For the Atlantic Hurricane season this year, the NOAA predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin for the twenty-fourth season due to multiple weather issues, including “La Nina” conditions in the Pacific, warm ocean temperatures, and adverse wind conditions.
Atlantic Hurricane season is an annual weather phenomenon that happens every year from June 1st to November 30th. Hurricanes are categorized based on top windspeed sustained. Using the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Going for Category 1 to Category 5. Category 1 has 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h), Category 2 has 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h), Category 3 has 11-129 mph (178-208 km/h), Category 4 has 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h), and category 5’s having speeds of 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher.
Category 3’s and up are considered major hurricanes with devastating or catastrophic damage occurring within the hurricane’s trajectory, without including other potential hazards.
From June of this year to the near end of September there have been three tropical storms (Alberto, Chris, and Gordon), a Category 1 hurricane (Debby), two Category 2 Hurricanes (Ernesto and Francine), and one Category 5 hurricane (Beryl).
This year, the intensity and number of hurricanes (above category 2) have only increased in the past ten years, with the 2024 season reaching a record number of hurricanes with nearly two months left.
From September 24th to October 10th, five hurricanes ranked above category 2 appeared in the Atlantic, two being the season’s biggest storms.
Hurricane Helene’s Landfall over the Big Bend of Florida courtesy of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service.
Hurricane Helene was a tropical storm affecting Cancún and Cozumel Mexico and Western parts of Cuba. On September 25th Helen traveled the Gulf of Mexico intensifying into a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall on September 26th in the Big Bend area of Florida with winds reaching 140 mph (220 km/h) and Peak Storm Surge reaching more than 15 feet (4.5 meters) in the area.
Hurricane Helene’s Path courtesy of PBS News Live Map Tracker.
Helene then moved inland towards the southeastern US, affecting North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Virginias. Catastrophic flooding was reported from the north of Georgia to Southern Appalachia. There were also storms and flash floods felt in some Midwestern states. All of this has led to a current death toll of 232 people. While this storm was devastating Hurricane Milton had many more scientists worried about its development.
Hurricane Milton started as a tropical storm in the southwest Gulf of Mexico on October 5th. Within 24 hours becoming a category 1 hurricane. 15 hours later winds reached 180 mph (289.6 km/h) making Milton a Category 5 hurricane, as it continued to travel towards Tampa Florida. From October 7 to the morning of October 9, Milton fluctuated between Category 4 and Category 5.
But as it approached Florida, it lost this intensity becoming a category 3 and making landfall south of Tampa Bay at 8:30 pm EDT on the 9 crossing northeastward through central Florida at 21 mph (33 km/h). Maximum winds were sustained at 75mph (121 km/h) and the storm ceased to a category 1 at 2:00 pm EDT on October 10th as it exited Florida.
Flash Flood warnings for eastern Florida Courtesy of NOAA.
As the storm moves further into the Atlantic Ocean, storm surges and flood warnings are in effect from Jacksonville to Orlando Florida.
As of 4:40 pm EDT on October 10 more than 3.2 Million homes and businesses within Florida were without power and 11 people were reported dead, flooding is rampant in Florida. The worst of the Storm Surge appeared in Sarasota County where water came up to 10 feet (3 meters). Rescue efforts continue Floridian Governor Ron DeSantis claims “at least 340 people and 49 pets were rescued.”
During a hurricane of this category, it is imminent that people stay away from windows & doors while moving to higher ground if unable to reach a storm shelter or evacuate. In the aftermath of such a storm, it is important to stay away from the water due to dangers within it, including Gators, Downed Power Lines, Debris, etc.
When returning home it’s also important to pay attention to local information, stay away from electrical items, wear protective clothing, document the damage, and save phone battery for emergencies.
Featured image: Hurricane Milton on its way to Florida Courtesy of NOAA.
