A recent paper in The Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences using ground-based radar and radar aboard NOAA P3 Hurricane Hunter aircraft brings new insight to the eyewall replacement cycle, a process by which an outer eyewall forms, contracts, and replaces the older, inner eyewall. During these cycles, the intensity and location of the strongest winds can change dramatically, making forecasts difficult. Most very strong hurricanes undergo these cycles, some many times. The study here is the first one to look at how the new, secondary eyewall forms to start the process. You can read the study here.
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