The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially wrapped up on November 30, marking an unusually active period characterized by extraordinary storm patterns and intense weather events. Over the course of the season, the Atlantic Basin saw 18 named storms, with 11 hurricanes formed, including five classified as major hurricanes. To put this in perspective, the average season typically registers 14 named storms, produces around seven hurricanes, and includes only three major hurricanes. This season’s accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) reached 162, which is significantly above average, solidifying 2024’s status as hyperactive, even with hefty gaps in activity.
The early phase of the season began with promising forecasts, yet it was not without its peculiarities. Following the fastest start on record—a Category 5 hurricane, Beryl, which formed on July 2—there was an unanticipated lull. This was particularly unusual between August 20 and September 23, which normally serves as the peak of hurricane activity. The ACE index during this dry spell was just 8, marking the lowest data since 1994.
Experts believe the lull stemmed from simultaneous occurrences: cooler upper-level temperatures, increasing stability of the atmosphere, and disruption of easterly waves by stronger wind shear. It’s this combination of factors—aligned with the prevailing conditions of the time—that contributed to September's unprecedented slowdown where nothing named formed from August 13 through September 8. Such occurrences haven't been seen since 1968.
Nonetheless, come late September, the hurricane season roared back to life with vigor, producing 11 named storms, seven hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. This late-season activity shatters numerous records. Of note, not only did the season pose significant challenges for coastal states, but also wreaked havoc due to tornadoes spawned by these hurricanes.
Among these storms was Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26, hitting Florida’s Big Bend region with winds reaching 140 mph. Tragically, Helene resulted in 243 fatalities across multiple states, making it the deadliest hurricane on the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Along with this, the storm inflicted severe damage, particularly flooding, across North Carolina, resulting in what is anticipated to be one of the top ten most costly hurricanes recorded historically.
Hot on the heels of Helene came Hurricane Milton, landfalling on October 9 as a Category 3 storm still boasting winds of 120 mph. Though Milton’s path spared the most populous coastal regions, it still managed to bring devastation, claiming 25 lives and racking up tens of billions of dollars worth of damage. Its metrics were close to staggering with forecasts indicating additional losses had it not missed the vulnerable areas directly.
This season also saw the first occurrences of two major hurricanes, both Category 5, to strike the Atlantic since 2019. Beryl remained as the fierce storm to make landfall against Carriacou Island, Grenada on July 1. Although starting strong as Cat 4 at 150 mph winds, Milton would eventually prove to be stronger, peaking at astonishing 180 mph winds as it rolled through the Gulf of Mexico. Milton now stands as the fifth-strongest Atlantic hurricane when ranked by central pressure and the sixth-strongest by wind intensity.
Adding to the chaos, the year boasted notable tornado activity, resulting from several hurricanes throughout the season. Beryl alone generated 67 tornadoes, marking the fifth highest total for tornado output from any tropical cyclone since records began. Comparatively, Milton’s 46 tornadoes were the most recorded ever from any hurricane affecting Florida.
Human activity has increasingly heightened the power of these storms, as seen through research linking all 11 hurricanes of the 2024 season to human-caused ocean warming. Even modest temperature increases can have disproportionate impacts on storm intensity, leading to doubling of destruction upon landfall.
From the hurricane Beryl and Milton to Helene and Debby, the storms this season brought destruction to plenty of coastal regions and underscored vulnerabilities posed by climate change and rising sea temperatures. The collision of ecological factors and climatic disturbances is indisputable; yet, the reality of forecasting remains as complicated as ever.
While no official La Niña condition developed this season, there were indications it could emerge throughout 2024. This climate pattern, known for cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures across parts of the Pacific, typically creates conditions conducive to higher tropical cyclone activity. Prior predictions had suggested rising La Niña phenomena would lead to intensified hurricane activity. Despite this, confusion arose as neither La Niña nor its impacts fully held sway over this hurricane season.
All said and done, the storms of 2024 serve as grim reminders of the importance of preparedness and proactive measures. Residents along the coasts are reminded of strategies to safeguard themselves against future storms, including developing escape plans, maintaining emergency kits, and staying informed through local channels for real-time updates. With projections of future storm activity continuing to show potential for increased intensity and frequency, communities must prioritize their resilience efforts.
With the end of this season, forecasts next year will continue to weigh the influence of climatic patterns and ocean temperatures, contributing to our ever-evolving relationship with these fierce forces of nature. The conclusion of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season paints another stark picture of the challenges we face against the backdrop of climate change, yet the solutions remain rooted in our readiness to face the storms, both literal and proverbial, tomorrow might bring.