Surface-based Rain, Wind, and Pressure Fields in Tropical Cyclones over North Carolina Since 1989

摘要

During the recent 12-year span of hurricane seasons (1989-2000), several major hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions affected North Carolina. These tropical cyclones included: 1989, Hurricane Hugo; 1995, the remnants of Hurricane Allison and the remnants of Tropical Storm Jerry, Hurricane Opal; 1996, remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, Hurricane Bertha, Hurricane Fran, the remnants of Tropical Storm Josephine; 1997, the remnants of Hurricane Danny; 1998, Hurricane Bonnie, the remnants of Hurricane Earl; 1999, Tropical Storm Dennis, Hurricane Floyd, Hurricane Irene; 2000, the remnants of Hurricane Gordon and the remnants of Tropical Storm Helene. This paper will examine the observations in surface-based storm total rainfall, wind, and pressure fields taken during these 16 tropical cyclone events, which affected all areas of North Carolina. Where wind was not a factor to the people, as in remnants of tropical cyclones, only rain and pressure fields in the form of a track of the system will be discussed and used. This study will indicate that while strong winds are a function of storm intensity, the rainfall and subsequent flooding is not.