The radar imagery of Hurricane Helene provides a unique insight into the storm's structure and evolution. Hurricane Helene was a powerful tropical cyclone that formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean in 2000. The storm developed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on August 15, 2000. As the system moved westward, it began to organize and strengthen, eventually becoming a tropical storm on August 17, 2000.
Formation and Strengthening
The radar imagery from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows the storm’s formation and strengthening over the eastern Atlantic. The radar reflectivity data indicate that the storm’s central convection increased in intensity and organization, with maximum sustained winds reaching 60 knots (69 mph) by August 18, 2000. The storm continued to strengthen, becoming a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale by August 20, 2000.
Radar Imagery Analysis
The radar imagery from the NHC’s Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) system provides a detailed analysis of the storm’s structure and evolution. The radar data show a well-defined eye with a diameter of approximately 20 nautical miles (23 miles), indicating a strong and organized storm. The radar velocity data also indicate a strong circulation around the storm’s center, with winds speeds exceeding 100 knots (115 mph) in some areas.
| Date | Maximum Sustained Winds | Minimum Central Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| August 17, 2000 | 45 knots (52 mph) | 1004 mbar |
| August 18, 2000 | 60 knots (69 mph) | 993 mbar |
| August 20, 2000 | 90 knots (104 mph) | 965 mbar |
Storm Track and Impact
The storm track of Hurricane Helene shows that the storm moved westward across the eastern Atlantic, passing north of the Lesser Antilles on August 22, 2000. The storm then turned northwestward, passing east of the Bahamas on August 24, 2000. The storm’s outer rain bands brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to several islands in the Caribbean, causing power outages and property damage.
Comparative Analysis
A comparative analysis of Hurricane Helene with other storms in the Atlantic Basin shows that the storm’s intensity and size were similar to those of other Category 2 hurricanes. However, the storm’s track and timing were unique, with the storm passing north of the Lesser Antilles and east of the Bahamas. The storm’s landfall was not as catastrophic as some other storms, such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992, but still caused significant damage and disruption to several islands in the Caribbean.
- Maximum sustained winds: 100 knots (115 mph)
- Minimum central pressure: 955 mbar
- Storm surge: 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
- Rainfall totals: 10-20 inches (25-50 cm)
What was the maximum sustained wind speed of Hurricane Helene?
+The maximum sustained wind speed of Hurricane Helene was 100 knots (115 mph) on August 20, 2000.
What was the minimum central pressure of Hurricane Helene?
+The minimum central pressure of Hurricane Helene was 955 mbar on August 20, 2000.
What was the storm surge of Hurricane Helene?
+The storm surge of Hurricane Helene was 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) along the coast of the Bahamas.
