1°Outside Eye on the Tropics: Potential Tropical Cyclone, Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm and Hurricane – What does it all mean?

Did you see Matt’s video about how you can track tropical systems using our Noyes’ 1°Outside Weather App?  If not, we’ve added it above, for you to follow along with.

Tropical Storm Alberto has formed – the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season – over the western Gulf of Mexico.  What exactly do all the terms mean?  Potential Tropical Cyclone is what Alberto was classified as first…now a Tropical Storm…plus we hear about Tropical Depressions and Hurricanes.  What does each classification mean for the storm, and how do these all form?  Read on for the answers to all of that and more on Alberto.

First…More on Tropical Storm Alberto:

• Tropical Storm Warning: The Texas coast from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande, and the northeastern coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla.
• Rainfall: 5-10 inches across northeast Mexico into South Texas, with up to 20 inches possible in higher terrain.
• Storm Surge: 1-4 feet along the Texas coast and the northeastern coast of Mexico.
• Winds: Tropical storm conditions expected today through early Thursday.
• Tornadoes: Possible today and tonight across parts of Deep South Texas and Southeast Texas.
• Surf: Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

More on Understanding Tropical Cyclones (“cyclone” is simply another name for a storm in the world of meteorology):

Potential Tropical Cyclone: A term used by the National Hurricane Center to describe a system that is not yet a tropical cyclone but poses a threat of bringing tropical storm or hurricane conditions to land within 48 hours. This allows for watches and warnings to be issued in advance.

Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. It is characterized by organized circulation and defined wind patterns but lacks the strong winds and defined eye seen in more intense systems.

Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds between 39 mph (34 knots) and 73 mph (64 knots). Tropical storms are named and can cause significant rainfall, flooding, and wind damage.

Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale from 1 to 5, based on sustained wind speeds, with Category 5 being the most intense.

How Do Tropical Systems Form?: Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters when specific atmospheric conditions are met, including:

1. Warm Water: Sea surface temperatures of at least 80°F (27°C) provide the necessary heat and moisture.
2. Atmospheric Instability: Allows for rising warm, moist air to cool and condense, releasing latent heat and fueling the storm.
3. Low Wind Shear: Allows the storm to maintain its structure without being torn apart by varying wind speeds at different altitudes.
4. Moisture in the Mid-Troposphere: Sufficient moisture at mid-levels of the atmosphere supports the development and maintenance of thunderstorms.
5. Pre-existing Weather Disturbance: A weather disturbance, such as a tropical wave, provides the initial impetus for cyclonic development.

Atlantic Hurricane Season: The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically occurring from late August through September. According to Matt Noyes, President of 1DegreeOutside, during this period, warm ocean waters and conducive atmospheric conditions support the formation of tropical cyclones, which can impact coastal and inland areas with severe weather.

Be sure to follow along this Hurricane Season on our website, 1DegreeOutside.com, and our Noyes’ 1DegreeOutside Weather mobile app!