The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended with 11 hurricanes, exceeding the average and causing widespread destruction particularly in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Key events included Hurricane Beryl, the first Category 4 in June, and Hurricane Helene, the deadliest since Katrina. Climate change was identified as a significant factor in the storms’ intensity and formation, indicating greater risks for future hurricane seasons.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded on Saturday, witnessing an unprecedented 11 hurricanes, significantly surpassing the average of seven. This season left destruction across a vast region, particularly affecting the U.S. Gulf Coast. Meteorological experts characterized it as exceptionally active, largely due to unusually elevated ocean temperatures. Notably, eight hurricanes struck land across various areas, including the U.S., Bermuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Grenada.
One of the standout events was Hurricane Beryl, which marked history as the first recorded Category 4 hurricane to form in June, impacting the island of Carriacou in Grenada, where it caused severe damage to infrastructure and agriculture, resulting in two fatalities. Following this, Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic on July 1, defying expectations as major hurricanes generally do not form until after September 1.
September saw Hurricane Helene wreak devastating havoc in the southeastern United States, being the deadliest storm to affect the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Over 200 lives were lost, with North Carolina estimating destruction totaling at least $48.8 billion across numerous sectors, including homes and agriculture. Further impacts were felt in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia due to extensive damage.
In October, Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified, achieving maximum wind speeds of 180 mph, categorizing it among the most powerful hurricanes recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. Following these storms, regions impacted by Helene and Milton experienced rainfall levels that were as much as three times above the seasonal average, leading to record-breaking precipitation in places like Asheville, Tampa, and Orlando.
November witnessed Hurricane Rafael, which reached wind speeds of 120 mph, nearing the classification of the strongest November hurricane recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. This hurricane struck Cuba while the nation was still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Oscar, which caused significant power outages in October.
The primary catalyst behind this year’s intense hurricane activity appears to be climate change, driven by the increase of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to the warming of ocean waters. Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami, noted that this warming enables hurricanes to develop and strengthen in previously atypical conditions. He stated that while climate change does not directly cause specific weather events, it does influence the likelihood and intensity of these extreme storms.
This year’s hurricane season reflects a shift in storm patterns, indicating a potential correlation with the changing climate, raising important discussions on the necessity of preparedness and adaptation in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
The Atlantic hurricane season typically extends from June 1 to November 30, during which meteorologists monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions that contribute to the formation of hurricanes. The phenomenon of hurricane formation is influenced by numerous factors, particularly sea surface temperatures. In recent years, there have been growing concerns regarding the relationship between climate change and the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes. This year, the evident rise in ocean temperatures has underscored the connection between climate conditions and the erratic behavior of tropical storms, leading to heightened impacts observed during the season.
In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been marked by an unusually high number of intense storms, with significant impacts felt particularly on the U.S. Gulf Coast and surrounding regions. The occurrence of historically unprecedented hurricanes, such as Beryl and Milton, emphasizes the potential implications of climate change on hurricane activity. As the frequency and severity of storms may escalate, it becomes increasingly important to assess and address our preparedness and response strategies to future hurricane seasons.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
