Assessing hotspot for tropical cyclone compound rainstorms from a disaster perspective: a case study in Guangdong, China

In Guangdong Province, China, known as a hotspot for tropical cyclone (TC) and rainstorm disasters, investigating the role of hazard factors for both TC and rainstorm disasters is of great scientific and operational importance. Daily observational data from meteorological stations along with rainstorm/TC disaster loss data at the county level in Guangdong during 2001–2020 were analyzed to compare the characteristics of rainstorm and TC disasters. During the study period, although non-TC rainstorm rainfall in Guangdong was generally greater than TC rainstorm rainfall, TC disaster losses were double those of rainstorm disasters. Non-TC rainstorms and their losses predominantly occurred during the first flood season, whereas TC disaster primarily occurred in the second flood season. Although regional-average TC rainstorm rainfall was similar to non-TC rainstorm rainfall during the second flood season in Guangdong, it was greater than non-TC rainstorm rainfall in western Guangdong. Additionally, the coastal areas were frequently affected by TC strong winds, resulting in greater TC disaster losses than rainstorm disaster losses. The maximum daily precipitation was significantly correlated with rainstorm disaster losses. In areas influenced by both TC strong winds and rainstorms, TC disaster losses exhibited a significant positive correlation with the daily maximum wind speed, and the combined effect of strong winds and rainstorms led to greater disaster losses than with TC rainstorms alone. These findings emphasize the effects of TC strong wind and storm surges, besides those of heavy rainfall, in coastal areas of China when assessing the risks related to TC disasters.