2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Ends with Record Major Storms Impacting U.S.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. The U.S. experienced significant impacts, notably Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Helene, leading to over 250 deaths and damages exceeding $50 billion. Texas received $1.6 billion in federal support following two disaster declarations. Meteorologist Eric Berger comments on unusually high impacts this season.

The conclusion of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season marks a notable period characterized by a high frequency of significant storms impacting the United States. This year, the Atlantic experienced 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. Although the overall number of storms was lower than earlier forecasts suggested, the occurrence of three major hurricane landfalls within a single year is alarming and indicative of unusual weather patterns. Meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather stated, “We saw very high impacts this year in the United States from hurricanes, and in particular, seeing three hurricane landfalls in the United States in a single year is well above normal.”

Among the major storms was Hurricane Beryl, which severely disrupted the Houston area in July, leaving millions without power for extended periods and resulting in over 40 fatalities. Following this storm’s passage, both August and part of September presented a surprisingly quiet Atlantic, which Berger stated was “uncharacteristically quiet” for that time of year. However, the calm was soon disrupted by Hurricane Helene that devastated states along the East Coast in late September, claiming over 200 lives and causing grave destruction in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck Florida as a Category 3 storm. Together, these two hurricanes accounted for at least 250 deaths and inflicted damages exceeding $50 billion, as reported by the Associated Press.

Throughout the season, Texas secured approximately $1.6 billion in federal assistance following two presidential disaster declarations prompted by severe storm-related incidents—one attributed to flooding in May and the other concerning Hurricane Beryl in July. These factors underline the urgent need for responsive measures and improved preparedness for future hurricane seasons.

This year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season has drawn attention due to its surprisingly high number of major storms affecting the U.S. Despite the storm count being less than the earlier predictions, the impact was substantial, marked by the landfalls of three significant hurricanes. The season’s trajectory, including attacks by notable hurricanes such as Beryl and Helene, provides insights into changing climate patterns and the increasing severity of storm events.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has highlighted a crucial increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes affecting the U.S., with three major landfalls and significant loss of life and property. The federal response to aid impacted states like Texas demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to addressing these calamities. As climate patterns shift, enhancing preparedness for future hurricane seasons is of paramount importance to safeguard communities and mitigate damage.

Original Source: www.houstonpublicmedia.org