2024 Atlantic hurricane season
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season in the Northern Hemisphere. The season officially began on June 1, and will end on November 30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic Ocean. The first system, Tropical Storm Alberto, developed on June 19, making it the latest first named storm since 2014.
| 2024 Atlantic hurricane season | |
|---|---|
Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | June 19, 2024 |
| Last system dissipated | Season ongoing |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Beryl |
| • Maximum winds | 165 mph (270 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 934 mbar (hPa; 27.58 inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 11 |
| Total storms | 11 |
| Hurricanes | 7 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 2 |
| Total fatalities | 261 total |
| Total damage | > $38.36 billion (2024 USD) |
| Related articles | |
The second storm of the season Hurricane Beryl, was an extremely rare June major hurricane, the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and only the second recorded in July. Next came Tropical Storm Chris, which formed on the last day of June and quickly made landfall in Veracruz. Activity then quieted down across the basin for most of July after Beryl dissipated, with no new tropical cyclones forming due to the presence of the Saharan air layer (SAL) across much of the Atlantic. In early August, Hurricane Debby developed in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida and South Carolina. Shortly thereafter came Hurricane Ernesto, which impacted the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and Bermuda in mid-August. After an unusual lull in activity in late August and early September, Hurricane Francine formed in the Gulf, then made landfall in Louisiana. Later, on September 24, Hurricane Helene formed over the Western Caribbean before moving toward the Big Bend region of Florida. It made landfall there on September 26, at Category 4 strength. As of Early October, there are at least 254 fatalities and over $38.36 billion in damage, mostly from Beryl and Helene.
| Source | Date | Named storms |
Hurricanes | Major hurricanes |
Ref | ||||||
| Average (1991–2020) | 14.4 | 7.2 | 3.2 | [1] | |||||||
| Record high activity | 30 | 15 | 7† | [2] | |||||||
| Record low activity | 1 | 0† | 0† | [2] | |||||||
| TSR | December 11, 2023 | 20 | 9 | 4 | [3] | ||||||
| CSU | April 4, 2024 | 23 | 11 | 5 | [4] | ||||||
| MFM | April 5, 2024 | 21 | 11 | N/A | [5] | ||||||
| TSR | April 8, 2024 | 23 | 11 | 5 | [6] | ||||||
| UA | April 8, 2024 | 21 | 11 | 5 | [7] | ||||||
| MU | April 12, 2024 | 26 | 11 | 5 | [8] | ||||||
| NCSU | April 16, 2024 | 15–20 | 10–12 | 3–4 | [9] | ||||||
| UPenn | April 24, 2024 | 27-39 | N/A | N/A | [10] | ||||||
| SMN | May 6, 2024 | 20–23 | 9–11 | 4–5 | [11] | ||||||
| UKMO* | May 22, 2024 | 22 | 12 | 4 | [12] | ||||||
| NOAA | May 23, 2024 | 17–25 | 8–13 | 4–7 | [13] | ||||||
| TSR | May 30, 2024 | 24 | 12 | 6 | [14] | ||||||
| CSU | June 12, 2024 | 23 | 11 | 5 | [15] | ||||||
| UA | June 23, 2024 | 23 | 10 | 5 | [16] | ||||||
| TSR | July 5, 2024 | 26 | 13 | 6 | [17] | ||||||
| CSU | July 10, 2024 | 25 | 12 | 6 | [18] | ||||||
| TSR | August 6, 2024 | 24 | 12 | 6 | [19] | ||||||
| CSU | August 6, 2024 | 23 | 12 | 6 | [20] | ||||||
| NOAA | August 8, 2024 | 17–24 | 8–13 | 4–7 | [21] | ||||||
| Actual activity | 11 | 7 | 2 | ||||||||
| * June–November only † Most recent of several such occurrences. (See all) |
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In advance of, and during, each hurricane season, several forecasts of hurricane activity are issued by national meteorological services, scientific agencies, and noted hurricane experts. These include forecasters from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Climate Prediction Center, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), the United Kingdom's Met Office (UKMO), and Colorado State University (CSU). The forecasts include weekly and monthly changes in significant factors that help determine the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a particular year.[22]
According to NOAA and CSU, the average Atlantic hurricane season between 1991 and 2020 contained roughly 14 tropical storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes, and an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 72–111 units.[1][23] Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39 mph (63 km/h). NOAA typically categorizes a season as above-average, average, or below-average based on the cumulative ACE index, but the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a hurricane season is sometimes also considered.[1]
On December 11, 2023, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) released its extended range forecast for the 2024 season, predicting an above-average season with 20 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.[nb 1][3] They took into account ongoing warm sea-surface temperatures (SST) throughout most of the basin, specifically in the Main Development Region and in the Caribbean Sea on top of the 2023–2024 El Niño event which was predicted to weaken to a neutral phase by August 2024.[3] TSR updated their forecast on May 30, predicting 24 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes with an ACE of 226 units.[14] On April 4, 2024, Colorado State University (CSU) released its forecast, calling for an extremely active hurricane season, with 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, with an ACE index of 210 units, citing the extremely warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures and the development of a La Niña by the summer.