2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Concludes with Notable Activity and Advances

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. Despite a brief lull due to adverse conditions, the season featured record-breaking storms and highlighted advancements in forecasting technology. The Pacific hurricane season, however, remained below normal, with significantly fewer storms than typical expectations.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded today, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), registering a total of 18 named storms, which included 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. Despite experiencing some record-breaking events, such storm activity remained within the anticipated ranges outlined by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center in the August Hurricane Season Outlook. The average Atlantic hurricane season yields 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

This season was characterized by both intense and productive activity, with notable hurricanes such as Hurricane Beryl, which established a record as the earliest Category-5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin, and Hurricane Helene, which was the first storm forecasted by the National Hurricane Center to be categorized as a major hurricane prior to developing into a tropical depression. Five hurricanes made landfall across the continental United States, two of which were classified as major hurricanes.

The initial phase of the hurricane season was marked by significant activity that subsided briefly before escalating once more. This occurrence has been attributed to extreme winds and rainfall across Western Africa, which created conditions less favorable for storm development, as stated by Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Additionally, Hurricane Milton garnered attention for its rapid intensification, which saw wind speeds escalate by 90 miles per hour within a mere 24-hour period. The storm also generated severe tornado activity, producing 46 tornadoes and causing extensive flooding in Florida. Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, commended the technological advances made during this season, indicating that preliminary findings showcased the most accurate track forecasts ever issued by the NHC at all plausible lead times.

The role of Hurricane Hunter aircraft was integral during the season, as they flew 392 mission hours and deployed over 1,246 scientific instruments, significantly contributing to the understanding and forecasting of hurricane behavior. In contrast, the Pacific hurricane season remained disappointing compared to average historical activity, yielding only 12 named storms in the eastern Pacific and merely two in the central Pacific.

The Atlantic hurricane season typically spans from June 1 to November 30, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration using climate models and historical data to predict the level of hurricane activity. The season’s activity is primarily measured by the number of named storms and hurricanes, specifically categorizing them into major hurricanes when they reach a Category 3 intensity or higher. The established averages offer a basis for forecasting and preparedness, assisting communities in their planning and risk management for potential storm impacts. NOAA plays a key role in monitoring and providing vital forecasts and warnings that affect millions of lives and properties.

In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded with significant activity comprising 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, reflecting NOAA’s predictive accuracy. Despite challenges, notable advancements in forecasting technology enhanced the understanding of storm behavior. Overall, the season demonstrated the critical nature of NOAA’s work in disaster preparedness and response, while contrasting sharply with a below-average Pacific hurricane season.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com