US Cyclone Havoc in 2020: A Year in Review

The United States, known for its towering skyscrapers and sprawling plains, has seen its fair share of cyclones in 2020. These powerful storms have had profound impacts, causing significant damage and disruption. Here, we delve into the cyclones that made an impression across the country in the year that was.

a house is surrounded by trees and power lines in the rain as storm clouds loom overhead

2020 was a year marked by extremes, including a notably active hurricane season. Although the term 'cyclone' often refers to storms in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, in the U.S., we use 'hurricane' or 'typhoon' for these tropical cyclones, depending on their location in the Atlantic or Pacific, respectively.

The 1996 Andhra Pradesh cyclone (also known as Cyclone 07B) was a small but powerful storm that left heavy damage in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It formed on 4 November in the eastern Bay of Bengal. Moving westward, it quickly organized and developed a well-defined eye. On 6 November, the cyclone struck about 31 miles south of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh at peak intensity. Cyclone Pictures For Project, Cyclone Aesthetic, Cyclone Pictures, Cyclone Tauktae India Map, Natural Disaster Aftermath, Understanding Cyclone Effects, Understanding Cyclone Processes, Cyclone Weather, Cyclone Images

Hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin

The Atlantic hurricane season, which stretches from June to November, was exceptionally active in 2020. With 30 named storms, it tied with 2005 as the most active season on record.

Several of these storms made landfall in the U.S., bringing strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges that caused extensive flooding.

Hurricane Hanna

Cyclone Gabrielle: New Zealand ‘open’ to international assistance | Weather News

Hanna, which formed in late July, was the first major hurricane of the season. It made landfall in South Texas, causing flooding and power outages across the region.

The storm's remnants then tracked across the Southern Plains, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of Oklahoma and Texas.

Hurricane Laura

Laura, which rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, made landfall in Louisiana in late August as a high-end Category 4 hurricane. It's among the strongest hurricanes to ever strike the U.S.

The storm's catastrophic storm surge, winds, and rain led to widespread devastation in Louisiana and East Texas. Buildings were destroyed,-power was knocked out for millions, and unfortunately, many lives were lost.

Typhoons in the Pacific Basin

an old newspaper article with a photo of a person's shadow in the background

While the Atlantic had a record-breaking season, the Pacific had a near-record one. Two of these typhoons impacted the U.S. in 2020.

Typhoons, like hurricanes, are powered by heat energy from warm ocean waters and can cause significant damage with their strong winds and heavy rains.

“Cyclone Montha Live View | Nature’s Power Unleashed 🌊”

a pile of junk sitting in the middle of a yard next to a building under construction

Exploring The Key Differences Between Cyclones, Typhoons, And Hurricanes

The air flowing around a tropical cyclone spins anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere, and clockwise in the southern hemisphere (as does the Earth) as a result of the Coriolis force. They are called Hurricanes over the North Atlantic Ocean / Eastern Pacific (Americas), Typhoons over the Western Pacific (Asia) and Cyclones over the Indian Ocean (Australia and East Africa). Tornados are formed in thunderstorms. Typhoon Satellite Image, Dramatic Natural Disaster Image, Natural Disaster Imagery, Satellite Image Of Typhoon Over Japan, Ocean Tornadoes Weather Phenomenon, Subtropical Cyclone Vs Tropical Storm, Typhoon Satellite View, Cyclone Pictures, Natural Disaster Satellite Image

Typhoon Mangkhut ( Фабян)

Also known as Fabyan, Mangkhut made landfall in the Marshall Islands and the Mariana Islands in late September as a Category 2 typhoon. Although it weakened before reaching Guam, it brought heavy rainfall, winds, and storm surge to the island.

The typhoon's outer bands also affected nearby islands, including Saipan and Tinian, where flooding and power outages were reported.

Typhoon Goni (Rolly)

In early November, Typhoon Goni (Rolly) made landfall in eastern Samar, Philippines, as a Category 5 typhoon. While it weakened before reaching the U.S., it brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

The typhoon caused power outages, flooding, and damage to homes and infrastructure in the affected areas. Alaska, although not directly hit, experienced indirect impacts such as lower visibility and some icing due to weather systems linked to the typhoon.

As Hurricane Season is still a possibility in the Atlantic and storm activity can occur year-round in the Pacific, it's crucial to remain prepared. Regularly monitor local forecasts and have an emergency plan ready.