Multiple Storm Interaction

It is very rare for more than one hurricane or topical cyclone to exist at the same time. Most often, there is just a single active hurricane at any given time during the hurricane season. However, once in a while two hurricanes do become active concurrently, and when this happens it is possible that they will meet.

Two approaching storm fronts

When two storm fronts get close to each other, they will both begin to react to the movements the other is making. This can happen from as far away as a thousand kilometers apart. They will then usually begin to pull towards each other, and at this point there are two primary end results: dissipation or the Fujiwhara Effect.

Dissipation

It is possible that the two storms will react negatively towards each other and with the end result being that both storms die down. This, however, is not the most common reaction.

Fujiwhara Effect

Dr. Sakuhei Fujiwhara was a Japanese meteorologist who studied the results of two storm fronts coming into contact. He discovered that they will usually meet and interact. They will begin to spin around each other at first, but the storm that is larger will eventually dominate the smaller one. The bigger storm will take over and envelop the lesser storm, thereby creating one larger remaining hurricane. Dr. Fujiwhara's study and published article about this phenomenon gave him the honor of having it named after him.

Separation

A less common end result is a complete separation of the two storm fronts. It is possible they will meet up, interact by spiraling around each other, and eventually split apart again and continue on separate paths. This, however, is a rare occurrence.

Example of storm interaction

One major example of hurricane interaction happened in 1995 when Hurricane Humberto and Hurricane Iris came together in the Atlantic sea. Following the principles of the Fujiwhara Effect, Hurricane Iris encompassed Hurricane Humberto. Afterwards, Hurricane Iris came into contact with a third storm front, Tropical Storm Karen. Hurricane Iris was the more dominant force, and also enveloped Tropical Storm Karen.

While it is rare, hurricanes do occasionally collide and interact together. The end result is usually that the larger and more powerful storm front will dominate and overtake the lesser storm.

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