The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended with 11 hurricanes, surpassing the average of seven. Notably, Hurricane Helene became the deadliest storm since 2005, while Hurricane Milton achieved one of the highest wind speeds recorded. Unusually warm ocean temperatures contributed to extreme storm occurrences throughout the season, raising concerns over climate change’s role in hurricane intensity.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded on Saturday, featuring an unprecedented level of storm activity that included 11 hurricanes compared to the usual average of seven. This year, meteorologists described the season as “crazy busy,” attributed mainly to abnormally elevated ocean temperatures. The storms impacted numerous regions, causing significant destruction well beyond the U.S. Gulf Coast. Notably, eight hurricanes made landfall across the U.S., Bermuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Grenada.
Among the hurricanes, Hurricane Beryl marked a historical record as the first Category 4 hurricane to form in June, making landfall on Carriacou in Grenada. The storm inflicted devastating damage on Jamaica, destroying crops and structures, leading to two fatalities. This hurricane was particularly rare, being compared to Hurricane Dean, which last impacted the region in 2007. Remarkably, Beryl intensified into the earliest Category 5 hurricane on July 1, challenging the typical hurricane timeline in the Atlantic since major hurricanes are usually not seen before September 1.
September bore witness to Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, resulting in over 200 deaths. North Carolina reported staggering damages of approximately $48.8 billion, with significant destruction to residential areas, drinking water systems, and agricultural lands across multiple states, including Florida and South Carolina.
In October, Hurricane Milton intensified swiftly, reaching wind speeds of 180 mph, marking it among the strongest hurricanes recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. The regions affected by Helene and Milton experienced rainfall amounts three times the norm for September and October, which are critical months in the hurricane season, setting new records for cities like Asheville, Tampa, and Orlando.
Hurricane Rafael, which formed in November, reached wind speeds of 120 mph, nearly earning the title of the strongest November hurricane on record in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm struck Cuba while the island was recovering from Hurricane Oscar’s earlier devastation.
The relationship between hurricane activity and climate change has come under scrutiny, as the rise in greenhouse gases contributes to the warming of ocean waters. This factor fosters the formation and intensification of hurricanes beyond typical expectations in both timing and strength. Hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy commented, “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 runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, during which meteorologists track and predict storms that can form in the Atlantic Ocean. The 2024 season was characterized by an abnormal number of hurricanes, influenced heavily by rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change. Historical patterns suggest major hurricanes typically form later in the season, but the phenomena observed this year posed formidable challenges to expectations and preparations for hurricane impacts across coastal regions.
In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by an exceptional number of hurricanes, highlighted by record-breaking events such as Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Milton. The season underscored the destructive power of these storms, resulting in substantial human and economic tolls across several states. Furthermore, the escalating influence of climate change raises concerns about the potential intensity and frequency of future hurricane activity, necessitating ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
