Tropical Cyclones: What have we Learned and Where are we Going?

The past three decades have seen an impressive growth of research on tropical cyclones, spurred by the advent of airborne Doppler radar, advanced satellite and airborne remote sensing techniques, a series of field experiments, and much improved numerical models of tropical cyclones. This research has paid off handsomely in improved understanding and better forecasts, augmented by advances in the art of communicating forecast information to emergency managers and to the public. In this talk, I will attempt to review this vast arena of progress and highlight remaining issues and controversies.