MIAMI — The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, closing this Saturday, stands out as one of the deadliest and most costly in nearly two decades.
This six-month season recorded 18 named storms, among which were 11 hurricanes, including five that made landfall in the U.S. Tragically, hundreds of deaths were reported across the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean.
In the U.S. alone, Hurricane Helene caused over 150 direct fatalities as it wreaked havoc in Florida and Georgia, leading to devastating flooding in North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
Scientists Warned of Intense Activity
Prior to the season, scientists forecasted increased hurricane activity, attributing it to record-high ocean temperatures, which were two to three degrees warmer than normal. This year’s season kicked off with Hurricane Beryl forming in late June and achieving Category 5 status with winds reaching 165 mph, marking it as the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.
Despite weakening before landfall, Beryl caused severe flooding around Houston, highlighting the season’s destructive potential.
The Impact of Hurricane Helene
In September, Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. It later caused over 30 inches of rain in parts of western North Carolina, leading to significant flooding. The storm’s toll, which was the highest since Hurricane Katrina, resulted in approximately 90 deaths in North Carolina alone.
“It’s difficult when you have an event that’s never been seen before in a community to convey what that impact is going to necessarily look like on the ground,” stated Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center.
Climate Change as a Driving Force
Experts assert that climate change has played a pivotal role in intensifying hurricanes. Climate scientist Michael Mann noted that warmer oceans are contributing to a greater number of severe storms, making them more destructive and deadly due to rapid intensification capabilities.
In October, Hurricane Oscar rapidly escalated to hurricane strength in just five hours, illustrating the unpredictable behavior of these storms due to climate influences.
Financial and Human Costs
The overall damage from the 2024 hurricane season is estimated to exceed $190 billion, making it one of the costliest seasons on record. The season’s unprecedented impact serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved preparedness and climate action.
In summary, as the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of destruction and loss, urging communities to reflect on strategies for resilience amid the realities of a changing climate.
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