The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season concluded with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. The U.S. faced more major hurricanes than usual, resulting in significant destruction, particularly from Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton, which caused substantial fatalities and damages exceeding $50 billion. Texas received approximately $1.6 billion in federal support following Presidential Disaster Declarations due to storm impacts.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has concluded, revealing a remarkably active year for storms impacting the United States. A total of 18 named storms emerged, comprising 11 hurricanes, of which five reached major hurricane status. Although the number of storms was lower than forecasts indicated, the United States experienced a higher-than-average number of significant hurricane landfalls, highlighted by meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather.
Notably, Hurricane Beryl struck the Houston region in July, leaving millions without electricity for extended periods and resulting in over 40 fatalities in the area. Following Beryl, the Atlantic experienced an unusual lull during August and early September, a time typically characterized by heightened hurricane activity. Subsequently, September culminated in severe impacts from Hurricane Helene, which tragically resulted in more than 200 deaths across the East Coast, specifically affecting North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton hit Florida as a Category 3 storm, contributing to a staggering toll of approximately 250 lives lost and damages exceeding $50 billion. Throughout 2024, Texas benefited from around $1.6 billion in federal aid after securing two Presidential Disaster Declarations related to storm-induced damages; the first followed severe storms and flooding in May, and the second was issued after Hurricane Beryl in July.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been marked by a significant increase in hurricane activity compared to prior years. Meteorological predictions often guide expectations for storms, but this year showcased a higher incidence of impactful hurricanes striking the U.S. than anticipated. During this season, the Atlantic saw substantial devastation caused by major storms, which necessitated significant federal disaster response and funding, particularly for states like Texas affected by hurricane landfalls.
The conclusion of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season reveals a year of unusually high hurricane activity, particularly affecting the United States through multiple major storms. Despite a lower-than-expected total of named storms, the number of significant hurricanes was above average, leading to widespread devastation and loss of life, particularly following Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton. The federal response included substantial financial aid to support recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.houstonpublicmedia.org
