Active Hurricane Season Wraps Up in Notable Fashion
As we approach the end of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, folks around the country are reflecting on what turned out to be a pretty wild ride. From early predictions of an above-average storm season to the real-life havoc wreaked by hurricanes, it’s safe to say this year didn’t disappoint. With a total of 18 named tropical storms, 11 of which escalated to hurricane strength, and five making the grade as major hurricanes (category three and above), it has certainly been one for the books!
Looking Back at the Numbers
To put things into perspective, a typical Atlantic hurricane season sees around 14 storms, seven hurricanes, and just three major hurricanes. This year, those numbers were significantly surpassed! Early forecasts had hinted that we were in for something out of the ordinary — descriptions like “extraordinary” were thrown around. Early indications seemed to support those claims, especially when Hurricane Beryl broke records by becoming the earliest recorded category five hurricane on July 2.
Sadly, Beryl brought devastation across the Caribbean, leading to flooding and power outages as it made its way to southern Texas. Following Beryl’s destructive path, however, the Atlantic grew eerily quiet. It wasn’t until September rolled around that we saw the storm activity pick back up again.
Finding Calm in the Eye of the Storm
Traditionally, the hurricane season peaks in early September, but after Beryl, there were only four named storms until Hurricane Helene made headlines on September 24. So why the unusual lull in activity? Experts speculate that sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic were above average, which usually encourages storm development. However, complex weather patterns can often lead to unexpected outcomes.
This year, a shift in weather from Africa led to rare rainfall in the Sahara, possibly causing thunderstorms to form further north than usual, where conditions for building hurricanes were less favorable. Additionally, significant amounts of Saharan dust may have contributed to this suppression of activity. Ironically, even with high sea temperatures suggesting the potential for severe storms, hurricane formation seemed to slow down.
Unexpected Intensity Returns
Fast forward to late September, when things took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Hurricane Helene. This storm quickly intensified and made landfall as a category four hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States, and reportedly causing more than 150 deaths. That’s quite a somber reminder of just how ferocious these storms can be, especially since Helene marked the deadliest hurricane to strike the continental US since the tragic Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Helene was just the beginning of a spurt of storm activity, with a staggering six additional storms forming in quick succession. Among these, Hurricane Milton stood out as it shocked us all by ramping up wind speeds dramatically, making it one of the most extreme cases of rapid intensification on record.
Flooding and Destruction Across the Board
When Milton hit Florida, it brought serious chaos. From a devastating storm surge to an outbreak of 46 tornadoes, the impacts were widespread. As citizens pieced their lives back together, more challenges emerged when Tropical Storm Sara followed. Although Sara didn’t transform into a hurricane, it left Honduras facing catastrophic flooding, with some areas receiving more than three feet of rain. Talk about a tough season!
The Climate Connection
So, what’s the deal with climate change and all these storms? Warmer sea temperatures, which have been about 1°C above average, play a major role. Experts have indicated that climate change has made conditions ripe for stronger and more intense storms. With maximum wind speeds in every Atlantic hurricane being 23 mph stronger this year due to human influence, there’s no denying that climate change is throwing another variable into the already complex mix of hurricane formation.
As we say goodbye to the 2024 hurricane season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the raw power of nature and the importance of preparation. One thing is clear: while the storms may calm, the conversation about climate change and its effect on our weather is far from over.
