Increased Uncertainty in Storm Forecasting
When two hurricanes interact, it can lead to an unpredictable storm forecast. The Fujiwhara effect makes it challenging for weather models to accurately predict the behavior of the interacting hurricanes, resulting in increased uncertainty.
Implications for Coastal Areas
The Fujiwhara effect can significantly impact coastal areas. As two hurricanes merge, they can create a storm with increased intensity and size, leading to a higher risk of:
* Coastal flooding
* Destructive winds
* Damage to infrastructure
Path Modification and Evacuation Planning
The Fujiwhara effect can modify the path of a hurricane, making it difficult to issue early warnings and plan emergency measures. Areas that were not initially in the storm plans may be affected, making evacuation planning and civil protection measures challenging.
Climate Change and Its Impact
Climate change can intensify the Fujiwhara effect by creating more favorable conditions for hurricane formation. Rising ocean temperatures and higher atmospheric humidity increase the likelihood of interactions between multiple tropical systems.
Dynamics of the Fujiwhara Effect
The strength of the winds, the direction of movement, and the distance separating the hurricanes determine how the interaction will play out. In general, the stronger hurricane has a greater influence on the weaker one, causing it to rotate around it like a satellite.
Consequences of the Fujiwhara Effect
The Fujiwhara effect can result in:
* Stronger winds
* Heavier rain
* Increased storm surge
* Unpredictable storm track