2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Concludes with 18 Named Storms
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. This activity, while significant, fell within NOAA’s predicted ranges, demonstrating advances in forecasting technology. The season was marked by record-breaking storms and important operational challenges, underscoring the need for effective preparedness and scientific intervention in the face of natural disasters.
The Atlantic hurricane season for 2024 has officially concluded with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reporting a total of 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. Despite the occurrence of record-breaking events within this season, the overall activity remained within anticipated ranges as per the forecasts by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. The average season typically witnesses 14 named storms, comprised of seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
This season was characterized by a highly active start, followed by a brief lull, before picking up intensity again. Notably, five hurricanes impacted the continental United States, with two classified as major hurricanes. Matthew Rosencrans, the lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA, explained that adverse weather in Western Africa significantly hindered storm formation mid-season.
Among various notable storms, Hurricane Beryl distinguished itself by becoming the earliest Category-5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic basin. Additionally, Hurricane Helene was the first storm forecasted as a major hurricane prior to developing into a tropical depression, showcasing the advancement in forecasting techniques. Additionally, Hurricane Milton experienced an extraordinary rate of intensification, escalating its wind speeds by 90 miles per hour within a single day and causing extensive tornado activity and flooding in Florida.
Dr. Michael Brennan, the Director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, praised the advancements made in forecasting technology during the season. Preliminary data from 2024 indicates that the forecasts issued by the National Hurricane Center were the most accurate to date across various lead times. The Hurricane Hunter aircraft significantly contributed to these improvements, conducting numerous missions and collecting vital data for better storm prediction.
While the Atlantic hurricane season for 2024 exceeded the historical average in terms of named storms and hurricanes, it adhered to the ranges forecasted earlier in the year. In contrast, the Pacific hurricane season registered lower levels of activity, with only 12 named storms occurring in the eastern Pacific and just two in the central Pacific.
Hurricane seasons are critical periods when tropical storms form, leading to hurricanes that can have devastating impacts on coastal communities. Each season usually spans from June to November, with specific forecasting and predictive models employed by organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The predictive accuracy has improved over the years due to advancements in technology and data collection methods. This understanding is crucial for emergency management and response planning as communities brace for potential impacts from such storms.
In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded with 18 named storms, demonstrating noteworthy activity while staying within the expected range outlined by NOAA. Technological advancements in forecasting played a pivotal role, allowing for improved accuracy in predicting storm behavior, ultimately serving as crucial tools for communities and emergency planners. As the season wraps up, stakeholders are reminded of the continued necessity for robust scientific forecasting in mitigating the risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com