2024 Hurricane Season: 18 Storms, $5.3B in Damages, and a Warning Against Scams

November 30, 2024
2024 Hurricane Season: 18 Storms, $5.3B in Damages, and a Warning Against Scams
  • The 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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