TROPICAL REVOLVING STORMS

8 .1.3 Tropical revolving storms:

Explain;
• Regions and seasons of greatest frequency of TRS
• Local nomenclature of TRS
• Conditions associated with formation of TRS
• Factors affecting movement of TRS
• Factors associated with decay of TRS
Describe;
• Characteristics of TRS
• Signs which give warning of an approaching TRS
• Messages require to be sent as per SOLAS

---contd 2
Sketch and describe;
• Typical and possible track of TRS
• Cross section through a TRS showing areas of cloud and precipitation
• Plan of TRS showing isobars, wind circulation, track, path, eye, trough
line, dangerous semi circle, dangerous quadrant and navigable semi
circle for both hemispheres.
Explain;
• Reasons for naming of dangerous semi circle
• Method of determining in which sector of TRS a ship is situated.
• Method of determining vortex of a TRS
• Correct avoidance procedure when in the vicinity of TRS
TROPICAL CYCLONE IS AN
ATMOSPHERIC SYSTEM IN
WHICH VERY STRONG WINDS
PREVAIL OVER A LARGE PART
IT ALSO CONSISTS OF A
HUGE MASS OF
REVOLVING MOIST AIR
THE WINDS ARE WEAKER TOWARDS
THE CENTRE AS WELL AS TOWARDS THE
PERIPHERY OF THE SYSTEM
BESIDES STRONG WINDS AND LARGE
DEFICIENCY OF ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE, A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS
CHARACTERISED BY HEAVY
CLOUDINESS AND HEAVY TO VERY
HEAVY RAINFALL OVER WIDE AREA
 Tropical Storms

The tropical storm

• An intense depression which generates in
tropical latitudes in all oceans except the
South Atlantic.
• They are accompanied by very high winds
and extremely heavy seas. Depending on
position they tend to have alternative
names
 The global distributions, causes and
characteristics of tropical revolving storms
• They are known under 3 names:
– They are hurricanes of the United States
and the Caribbean
– They are tropical cyclones in the Indian
Ocean
– They are Typhoons in the Pacific
• They have wind speeds of at least 120km/hr
• They only usually occur within a band from
20 Deg North to 20 Deg South of the
equator.
9
• The area near the equator is one of convergence as the Northern Hemisphere
N.E. Trade wind blows towards it, as does the S.E. Trade of the Southern
Hemisphere.
• The general name for this area is the ITCZ, also known as the DOLDRUMS.
• When the ITCZ is well to the north or south of the equator the change in
direction of the trades after crossing the equator will cause very strong
convergence currents and it is possible that a cyclonic disturbance will form in
this area.
• The possibility is increased when the ITCZ is in the vicinity of islands when
local surface heating of air of high humidity gives rise to very unstable
conditions.
• Low pressure areas frequently occur in the ITCZ but cyclonic circulation can
only result if the geostropic force is sufficiently large (there is
no geostropic force on the equator) and this is unlikely in latitudes less than 5°.

• The cyclonic disturbance once formed is known as a Tropical Revolving Storm 

 Tropical Storms

Tropical revolving storms (TRS) are circular feature with an

average diameter of 500 nautical miles.
They are known to cause excessive damage at sea or on
land as they cross the shoreline, because of the associated
violent winds that accompany their progress from
generation to deterioration.
The Tropical Storm Feature

Circular feature of average 400/500 miles

diameter.
Centre eye diameter 15/30 miles.
Steep pressure gradient with high wind
speeds.
The Tropical Storm Feature

The eye wall which is approximately 15 miles

wide has an area of dense cloud associated
with heavy rainfall and high winds.
 Navigation and Tropical Storms

Beaufort wind force

12 8 6
Eye Wall

Small patches
of relatively clear sky

Dense Cloud in a spiral

formation extend outward
from the eye

15/30´ 125´ 150´ Range

Wind forces experienced at respective ranges
from storm centre. 12 8 6

Eye Wall

15´/30´ 125´ 150´ 250´

 Tropical Revolving Storms – Definitions

PATH
– The direction in which the storm is
moving (predicted).
TRACK
– That area that the storm centre has already
moved over.
STORM FIELD
– That horizontal area covered by the cyclonic
condition of the storm.
 Tropical Revolving Storms – Definitions

SOURCE REGION
– That region where the storm first forms.
VERTEX (or COD)
- The furthest westerly point reached by storm
centre ( recurving point).
EYE of STORM
– The centre of the storm.
BAR of the STORM
– The advancing edge of the storm field.
 Tropical Revolving Storms – Definitions

VORTEX
– The central calm of the storm.
ANGLE of IN-DRAUGHT
– That angle that the wind makes with the
isobars.
DANGEROUS SEMI-CIRCLE
– That half of the storm which lies to the right of
the path in the northern hemisphere, and to the
left of the patch in the southern hemisphere.
DANGEROUS QUADRANT:
• The leading portion of the dangerous semicircle
where the winds blow towards the path

NAVIGABLE SEMI-CIRCLE:
• The half of the storm, which lies to the left of the path
in the Northern Hemisphere and to the right of the
path in the Southern Hemisphere.

