Climate Change Intensifies Hurricane Helene’s Impact and Warns of Similar Fate for Milton
Recent studies reveal that climate change has intensified Hurricane Helene, increasing its rainfall by 10% and its winds by 11%. A similar fate is predicted for Hurricane Milton as warmer sea temperatures elevate storm risks. Experts caution that continued reliance on fossil fuels will lead to more severe hurricanes and disastrous floods, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.
Human-induced climate change has significantly intensified the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, leading to a rainfall increase of approximately 10% and wind speeds augmented by about 11%, according to a recent flash study. This assessment, released as Hurricane Milton approached the Florida coastline, indicates a worrying trend for similar storms in the future. As part of the analysis, ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were found to be 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the average, raising the risk of such storms by a factor of 200 to 500. Research by the World Weather Attribution revealed that Hurricane Helene made landfall with record storm surges and catastrophic winds, resulting in catastrophic flooding that primarily caused the high casualty rate of over 230 deaths. The storm inflicted severe damage across multiple states including Georgia and the Carolinas, leading to the loss of power and emergency services for millions. Experts predict that Hurricane Milton is likely to exhibit similar characteristics as Helene due to the warmed ocean temperatures that fuel hurricanes. The continuing trend of burning fossil fuels and climate change will potentially increase the frequency and devastation of hurricanes, raising the risk of floods far inland rather than exclusively at coastal regions. These findings underscore a grim potential for the future of hurricane intensity due to ongoing climate change.
The article discusses the alarming relationship between climate change and hurricane intensification, specifically through the cases of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It highlights scientific findings that demonstrate how elevated sea temperatures and atmospheric changes related to human activities have exacerbated extreme weather events. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for urgent climate action in light of increasing storm severity and flood risks that threaten inland communities, in addition to coastal areas.
The studies reviewed indicate that climate change has a profound impact on hurricane behavior, significantly increasing both rainfall and wind speeds. The threat posed by Hurricane Milton suggests that hurricanes are becoming more intense and frequent, primarily due to anthropogenic climate changes. Urgent measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption and mitigate climate change effects are essential to prevent further disasters like those seen with Hurricane Helene.
Original Source: phys.org
