclones which made landfall within the U.S. during the study period are examined. By incorporating this methodology, a greater understanding of the associated trends and climatological interactions of cyclones which pose danger to U.S. citizens is gained. The study aids in delineating the time period during which a tropical cyclone is expected, the extent of the area likely to experience a tropical cyclone, and the likely severity of the tropical cyclone. Results indicate that landfall zones along the Gulf Coast are primarily affected during the early portion of the hurricane season by tropical cyclones which form in the Gulf of Mexico. As the hurricane season progresses, the cyclones form in the Caribbean and usually make landfall within the state of Florida. During the time of greatest cyclone frequencies (August and September), the cyclogenesis area shifts to its farthest eastern extent, near the Cape Verde Islands. These tropical cyclones typically make landfall along the western Gulf Coast, Florida, or along the East Coast north of 34 ° N. Late season cyclogenesis reverts back to the Gulf of Mexico and once again plagues the Gulf Coast landfall zones. 1.