Meteorologists were left puzzled by the erratic behavior of Typhoon Gaemi as it approached Taiwan on Wednesday, following a trail of devastation from the Philippines where it claimed at least 12 lives, as reported by the Associated Press.
Gaemi escalated monsoon conditions in Taiwan before its imminent landfall, boasting wind speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, equivalent to a powerful Category 3 hurricane, according to Zoom Earth satellite data.
A typhoon is a term used in the Northwest Pacific to describe a severe tropical cyclone, while a hurricane is the label used for a similar storm in the Northeast Pacific and Northern Atlantic. In all other regions, such storms are classified as tropical cyclones.
However, Gaemi’s peculiar behavior on its approach to land puzzled experts, as radar imagery displayed the storm diverting away from the island instead of making a direct hit.
Described as “absolutely ludicrous,” Typhoon #Gaemi executed a sharp and unexpected southward turn just before hitting the coast of #Taiwan, then curving back for a second impending landfall. The storm was redirected by the massive mountains, altering its trajectory by disrupting the circulation mechanism – @BMcNoldy pic.twitter.com/lZujFh9U6x
— Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) July 24, 2024
“Absolutely ludicrous,” quoted WFLA Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli on X, formerly Twitter, as he highlighted Gaemi’s unexpected maneuver and credited the mountainous terrain with disrupting its path.
Another expert, Senior Research Associate Brian McNoldy from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, emphasized the unique meteorological case study presented by Gaemi’s movements despite the interference from the mountains, showcasing the storm’s intense nature.
The rugged topography of Taiwan is causing disruption to Typhoon #Gaemi’s predicted trajectory 😵💫
Gaemi has made a sudden southbound diversion off Taiwan’s coast, seemingly embarking on a brief loop back into the Pacific. Latest radar: pic.twitter.com/3O4mJ3k2Vn
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) July 24, 2024
Additionally, Zoom Earth shared radar footage displaying the storm avoiding Taiwan by redirecting its path.
With the possibility of El Niño transitioning to La Niña and abnormal warm ocean temperatures, meteorologists are concerned that this year could witness a particularly active tropical storm season.
The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and is expected to last through November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted an above-average season with 17 to 25 named storms in May, the highest prediction ever for that month, including 8 to 13 hurricanes and 4 to 7 major hurricanes.
The factors influencing hurricanes also impact similar storms globally, making it crucial to monitor weather patterns and phenomena worldwide.
