The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes, resulting in significant devastation across the United States. Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Helene were particularly destructive, leading to substantial loss of life and damage, with estimates exceeding $50 billion. Texas received $1.6 billion in federal aid following disaster declarations due to storm impacts.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially concluded, revealing an unusually active season marked by several significant storms impacting the United States. This year, the Atlantic witnessed 18 named storms, of which 11 developed into hurricanes, including five that were classified as major hurricanes. Although the overall number of storms was lower than anticipated, there was a notable increase in major hurricanes affecting the U.S., as indicated by meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather.
Berger observed, “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.” One of the most significant storms was Hurricane Beryl, which struck the Houston region in July, resulting in widespread power outages affecting millions and claiming over 40 lives. Following Beryl, the Atlantic experienced an atypical period of inactivity in August and early September, which is unusual for this season.
Towards the end of September, however, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across several East Coast states, leading to over 200 fatalities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. Shortly thereafter, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane on October 9. The destructive outcomes of these two storms resulted in at least 250 fatalities and incurred damages estimated at $50 billion, according to reports from the Associated Press. Amidst these events, Texas received approximately $1.6 billion in federal assistance following two storm-related Presidential Disaster Declarations: one in response to severe storms and flooding in May, and another following Hurricane Beryl’s impact in July.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season spans from June 1 to November 30 each year, during which varying levels of tropical cyclonic activity typically occur. The 2024 season was characterized by a notable degree of hurricane activity that played a significant role in affecting various U.S. states, particularly along the Gulf and East Coast regions. Meteorological predictions prior to the season indicated substantial storm formation; however, the eventual impact demonstrated an anomaly in terms of major hurricane landfalls, challenging initial forecasts and revealing the potential dangers posed by these weather phenomena. The correlation between increased federal support and severe weather events also highlights the economic implications of these disasters.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season has concluded, marked by an unexpected surge in major hurricanes that impacted the U.S., particularly in terms of human and economic losses. The season recorded 18 named storms, with multiple major hurricanes leading to unprecedented devastation and fatalities across several states. Federal disaster responses have underscored the need for continued preparedness and support for affected areas. The outcomes of this hurricane season exemplify the critical importance of ongoing meteorological observations and effective disaster management strategies.
Original Source: www.houstonpublicmedia.org
