landfall
UK: ˈlændfɔːl | US: ˈlændfɔːl
n. the act of reaching land after a voyage or flight
n. (meteorology) the arrival of a storm or hurricane over land
The word "landfall" combines "land" (Old English land, meaning "ground" or "earth") and "fall" (Old English feallan, meaning "to descend"). Originally nautical, it described a ship's first sighting or arrival on land after sea travel. Later, it was adopted in meteorology to describe storms "falling" onto land. The logic reflects physical movement toward a destination, emphasizing transition (from sea/air to land).
The sailors cheered at their first landfall after months at sea.
The hurricane made landfall near Miami with devastating winds.
Early explorers documented each landfall in their journals.
The pilot announced our landfall would occur in 20 minutes.
Scientists track a storm's intensity before and after landfall.