Landfall in the context of a hurricane refers to the moment when the center of the storm, specifically its eye, moves across the coastline and makes contact with land. This event is critical because it marks the transition of the storm from a primarily oceanic system to one that begins to interact more significantly with land.
During landfall, the hurricane’s winds and rainfall can cause severe damage, flooding, and storm surges in coastal areas. The intensity and effects of the storm may change as it moves inland, as hurricanes typically weaken due to the loss of warm ocean water, which serves as their primary energy source. However, even after landfall, hurricanes can still produce heavy rain and strong winds that can lead to significant destruction far from the coast.