Estimating Hurricane Wind Speeds From Satellite Pictures

Abstract

The empirical relationship between the maximum wind speed (MWS) of tropical storms and their characteristics pictured from satellites has been employed routinely since 1964. A large number of cases accumulated since then now enables these relationships to be put on a more firm statistical basis and revised MWS curves are presented.

A Multiple Linear Regression Model for Tropical Cyclone Intensity Estimation from Satellite Infrared Images

“…During the beginning years (1970s) of satellites, Dvorak summarized previous research [11,12] and proposed a comprehensive pattern recognition technique for tropical cyclone (TC) intensity estimation from satellite imagery, which is known as Dvorak Technique (DT) [13,14]. However, DT depends on experts' experience, and therefore is subjective and time intensive.…”

The Dvorak Tropical Cyclone Intensity Estimation Technique: A Satellite-Based Method that Has Endured for over 30 Years

“…At this time there were no enhancement or animation capabilities. Early work by Fett (1966), Fritz et al (1966), and Hubert and Timchalk (1969) was generally unsuccessful in inferring TC intensity from this type of imagery.…”

Tropical Cyclones

“…Direct observational distinction between an interfacial slope of a few degrees and no elope at all, especially when some cloudiness may occur in the eye, is difficult, and observational evidence can be cited to support either position. For instance, Palmen (1948) This section is concluded by noting that maximum wind speeds in hurricanes are estimated, in the absence of aircraft reconnaissance, by means of previously correlated formulae involving the area of the overcast "circle" on satellite photographs (Hubert and Timchalk, 1969) (Fig. 3).…”