Tropical Storms
Due to the large natural variability in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, it is difficult to determine whether climate change (particularly warming) has led to changes in tropical storm patterns. However, the probability that climate change is exacerbating cyclone frequency and intensity is high. ref Since the mid-1970s, global estimates of the potential destructiveness of tropical storms show an upward trend strongly correlated with increasing tropical sea-surface temperature. ref
Tropical storms cause different levels of damage to reefs, ranging from mild damage to complete reef loss. These storms can cause high coral mortality due to abrasion, fracture, and colony detachment. Coral mortality often continues after a storm has passed because injured corals are more susceptible to disease, bleaching, and predation. High winds and flooding during tropical storms also have the potential to generate substantial amounts of debris and pollution which further damage coral reefs.
Ecological and Socio-Economic Impacts
Over the last decade, tropical storms have affected on average 20.4 million people annually, and caused mean direct annual economic losses of US$51.5 billion (CRED in Krichene et al. 2023).
Direct physical impact from storms and precipitation include:
- Power, water, and gas outages
- Damage to infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and homes
- Pollution of drinking water systems
In coastal coral reef communities, the loss of coral reef cover and structure severely reduces the flood protection services. A study from Puerto-Rico reveals that impacts from hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017 resulted in increased annual floodings on land affecting over 4000 people and resulting in over USD 180 millions of direct and indirect economic impacts. ref
Such impacts affect food security, human health, local reef dependent economies and wellbeing, and overall lead to reduced socio-economic resilience of coastal communities.
Management Strategies
Addressing impacts quickly and effectively is critical for increasing the likelihood that coral reefs will be able to recover from these disturbances. In order to respond in this manner, a response plan should be developed in advance of any event.
Divers training to use lift bags as part of emergency response protocols. Photo © Jennifer Adler
Learn more about rapid response plans and emergency restoration for storm damage on the Rapid Response & Emergency Restoration page.
Read examples of storm responses in the following case studies: