2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Concludes with Alarming Storm Activity

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended with an active year, recording 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. Major storms like Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Helene significantly impacted the U.S., causing over 250 fatalities and $50 billion in damages. Texas received $1.6 billion in federal aid due to multiple disaster declarations following severe weather events this year.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season concluded with an unusually active year, during which the United States experienced significant impacts from major storms. A total of 18 named storms were recorded in the Atlantic, including 11 hurricanes, five of which were classified as major hurricanes. Meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather noted the high impact of hurricanes on the U.S. this season, particularly the record of three hurricane landfalls within a single year, which is well above the norm.

One of the most significant storms, Hurricane Beryl, struck the Houston area in July, leading to widespread power outages and tragically resulting in over 40 fatalities. Post-Beryl, a quiet period prevailed in the Atlantic throughout August and into September, a time generally marked by escalating hurricane activity. Following this lull, Hurricane Helene emerged, devastating East Coast states in late September and claiming more than 200 lives across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton hit Florida as a Category 3 storm.

Collectively, these two storms resulted in at least 250 fatalities and incurred damages estimated at $50 billion. In response to the adversity faced this year, the state of Texas received approximately $1.6 billion in federal assistance following two Presidential Disaster Declarations related to the severe weather events in May and July.

The Atlantic hurricane season is an annual occurrence that typically runs from June 1 to November 30. During this period, tropical storms can develop into hurricanes, bringing severe weather and potentially catastrophic impacts on coastal communities. The 2024 season was noted for its heightened activity, which deviated from initial predictions, leading to a greater number of major hurricanes making landfall in the U.S. than average, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding the increasing frequency and intensity of these storms as a result of climate change.

In summary, the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season was characterized by an array of powerful storms resulting in significant human and economic tolls on the United States. With a total of 18 named storms and a stark increase in major hurricanes, the season underscored the vulnerabilities of coastal regions to hurricane impacts. The federal response included considerable financial support for the states most affected by these disasters, reflecting the urgent need for ongoing preparedness and disaster management efforts.

Original Source: www.houstonpublicmedia.org