2024 Hurricane Season Ends with 18 Named Storms and Notable Impacts
The 2024 hurricane season concluded with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major ones. Despite the season’s destructive impacts, including $1 billion in damages primarily from four hurricanes, advancements in early warning systems reduced fatalities. Notably, Hurricane Beryl achieved rapid intensification, setting multiple records early in the season, while Hurricane Helene was the deadliest, causing 103 deaths in North Carolina.
The 2024 hurricane season came to a close, having experienced 18 named storms, with 11 reaching hurricane status, including five major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or higher. This season deviated from norms as it encompassed unusual storm behavior. Sectioning off costs, four hurricanes—Beryl, Debby, Helene, and Milton—yielded damages topping $1 billion. The last occurrence was Tropical Storm Sara, which materialized on November 14 before dissipating shortly thereafter.
The season commenced on June 1, with Tropical Storm Alberto marking its initiation. Notably, Hurricane Beryl rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in an unprecedented 14 hours. Beryl’s landfall as a Category 1 storm near Matagorda, Texas, was accompanied by fewer fatalities, credited to improved early warning systems. Other significant storms included Hurricane Helene, which was the deadliest of the season, resulting in 103 confirmed deaths in North Carolina due to severe flooding.
The absence of expected patterns throughout the season disconcerted meteorologists. The latter months saw simultaneous storms in the Atlantic, a phenomenon not witnessed in such numbers previously. In the Pacific, the season yielded 11 named storms, prominently featuring Category 5 hurricane Kristy, which was an unusual occurrence in a non-El Niño year. The overall trend continued to illustrate the climate crisis’s association with intensified and more frequent extreme weather events.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, characterized by the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes to form. This particular year saw a noteworthy increase in storm frequency, with 18 named storms leading to significant destruction and financial impact. The 2024 season highlighted both the evolving patterns of storm behavior in the context of climate change and the advancements made in forecasting and disaster preparedness, which were pivotal in mitigating loss of life despite the robust nature of several hurricanes. Additionally, the Pacific hurricane season operates from May 15 to November 30, also presenting significant storm activity, underscoring the global nature of this climatic phenomenon.
In conclusion, the 2024 hurricane season was marked by an atypical surge in storm activity, characterized by 18 named storms and unprecedented rapid intensification, particularly seen in Hurricane Beryl. While major damages exceeded one billion dollars, advancements in meteorological technology contributed to lower fatalities. The overall patterns observed reflect ongoing climate challenges that amplify the urgency for improved disaster management and mitigation strategies across both the Atlantic and Pacific regions.
Original Source: www.upi.com
