Four tropical cyclones developed or moved within the range of the Kwajalein DWSR-93S Doppler Radar in 1997. Wind speed maxima were observed in the doppler radar data and in high-resolution satellite imagery. These wind speed maxima appear to have played a role in the development of some storms and in the intensity fluctuations of other storms. The high frequency of westerly wind burst events in 1997 may have played a significant factor in the development of the storms near the Marshall Islands. A case study of Typhoon Paka will be presented detailing the impact of these features on tropical cyclone development and intensity.
Typhoon Paka passed through the southern Marshall Islands during the period 9-13 December 1997. Satellite imagery and doppler radar data from Kwajalein were used to study the evolution of the storm from Tropical Storm stage through Typhoon. The role of wind speed maxima influencing eyewall structure, in addition to intensity changes in Paka, will be investigated