Abstract
This paper details the event, recording instrumentation, and verification of a new world extreme three-second average wind gust record of 113.3 m s-1, measured on Barrow Island, Australia, during the passage of tropical cyclone Olivia in April 1996, and the public and media reaction to that verification. This record supersedes the previous extreme of 103.3 m s-1 measured at the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire, USA, in April 1934. Members of a World Meteorological Organization evaluation committee critically reviewed the data of the Olivia event, determined the Barrow Island wind measurement was valid and established the record. With the announcement of the record, interesting public reaction has occurred and is discussed, as well as the concept of more detailed classification of wind extremes. Although Olivia now holds the record for having the highest wind gust ever measured, this record doesn't imply that Olivia is the most intense cyclone recorded. However, planners should be aware that extreme gusts well above the 'typical' gusts quoted on the intensity scale are possible for tropical cyclones, particularly for category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Journal |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 2012 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atmospheric Science
- Oceanography
Cite this
Documentation and verification of the world extreme wind gust record : 113.3 m s-1 on Barrow Island Australia, during passage of tropical cyclone Olivia. / Courtney, J.; Buchan, S.; Cerveny, Randall; Bessemoulin, P.; Peterson, T. C.; Rubiera Torres, J. M.; Beven, J.; King, J.; Trewin, B.; Rancourt, K.
In: Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Journal, Vol. 62, No. 1, 2012, p. 1-9.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Documentation and verification of the world extreme wind gust record
T2 - 113.3 m s-1 on Barrow Island Australia, during passage of tropical cyclone Olivia
AU - Courtney, J.
AU - Buchan, S.
AU - Cerveny, Randall
AU - Bessemoulin, P.
AU - Peterson, T. C.
AU - Rubiera Torres, J. M.
AU - Beven, J.
AU - King, J.
AU - Trewin, B.
AU - Rancourt, K.
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - This paper details the event, recording instrumentation, and verification of a new world extreme three-second average wind gust record of 113.3 m s-1, measured on Barrow Island, Australia, during the passage of tropical cyclone Olivia in April 1996, and the public and media reaction to that verification. This record supersedes the previous extreme of 103.3 m s-1 measured at the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire, USA, in April 1934. Members of a World Meteorological Organization evaluation committee critically reviewed the data of the Olivia event, determined the Barrow Island wind measurement was valid and established the record. With the announcement of the record, interesting public reaction has occurred and is discussed, as well as the concept of more detailed classification of wind extremes. Although Olivia now holds the record for having the highest wind gust ever measured, this record doesn't imply that Olivia is the most intense cyclone recorded. However, planners should be aware that extreme gusts well above the 'typical' gusts quoted on the intensity scale are possible for tropical cyclones, particularly for category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones.
AB - This paper details the event, recording instrumentation, and verification of a new world extreme three-second average wind gust record of 113.3 m s-1, measured on Barrow Island, Australia, during the passage of tropical cyclone Olivia in April 1996, and the public and media reaction to that verification. This record supersedes the previous extreme of 103.3 m s-1 measured at the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire, USA, in April 1934. Members of a World Meteorological Organization evaluation committee critically reviewed the data of the Olivia event, determined the Barrow Island wind measurement was valid and established the record. With the announcement of the record, interesting public reaction has occurred and is discussed, as well as the concept of more detailed classification of wind extremes. Although Olivia now holds the record for having the highest wind gust ever measured, this record doesn't imply that Olivia is the most intense cyclone recorded. However, planners should be aware that extreme gusts well above the 'typical' gusts quoted on the intensity scale are possible for tropical cyclones, particularly for category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84863188366&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
VL - 62
SP - 1
EP - 9
JO - Australian Meteorological Magazine
JF - Australian Meteorological Magazine
SN - 1836-716X
IS - 1
ER -