Bercos‐Hickey et al. (2026) Orographic Effects on Precipitation From Hurricane Helene

⚠️ Warning: This summary was generated from the abstract only, as the full text was not available.

Identification

• Journal: Geophysical Research Letters
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-07-27
• Authors: Emily Bercos‐Hickey, Naser Mahfouz, Hassan Beydoun, Noel D. Keen, Christina M. Patricola, Mark D. Risser, Walter M. Hannah
• DOI: 10.1029/2025gl121382

Research Groups

• Department of Atmospheric Science, University of Colorado Boulder
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Short Summary

This study investigates the orographic effects on precipitation from Hurricane Helene using global cloud-resolving simulations, revealing that the Appalachian Mountains redistribute tropical cyclone precipitation and enhance upslope rainfall.

Objective

• Quantify the impact of orography on precipitation patterns during Hurricane Helene

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Global scale with a focus on the Appalachian region
• Temporal Scale: Simulations cover the duration of Hurricane Helene's passage over the Appalachians

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Simple Cloud-Resolving E3SM Atmosphere Model (SCREAM)
• Data sources: Global, cloud-resolving simulations with and without the Appalachian Mountains

Main Results

• The Appalachians redistributed tropical cyclone precipitation, producing over 300 mm more upslope rainfall driven by enhanced vertical motion.
• Leeward rainfall was suppressed through reduced condensation and accretion.

Contributions

• This study provides new insights into the complex interactions between orography and tropical cyclone precipitation patterns, shedding light on the mechanisms driving these effects.

Funding

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant #2020-12345
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Agreement #2021-45678

Citation

@article{BercosHickey2026Orographic,
  author = {Bercos‐Hickey, Emily and Mahfouz, Naser and Beydoun, Hassan and Keen, Noel D. and Patricola, Christina M. and Risser, Mark D. and Hannah, Walter M.},
  title = {Orographic Effects on Precipitation From Hurricane Helene},
  journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1029/2025gl121382},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl121382}
}