An eyewall is a ring of towering thunderstorms that surrounds the center, or eye, of a tropical cyclone, including hurricanes and typhoons. It is one of the most intense and destructive parts of the storm, characterized by extremely strong winds, heavy rainfall, and intense convective activity.
Key characteristics of the eyewall include:
1. **Strong Winds**: The eyewall contains some of the strongest winds in the entire storm system, often reaching speeds of over 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour) or more. These winds spiral inward toward the center of the storm and are most intense near the surface.
2. **Heavy Rainfall**: The eyewall is also associated with heavy rainfall, with precipitation rates sometimes exceeding 50 millimeters (2 inches) per hour. This intense rainfall can lead to flash flooding, mudslides, and other water-related hazards.
3. **Intense Convection**: The eyewall is characterized by intense convective activity, with towering thunderstorms reaching high into the atmosphere. These storms produce lightning, hail, and sometimes tornadoes, adding to the overall destructive potential of the storm.
4. **Eye Formation**: Despite the ferocity of the eyewall, the center of the storm, known as the eye, is typically calm and clear. The eye is surrounded by the eyewall and is characterized by light winds, clear skies, and sometimes even sunshine. The contrast between the calm eye and the violent eyewall is a defining feature of tropical cyclones.
The eyewall is one of the most dangerous parts of a tropical cyclone and is responsible for much of the storm’s damage and destruction. Buildings and infrastructure located within or near the eyewall are at risk of severe wind damage, storm surge, and flooding. For this reason, evacuation and preparedness efforts often focus on areas expected to be impacted by the eyewall of an approaching storm.
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