A Synoptic Climatology of Tropical Cyclones Affecting Southeast South Carolina and Southeast Georgia

Climatological teleconnections are known to influence the development, track, and intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs) on regional scales. Understanding the effects these teleconnections have on TCs on sub-regional scales can assist local forecasters during hurricane season, creating a more weather-ready nation. In this study, the effects of climatological parameters, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), on TCs affecting southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina are examined. An area surrounding the County Warning Area (CWA) of the National Weather Service in Charleston, SC, was designated from 19-34N and 77-85W. Any TC that tracked through this region since records began in 1851 was documented in the local TC database, along with their meteorological statistics, impacts, and climate regimes. TCs in the region were found using the HURDAT2 database and NOAA’s Historical Hurricane Tracks database. Synoptic-scale composites were made using 6-Hourly NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis Data, allowing forecasters to recognize certain patterns in the atmospheric variables that are more conducive to TC development. Certain climate regimes and atmospheric patterns were found to be more favorable for TCs which impact southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina.