2024 Hurricane Season: 18 Storms, $5.3B in Damages, and a Warning Against Scams
November 30, 2024The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded on November 30, with a total of 18 named tropical storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes, surpassing the average season's totals.
Forecasts had predicted a severe hurricane season with up to 25 named storms, but the actual count was lower due to the absence of anticipated La Niña conditions.
Meteorologists described the season as 'crazy busy,' attributing the high storm activity to unusually warm ocean temperatures that intensified hurricanes.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, causing extensive damage and over 200 fatalities, primarily in North and South Carolina.
Following Helene, Hurricane Milton emerged, reaching wind speeds of 180 mph and causing significant destruction, including widespread flooding and power outages.
The hurricane season resulted in approximately 314,000 insurance claims and an estimated $5.3 billion in damages across Florida, with 63 fatalities reported statewide.
Community resilience was evident in Southwest Florida as residents worked to recover from the impacts of the hurricanes, with ongoing cleanup efforts underway.
Federal officials warned of a rise in fake hurricane assistance scams, urging the public to remain vigilant against potential fraud.
October marked a historic moment with three hurricanes—Milton, Kirk, and Leslie—active simultaneously, although Kirk and Leslie did not threaten the U.S.
Both Helene and Milton left beach communities heavily damaged, with debris and personal belongings cluttering roads for weeks after the storms.
NOAA faced challenges during the season, including misinformation and potential funding cuts, which could hinder effective forecasting and risk communication.
FEMA has extended the deadline for disaster relief applications to January 7, 2025, providing residents additional time to seek financial assistance.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
BBC Weather • Nov 30, 2024
2024 Atlantic hurricane season comes to an endThe Verge • Nov 26, 2024
Atlantic hurricane season is coming to an end — will the US be ready for the next one?Yahoo News • Nov 26, 2024
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season to end with 18 named storms, 3 hurricanes impacting FloridaAP News • Nov 29, 2024
Atlantic hurricane season comes to an end, leaving widespread damage in its wake