The massive impact of Hurricane Otis is evident everywhere due to broken windows, streets awash in mud, and a city with many people missing. Acapulco hasn’t seen a calamity of this magnitude in decades, and the storm’s sudden intensity caught even the most seasoned experts off guard.
Hurricane Otis’ wind speeds soared by 115 mph within just 24 hours, a time frame typically considered too short for such a drastic escalation. This unexpected surge has secured Otis’ place as the second fastest-intensifying hurricane in recent history, as documented by the National Hurricane Center. The center didn’t hold back, labeling Otis a “nightmare scenario.”
How did Hurricane Otis gain drastic strength?
Such rapid increase in storms is termed ‘rapid intensification’, a phenomenon that’s witnessing an uptick in frequency, especially in specific global regions. A study highlighted in Scientific Reports underscored the alarming trend.
As articulated by the study’s author, Dr. Andra J. Garner, storms now have higher odds of strengthening swiftly, particularly in areas encompassing the tropical eastern Atlantic, certain parts of the U.S. East Coast, and the southern Caribbean Sea.
As per reports, research indicated a direct link between the planet’s warming and the emergence of fiercer storms.
The year 2023 was accompanied with unusually warm oceanic surface temperatures being the new normal. For context, as Hurricane Otis steered its course, it encountered water surfaces as warm as 88 degrees, right before its devastating encounter with Mexico. In another incident earlier in the year, Hurricane Idalia morphed from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm in a brief window before assaulting Florida.
As per CBS News report, Meteorologist Richard Knabb, once at the helm of the National Hurricane Center, emphasized the pivotal role warm waters play. He noted that the warmth of the ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico is the very fuel powering these massive hurricanes, according to the report
In a bid to better understand the meteorological giants, NOAA or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is reportedly deploying drones. These machines scout the skies, tread the waters, and even dive beneath the ocean, gathering crucial data on potential rapid intensifications.
However, with the Atlantic hurricane season stretching till November 30th, meteorologists worldwide remain vigilant, monitoring the oceans for the next potential tempest.
FAQs:
What is a hurricane?
A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It is characterized by its strong, spiraling winds, heavy rain, and low atmospheric pressure at its center, commonly referred to as the “eye.”
What is a natural disaster?
A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth. These events can include catastrophic phenomena such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, among others. Natural disasters can lead to significant damage to property, loss of life, and detrimental impacts on the environment.
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