TROUGH :
• That line of lowest barometer reading, which passes
through the storm centre, nearly at right angles to the path.
General Particulars TRS
The tropical revolving storm is known to
generate between latitudes 5° to 20° north or
south of the equator.
They never occur on the equator itself.
Their size will vary from 50 – 800 miles in
diameter but they generally average a
diameter size of 400/500 miles.
General Particulars TRS
They are associated with violent winds and over 130
knots may be experienced inside the storm field.
High seas, often confused, will be predominant within 75
miles of the storm centre.
Torrential rainfall around the ‘eye wall’ (but not in the
centre), will restrict visibility in this vicinity to about
zero.
Those storms whose wind speed do not reach these
higher limits but have wind speeds reaching 60 km/hr
are usually called Tropical storms.
• The main parts of a TRS are Eye, Eye wall & outer storm area.
• The eye is also called as vortex. It is a calm, low pressure area
extending to about 30 nautical miles. The pressure is about 60mb
below normal pressure.
• The sky is clear or partly clouded & visibility is poor.
• The eye wall is the area extending to about 50 miles beyond the
eyes outer perimeter.
• The wind is very violent & sea is extremely rough. The sky filled
with Nimbostratus clouds & the visibility is very poor. This area is
the most dangerous area.
• The outer storm area is the surrounding area beyond Eye wall. Its
width varies accordingly. In the above region wind is violent & gale
force seas will be observed. The sky is clouded with cirrus clouds &
good visibility.
• The movement or the path of the TRS can be predicted, but
there is no assurance that TRS will follow the exact predicted
path.
• Normally in northern hemisphere it moves West-northwest
direction until 20 degrees latitude then re curves to North-
easterly direction. Its initial speed may be 10 to 15 knots &
after curving it will drop then increase up to about 25 knots.
• In southern hemisphere TRS moves in West-south west
direction until 20 degree latitudes then re curves to South-
easterly direction.
• Sometimes in both hemispheres TRS continue its direction
without re curving or moves in hairpin direction making
loops.
General Particulars TRS
In the northern hemisphere, the season for
tropical storms, is known to be between June
and November, with the worst months being
August and September.
In the southern hemisphere, the season is from
December to May, with the worst months
being February and March.
General Particulars TRS
The exception to these dates being the Arabian
Sea area where tropical storm normally occur
with the change of the monsoons, i.e. May,
June, October and November.
Mariners should of course bear in mind that
storms could be encountered at any time, and
although seasonal month are given as being
times of maximum frequency, this is not to say
that other periods are always safe and free
from TRS.
• Worldwide, tropical cyclone activity peaks in late summer,
when the difference between temperatures aloft and sea
surface temperatures is the greatest.

• However, each particular basin has its own seasonal

patterns

• On a worldwide scale, May is the least active month, while

September is the most active month. November is the only
month in which all the tropical cyclone basins are active.
AREA     NAME SEASON

North Atlantic Hurricane June to November

Ocean Western side

North Pacific Ocean Hurricane or June to November

Eastern side Cordonazo

North Pacific Ocean Typhoon or All the year but greatest

Western side Raguios frequency and intensity June to
November.

western side Hurricane December to April

South Indian Ocean Willy-willy December to April
Eastern side

South Indian Ocean Cyclone December to April

Western side

and Cyclone June and November but they

may occur during the S.W.
monsoon season.
Here is a map showing where they form and
where they travel to

