The
radius of maximum wind (RMW) is the distance between the center of a
cyclone and its band of strongest
winds. It is a parameter in atmospheric dynamics and
tropical cyclone forecasting. The highest
rainfall rates occur near the RMW of
tropical cyclones. The extent of a cyclone's
storm surge and its maximum potential intensity can be determined using the RMW. As
maximum sustained winds increase, the RMW decreases. Recently, RMW has been used in descriptions of
tornadoes. When designing
buildings to prevent against failure from atmospheric pressure change, RMW can be used in the calculations.