Factors contributing to tornadogenesis in landfalling Gulf of Mexico tropical cyclones

Abstract

ABSTRACTTropical cyclone tornadoes (TCTs) are brief and often unpredictable events that can produce fatalities and create considerable economic loss. Given these uncertainties, it is important to understand the characteristics and factors that contribute to tornado formation within tropical cyclones. This research analyses this hazardous phenomenon, examining the relationships among tropical cyclone intensity, size and tornado output. Furthermore, the influences of severe weather parameters on tornado output near the time of tornado formation were assessed between two phases of a tropical cyclone's life cycle: during hurricane and tropical storm intensity, termed tropical cyclone tornadoes (TCTs), and during tropical depression and remnant low intensity, termed tropical low tornadoes (TLTs). Results show that tornado output is significantly influenced by tropical cyclone intensity. Values for storm relative helicity, energy helicity index, and severe weather threat index are significantly higher within TCT environments, thus resulting in more tornadoes.