29
• The area near the equator is one of convergence as the Northern Hemisphere
N.E. Trade wind blows towards it, as does the S.E. Trade of the Southern
Hemisphere.
• The general name for this area is the INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE
(ITCZ), also known as the DOLDRUMS.
• When the ITCZ is well to the north or south of the equator the change in
direction of the trades after crossing the equator will cause very strong
convergence currents and it is possible that a cyclonic disturbance will form in
this area.
• The possibility is increased when the ITCZ is in the vicinity of islands when local
surface heating of air of high humidity gives rise to very unstable conditions.
• Low pressure areas frequently occur in the ITCZ but cyclonic circulation can only
result if the geostrophic force is sufficiently large (there is no geostrophic force
on the equator) and this is unlikely in latitudes less than 5°.
• The cyclonic disturbance once formed is known as a Tropical Revolving Storm 
 The Causes and Characteristics of TRS
• They form over warm sea which has a temperature of at
least 26 deg C
• The warm sea evaporates and warms the air above it.
• The warm moist air rises, causing low pressure.
• As this warm air rises, it cools and the water vapour
condenses into huge tall cumulous clouds
• Because of the Coriolis effect of the earth the air bent
inwards & spiral upwards with massive energy. The air
rotates & accelerates, picking up the surrounding air &
starts moving with massive power.
• The trade winds swirl in and towards the low pressure to
replace the rising air.
• This air then become warm and moist and rises upwards.
• The swirling air around the centre of the storm pulls the
warm, damp, rising air outwards.
31
 The Causes and Characteristics of TRS

• This makes the whole storm spin at increasing speed.

• Thus the ‘eye of the storm’ is a low pressure centre down which cold,
dense air from above air from above drops and adds to the warm moist
spinning air that is rising up.
• It continues to build in size and speed, getting all its energy from the warm
water below.
• The force of the spinning storm pushes down on the sea below it so that a
wave forms a rim around the storm.
• As the swirling storm picks up speed, it begins to move in a westerly
direction away from the equator (so that is NW in the Northern
Hemisphere).
• Its diameter can extend to about 1000 nautical miles & its effect can be felt even
500 nautical miles away from the TRS. It rotates clockwise in earth’s southern
hemisphere & anticlockwise in northern hemisphere. 32
 The Characteristics of Tropical Storms
• If it approaches landfall, the wind will begin to pick up
and the dark thunder clouds can be seen approaching.
• On the coast, the first real sign might well be a tidal
surge, a big wave up to 7 metres high, caused by the
downward pressure of the storm on the sea, made
higher in front, like the bow wave on a ship, as the
storm moves forward.
• The very high winds and torrential rain will follow.
• At some point, the wind may drop and rain lessen, if
the eye of the storm passes over.
• But the wind and rain will soon pick up again.
• However once the storm has blown onto the land it will
soon loose speed and ferocity, as its source of energy,
the warm water, is no longer there to feed the storm.
33
General Particulars TRS
Movement of the storm, after formation will be
in a generally westward direction, and
relatively slow moving, about 10 knots.
The speed of travel will increase slightly with
increased latitude but will probably not go
above 15 knots before the direction changes
at the point of recurve. (vertex).
TROPICAL REVOLVING STORMS & ABNORMAL WEATHER PHENOMENA

Dangerous Semi-Circle
Typical Patch after
recurve High
pressure

Navigable Semi-Circle
EQUATOR

Dangerous Semi-Circle

High
Typical Patch after pressure
recurve
General Particulars TRS
As the storm reaches the vertex it can be
expected to slow down as it turns eastward
from where an increase in movement to
between 20 – 25 knots could be anticipated.
Speed of over 40 knots, following recurve have
been experienced in the past.
General Particulars TRS
The pattern of the storm movement will vary in each
case but once the storm moves to the higher
latitudes around the 35° north/south it can be
expected to decay. Deterioration could also be
expected to occur if the storm moved over a land
mass.
On rare occasions a TRS will move erratically, making
a loop on its own track, but in this case the speed
of movement is usually less then 10 knots.
Category Wind Speed Effects
Storm surge: 1.2 – 1.5m
120 - 153
1 Some flooding but no structural
km/hr
damage
155 - 180 Storm surge: 1.8 – 2.4m
2
km/hr Trees down and some loose tiles
Storm surge: 2.7-3.7m
180 – 210
3 Structural damage to houses –
km/hr
severe flooding
Storm surge: 4-5.5m
210 – 250
4 Severe flooding inland – roofs
km/hr
ripped off major structural damage
Storm surge: >5.5m
5 >250 km/hr Severe flooding inland – severe
39
 Tropical Cyclones Form in One Air Mass

The internal structure of a mature tropical cyclone, or hurricane. (The

vertical dimension is exaggerated in this model of a hurricane.)
 Tropical Cyclones Form in One Air Mass

The tracks of tropical cyclones. The breeding grounds of tropical cyclones are shown as
orange-shaded areas. The storms follow curving paths: First they move westward with the
trade winds. Then they either die over land or turn eastward until they lose power over the
cooler ocean of mid-latitudes. Cyclones are not spawned over the South Atlantic or the
southeast Pacific because their waters are too chilly; nor in the still air - the doldrums -
within a few degrees of the equator.
Extratropical Cyclones Form between Two Air
Masses

