Tropical cyclones are one of the most costliest and deadliest natural hazards affecting the U.S. While NOAA has significantly improved hurricane track forecasts over the last few decades, intensity forecast improvements have lagged in comparison. Warm ocean waters provide the fuel for tropical cyclones and can have a major impact on their intensity. Unexpected rapid intensification of tropical cyclones in the hours before landfall can catch coastal communities off guard with deadly conseque...
