Hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30, is a time of heightened concern for those living in coastal areas. With the Atlantic Ocean's warm waters providing the fuel for tropical storm formation, meteorologists are predicting an active hurricane season in 2024. According to NOAA, there is an 85% chance of above-normal activity this year, with four to seven major hurricanes possible. Let's explore some essential terms related to hurricanes and the upcoming season.
Types of Storms Tropical cyclones are systems characterized by well-organized thunderstorms around a closed, low-level center that derives energy from warm ocean water. A tropical depression is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less. A tropical storm has maximum sustained winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph and gets the next name in the official list for that basin in that year. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph, occurring in either the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific basins. Major hurricanes have maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph and are also referred to as Category 3 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Hurricane Season Terms and Predictions The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) maintains and updates the list of tropical cyclone names. The 2024 hurricane names include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, and so on. AccuWeather predicts a supercharged hurricane season in 2024 due to the combination of La NiƱa and record warm water temperatures in the Atlantic basin. Based on averages from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Unexpected Cases Despite advancements in forecasting technology and improved rapid intensification forecasts since about 2014, unexpected cases like Otis still occur. In October 2023, Otis rapidly intensified unexpectedly in the eastern Pacific Ocean and made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane in Acapulco, Mexico.
Preparation and Precautions Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment. Individuals and communities need to be prepared for potential impacts from tropical storms or hurricanes. Stay informed about the latest forecasts from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center, NOAA, or your local meteorological agency.