The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended on Saturday with a total of 11 hurricanes, surpassing the average of seven. Meteorologists labeled it a “crazy busy” season due to warm ocean temperatures. Notable hurricanes included Beryl, Helene, Milton, and Rafael, which caused widespread destruction and substantial loss of life, particularly across the southeastern United States, emphasizing the urgent need for climate preparedness.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded on Saturday with a remarkable total of 11 hurricanes, a significant increase from the average of seven. This season, described by meteorologists as “crazy busy,” was influenced by unusually elevated ocean temperatures. Among the hurricanes, eight made landfall across various territories, including the United States, Bermuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Grenada.
Notably, Hurricane Beryl was the first Category 4 hurricane to form in June, striking the island of Carriacou in Grenada and causing destruction in Jamaica, resulting in two fatalities. This unprecedented storm escalated into the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic by July 1. Typically, major hurricanes—those categorized as 3 or higher—are not anticipated until September 1, as per the National Hurricane Center’s guidelines.
Hurricane Helene emerged in September, wreaking havoc across the southeastern United States, tragically claiming over 200 lives and marking it as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The extensive damages incurred, especially in North Carolina, are estimated to be at least $48.8 billion, affecting residential properties, drinking water infrastructure, and agricultural landscapes. Additionally, states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia experienced severe damage.
In October, Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified, reaching wind speeds of 180 mph, making it one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Gulf of Mexico. Only Hurricane Rita, in 2005, surpassed this wind speed. The regions affected by both Helene and Milton witnessed rainfall amounts tripling their typical rates for September and October, thereby setting new records for locations including Asheville, Tampa, and Orlando during this peak hurricane season period.
Hurricane Rafael followed in November, reaching wind speeds of 120 mph, and nearly became the strongest November hurricane on record in the Gulf of Mexico, matching Hurricane Kate’s 1985 peak. Rafael’s landfall in Cuba compounded the island’s challenges as it was still reeling from Blackouts caused by Hurricane Oscar in October.
Experts point to particularly warm ocean conditions as a significant factor in the formation and intensification of these storms, leading to unprecedented events in both early and late hurricane seasons. Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami, remarked, “In other words, we never had a storm as strong as Beryl so early in the season anywhere in the Atlantic and we never had a storm as strong as Milton so late in the season in the Gulf of Mexico.” McNoldy also indicated the potential influence of climate change on these extreme events saying, “I do not ever point to climate change as causing a specific weather event, but it certainly has its finger on the scale and makes these extreme storms more likely to occur.”
The Atlantic hurricane season is a critical period from June to November when meteorological conditions are conducive to the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The season is characterized by the occurrence of hurricanes that can cause significant damage and loss of life, particularly when they make landfall in populated regions. Climate change, ocean temperatures, and atmospheric conditions play vital roles in influencing the frequency and intensity of these storms. Understanding the dynamics of hurricane formation is essential for preparedness and response to such natural disasters.
In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was notably intense, marked by a higher-than-average number of hurricanes that resulted in tragic loss of life and extensive damage across multiple states and territories. Noteworthy hurricanes like Beryl, Helene, Milton, and Rafael underscored the unpredictability of hurricane seasons fueled by warm ocean temperatures. The implications of these extreme weather events raise concerns about climate change’s increasing influence on hurricane intensity and frequency, pointing to the need for enhanced readiness and adaptation strategies in vulnerable areas.
Original Source: nsjonline.com
