Science and Society | Hurricanes 101: Science, Hazards, and Forecasting

• Tuesday, March 3 @ 5:00 pm
• Lewes Public Library, Lewes, DE

Hurricanes are among the most powerful and destructive weather systems on Earth, affecting millions of people each year through high winds, flooding rains, storm surge, and tornadoes. This presentation provides an overview of how hurricanes form, why they intensify, and what makes them so dangerous. We will explore the basic science behind these storms, including the role of warm ocean waters, atmospheric structure, and large-scale weather patterns.

The talk will also examine the primary hazards associated with hurricanes, emphasizing that wind is often not the greatest threat to life and property. Storm surge and inland flooding will be discussed through real-world examples, highlighting why risk can extend far from the coastline and well after landfall. Finally, the presentation will demystify hurricane forecasting—how storms are tracked and predicted, what forecast models can and cannot do, and how uncertainty is communicated. Finally, we will also touch on some newer hurricane tracking models that incorporate AI techniques and contrast this type of weather model with the more traditional ones.

Dan Reilly retired from the National Weather Service in 2024 after a 32-year career with the agency. During his tenure, he worked at forecast offices in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Montana, and Texas, issuing forecasts and warnings for a wide range of hazardous weather events. 

NOTE: this meeting is being conducted through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER to receive instructions for joining the meeting.

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