Question about Florida's effect on cyclones versus Cuba's

[JTD]

Does anyone know which land mass weakens storms more? Does the Fla Penninsula weaken hurricanes more than the far eastern edges of Cuba does. Is the amount of weakening the same? Which land area tears apart cyclones more?

I guess factors such as how fast the storm is moving are critical as well.

Any thoughts appreciated

[Mac]

Of course, forward speed of the storm plays a big factor. But, generally speaking, a hurricane would tend to weaken less crossing FL since it is (for the most part) flatter and more narrow than Cuba.

[havok100]

I remember Hurricane Irene in 99. It did not weaken much as it passed west of Miami through the Everglades. I think we had hurricane force winds here in Miami Beach.

[gkrangers]

Cuba is generally mountainous. Really does a number on tropical cyclones...it can weaken them dramatically.

Southern Florida is flat as a board, and very moist. Passing over the everglades, will not weaken a storm as much.

It will weaken, but the core should remain intact, allowing it to strengthen more easily when it reaches the GOM.

[Mac]

Cuba is generally mountainous. Really does a number on tropical cyclones...it can weaken them dramatically.

Southern Florida is flat as a board, and very moist. Passing over the everglades, will not weaken a storm as much.

It will weaken, but the core should remain intact, allowing it to strengthen more easily when it reaches the GOM.

Yes, but, like I said, generally speaking.

The eastern half of Cuba is mountainous. The western half is also flat as a board, and narrow like Florida. I guess it would depend upon where it crossed Cuba. But the poster's question pertained to eastern Cuba, so I think the mountains would definitely come into play and act to disturb the CDO.

[JtSmarts]

I remember Hurricane Irene in 99. It did not weaken much as it passed west of Miami through the Everglades. I think we had hurricane force winds here in Miami Beach.

Yeah, I think Irene remained hurricane during the whole trek across Florida.

[Eyes2theSkies]

if it passes through the everglades it will barely weaken very warm and moist there

[JTD]

Sorry I meant.....western Cuba. Sorry for the mix-up. Eastern Cuba is very moutainous and can destroy canes.

So South Florida is even more favourable for a storm to keep together than western Cuba? That's suprising to me.