1. Genesis and early development:
- August 17, 2017: NASA's Terra satellite detects a tropical disturbance over the central Atlantic Ocean.
- August 18-19: GOES-East geostationary satellite images show Harvey organizing into a tropical storm.
2. Rapid intensification:
- August 24-25: Harvey undergoes rapid intensification over the Gulf of Mexico, reaching Category 4 hurricane status.
- GOES-16 satellite captures infrared images revealing Harvey's symmetric eyewall and well-defined structure.
3. Landfall and impact on Texas:
- August 26: Harvey makes landfall near Rockport, Texas, as a Category 4 hurricane.
- NASA Aqua satellite's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument captures images of Harvey's massive cloud structure and rainbands stretching across the Gulf Coast.
4. Stalled over South Texas:
- August 27-30: Harvey lingers over the Texas Gulf Coast, dumping torrential rains that lead to catastrophic flooding.
- GOES satellites provide continuous monitoring of Harvey's movements and rainfall patterns.
5. Weakening and dissipation:
- August 31: Harvey weakens to a tropical storm as it moves inland over Louisiana.
- Early September: NASA imagery shows Harvey's remnants dissipate over the eastern United States.
These satellite images serve as crucial tools for hurricane monitoring, analysis, and forecasting, aiding in disaster response efforts during extreme weather events.