(a) The genesis and early

development of an
extratropical cyclone in the
Northern Hemisphere

(b) How precipitation

develops in an extratropical
cyclone. These relationships
between two contrasting air
masses are responsible for
nearly all the storms
generated in the polar
frontal zone and thus
responsible for the high
rainfall within these belts
and the decreased salinities
of surface waters below.
Hurricanes
Easterly waves = pressure disturbances resulting
from variations in trade winds due to changing
surface water temperature
Critical sea surface temperature = 27o C
• Decrease in atmospheric pressure
• Increases evaporation rate
• Increased wind speeds
Energy from ocean, fuels hurricanes
• Water vapor extracted from warm sea surface
• Energy released during condensation
• Tornado ALLISON, Texas
Cyclone PHAILIN - Oct 2013
Phailin formed when a tiny depression developed in the
south Pacific on October 8. It then grew in size and intensity
over the next three days.  Most cyclones are set off when
winds caused by the Earth’s rotation fuse with a low-pressure
area over oceans.
On an average, three to four cyclonic storms develop over
the north of Indian Ocean a year, mostly when the June-
September monsoon begins to taper off.  The cyclone season
lasts until December.
When cyclones enter the Bay of Bengal basin, it can suddenly
grow stronger, helped by a typically warm ocean full of
moisture. “The Bay of Bengal is a happy trigger (for
cyclones)” the Met official said.
Along their trajectory, well-developed cyclones release the
same amount of energy as 100 hydrogen bombs, according
to the Weather Channel.
 Cyclone PHAILIN - Oct 2013

At one point (2 a.m. Friday, India time), one satellite-based measure of Phailin’s

strength estimated the storm’s central pressure at 910.2 millibars, with
sustained winds of 175 mph (280 kph).

If those numbers were verified by official forecast agencies, they would place
Phailin on par with 2005′s Hurricane Katrina, and break the record for the most
intense cyclone in Indian Ocean recorded history.+

As of 8 p.m. Friday, India time, Phailin had indeed 

officially reached Category 5 status, with an intensity of 918mb and sustained
winds of 160 mph (260 kph).

That ties the wind speed record set by the 1999 cyclone at its peak, currently
the most intense storm ever to make landfall in India.
 Satellite pictures about the movement of this cyclone

Fig. 5: Satellite image (2030h. IST –
14 Dec.) before the cyclone
crossed the Coast
Fig. 6: Satellite image (1730h. Fig. 7: Satellite image
IST – 15 Dec.) during (0830h. IST – 16
the cyclone crossing Dec.) after the
the Coast. cyclone crossed the
Coast.
 Tropical Storms

In this day and age it is highly unlikely that a tropical

storm would materialise without some positive indications,
say by radio, navtex, or satellite information.

However, recognition of the evidence that may present

itself to the mariner should be readily understood. More
detailed information will no doubt become available as the
storm develops following its formation.
 Avoiding tropical storms.

In order to avoid the ‘tropical revolving storm’ ( TRS), Masters

should be familiar with what it is and what they are likely to
do. Any action taken will depend on numerous variables, but
will also depend on the circumstances the ship finds herself
in, e.g. at anchor, moored to buoy, alongside or at sea.

Some vessels which are better founded than others may take
one option, whereas an alternative vessel may choose a
different option to suit, i.e. Motor vessels, compared with a
sailing vessel. Whatever action is taken the Master’s decision
should be made in the light of all available data and with
regard to the safety his vessel.
Avoiding tropical storms.

• avoid passing within 50 miles or so of the centre

of the storm.
• preferable to keep outside a distance of 200 nm
• If a ship has speed of at least 20 knots, makes a
course that will rapidly take her away from the
storm ,she will seldom come to any harm.
•Sometimes a TRS moves so slowly that a vessel;
- if ahead of it, can easily outpace it
- or, if astern of it, can overtake it.
Avoiding a TRS

If a storm is suspected in the vicinity, the vessel,

- should wait till pressure falls 5 mb below normal, or
- wind has increased to Force 6 with pressure fall at
least 3 mb.
 
Then she should act as recommended in the next slides,
until the barometer has risen above the limit just
given and the wind has decreased below Force 6.

Should it be certain, however, that the vessel is behind

the storm, or in the navigable semicircle, it will evidently
be sufficient to alter course away from the centre.
In the N hemisphere (ship initially moving Slowly).

(a) If the wind is veering the ship must be in the dangerou

semicircle.The ship should proceed with all available
speed with the wind 10° to 45° on the starboard bow. 
As the wind veers the ship should turn to starboard,
thereby tracing a course relative to the storm as
shown in the previous slide.

