Weather Tidbits: Eyewall Replacement Cycle

We’ll be discussing the eyewall replacement cycle in this edition of Weather Tidbits. This is a process in which the existing eyewall in a hurricane is eroded and replaced with a new eyewall. This is a common process within very strong hurricanes, usually up to category 5 status. The specific causes of the cycle are still being researched, but there are a few theories. One says that the decreasing eye diameter disorganized the eyewall convection. This new convection and eyewall develops out of the old one where there is more energy. Another theory says that the strong winds create turbulence and causes the eyewall to breakdown. A new eyewall will develop where there is less turbulence. The eyewall erosion will briefly weaken a hurricane before strengthening once a new eyewall is organized. The cycle can last anywhere from 12 hours to a couple of days. A hurricane can go through multiple eyewall replacement cycles during it’s life.