Issues in merging storm data
Data were obtained from numerous sources. Upon receipt of the electronic files, data were converted to common format (netCDF). Thereafter, numerous merging procedures were implemented, including an assessment of storm position, the identification of unique storms, and an accounting for a variety of storm tracks, storm splits, and storm mergers.
Combining storm position and intensity data
When more than one center provided information on a storm, the IBTrACS position, wind and pressure values result from an average of the reported values. Information is also retained in IBTrACS on the range of the values.