(b) If the wind remains steady in direction, or if it backs,

so that the ship seems to be nearly in the path or in
the navigable semicircle , the ship should bring the
wind well on the starboard quarter and proceed with
all available speed.  As the wind backs the ship should
turn to port and keep clear.
The actions to avoid TRS vary. Identify the centre of the TRS.
Face the wind & as per Buys Ballot’s law, TRS’s centre will lie 8 to 12 points
on starboard side in northern hemisphere & port side in southern
hemisphere.
In northern hemisphere wind veers means you are in the dangerous
semicircle & backs means you are in the navigable semicircle. In the
southern hemisphere the effects are vice versa.
If the wind is steady means you are in the path & this applies to both
hemispheres.

By plotting :
Plot the TRS’s position on the chart.
Construct a circle having the same radius of the TRS, construct tangent lines
to above circle 40 degrees from the forecast path.
Construct quadrant from TRS’s centre equal to 24 & 48 hours of movement
of the storm.
The 24 hours quadrant is known as imminent danger area & beyond that up
to 48 hours quadrant is known as probable danger area.
When in the navigable semicircle and insufficient sea
room and it is not practicable to seek shelter, the ship
Should heave to with the wind on her starboard bow in
the N and on her port bow in the S hemisphere.

If in harbour, when a tropical storm approaches, it is

Preferable to put to sea ,to avoid the worst of the storm. 
Riding out a tropical storm, the centre of which passes
within 50 miles or so, in a harbour or anchorage, even if
some shelter is offered, is an unpleasant and hazardous
experience, especially if there are other ships in company.
 
Even if berthed alongside or if special moorings are used,
a ship cannot feel entirely secure.  
 
 INDICATIONS OF TROPICAL STORM.
• A long low swell is usually the first indications of the existence and
approximate bearing of a tropical storm.
• Extensive high cirrus clouds generally in the direction from which the
storm is approaching.
• A change of 3 mb, or more, below the normal pressure for the area
during the tropical storm season, then the TRS is expected. If the
pressure is 5mb below mean for the time of year in that area means
you are there in the vicinity of the TRS.
• A marked change in the direction of wind and speed.
• To find the direction of the storm, face the wind and the centre of the
storm lies approximately 90° on your stbd hand side (Buy’s Ballots Law)

• The TRS warnings are received by ships via Sat c, radio telex, navtex &
weather facsimile, etc.
 Reports as per SOLAS
• The ship has to send an obligatory report to nearest
coast radio station and to surrounding ships if the
TRS is suspected.

• The obligatory report as per Solas regulation , must

contain at least ;
Ships name
MMSI
Ship’s position
Date & time
the predicted position of the TRS.
 Additional Measures
•Take evasive action. Never allow the ship to get into dangerous semicircle and make
evasive manoeuvres to stay safe.

• If possible take extra ballast to make the ship stable. No ballast tank should be
partly filled, because of free surface effect it will increase the rolling of the ship.

•Slight trim by head can reduce the rolling but in the other hand it may reduce the
fwd buoyancy, so it can be done after calculating the buoyancy forces & stability.

• No crew to go on deck for normal maintenance work & chief officer’s permission is
required to go on deck for any other reason. Duty officers must be careful when
going onto bridge wings & reduce the vessel’s speed if necessary.
• Some masters talk about taking the ships into shelter areas, but practically if your
shelter area falls in another country’s territorial waters ship should call for port of
refuge.

• The good Master will always give more priority for his crew & vessel than the
commercial factors.
 Depressions
Depressions are areas of low atmospheric pressure which produce cloudy, rainy and windy weather. 
 Summarising a Depression
• At the warm front, lighter, warmer air from the south (tropical maritime air)
meets cooler air from the north (polar maritime air) and rises gradually
over it.
• As the warm air slowly rises it cools, its water content condenses and
clouds form (nimbostratus then altostratus). The result is steady rain, later
giving way to drizzle and finally clearer skies with high cirrus clouds.
• Behind the warm front is an area of warm, rising air and low pressure - the
centre of the low-pressure system. As this part of the depression passes
over, there may be a short period of clear, dry weather.
• However, at the trailing cold front, heavier, cooler air meets the warm air at
the centre of the depression, undercutting it and forcing it steeply upwards.
Quickly moving air masses produce high winds and cooler temperatures.
• As the rapidly rising warm air cools, its water condenses and clouds form
(cumulonimbus, then cumulus). The result is heavy rain or thunderstorms,
giving way to showers and finally to clear skies as the cold front moves
away eastwards.