[4] On April 5, Météo-France (MFM) issued a prediction of 21 named storms and 11 hurricanes. They cited warm sea surface temperatures, wind patterns, and humidity.[5] On April 8, TSR updated their prediction, predicting 23 tropical storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes, with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 217 units. They predicted that moderate La Niña conditions would occur in the summer and persist into fall and above average sea surface temperatures would also persist into summer.[6] On the same day, the University of Arizona (UA) posted their forecast calling for a very active season featuring 21 named storms, 11 hurricanes, 5 major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 156 units.[7] On April 12, University of Missouri (MU) issued their prediction of 26 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.[8] On April 16, NCSU issued their prediction of 15–20 named storms, 10–12 hurricanes, and 3–4 major hurricanes.[9] On April 24, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) issued their prediction of a record-breaking season, predicting an unprecedented 33 (±6) named storms. They cited expected moderate La Niña conditions and record-warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic tied to large-scale warming.[10] On May 6, the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) issued their forecast of 20–23 tropical storms, 9–11 hurricanes, and 4–5 major hurricanes.[11] On May 22, UKMO published their forecast for the 2024 season, calling for 22 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 212 units.[12] One day later, NOAA published their hurricane season prediction, forecasting an above-average season of 17–25 named storms, 8–13 hurricanes, and 4–7 major hurricanes with an 85% chance of being an above-average season.[13] TSR updated their predictions on May 30 with 24 tropical storms, 12 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes with an ACE of 226.[14]
On June 11, CSU also updated its predictions, continuing to call for an extremely active season, with 23 tropical storms, 11 hurricanes, five major hurricanes, and an ACE of 210.[15] On June 23, UA updated its prediction with 23 named storms, 10 hurricanes, five major hurricanes, and an ACE of 231.[16] TSR updated its predictions on July 5 with 26 tropical storms, 13 hurricanes, and six major hurricanes with an ACE of 240.[17] On July 9, CSU updated its predictions, anticipating an even more active season, with 25 tropical storms, 12 hurricanes, six major hurricanes, and an ACE of 230.[18] On August 8, NOAA updated its prediction of the total number of named storms slightly, while still anticipating a highly active season.[21]
Officially, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, and will end on November 30.[25] So far, eleven tropical cyclones have formed, and all of them became named storms. Six of the storms became hurricanes, of which two strengthened into major hurricanes. Altogether, six systems have made landfall this season.
This season's ACE index, as of 03:00 UTC on October 2, is approximately 80 units.[26] This number represents sum of the squares of the maximum sustained wind speed (knots) for all named storms while they are at least tropical storm intensity, divided by 10,000. Therefore, tropical depressions are not included.
Though the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, it had its slowest start since 2014. This was due to a large stationary heat dome over Central America and Mexico, as tropical cyclogenesis in June often occurs over the Gulf of Mexico and northern Caribbean Sea.[27] The season's first named storm, Tropical Storm Alberto, formed in the western Gulf of Mexico on June 19,[nb 2][29] then proceeded to make landfall on the northeastern coast of Mexico the following day.[30] Next came Hurricane Beryl, the earliest-forming Category 4 and Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record in a season and the strongest June and July hurricane on record in the basin. After forming on June 28 in the MDR, the storm rapidly intensified as it approached the Windward Islands,[31][32][33] peaking as a Category 5 hurricane early on July 2.[34] Short-lived Tropical Storm Chris developed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on June 30,[35] quickly moving ashore in Mexico the following morning.[36] Beryl continued on, impacting Jamaica and landfalling on the Yucatán Peninsula and Texas.[37][38][39] After Beryl dissipated on July 11, the Atlantic basin would fall under a period of inactivity due to the Saharan air layer, which suppresses tropical activity, persisting over the open Atlantic alongside dry air typically occurring during this period of the season.[40]
Activity resumed at the start of August, with Hurricane Debby developing in the Gulf of Mexico on August 3,[41][42] before making landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane two days later. It then slowed down over land afterwards and dropped heavy rain and caused widespread flooding in the Southeastern United States. A few days after Debby dissipated, Hurricane Ernesto formed on August 12 in the Western Main Development Region.[43] Ernesto caused damage to the Lesser Antilles on August 14 as a Category 1 hurricane.[44] Two days later on August 16, it peaked as a Category 2 hurricane.[45] The next day it made landfall at Bermuda as a weakening Category 1 storm.[46]
| Rank | Cost | Season |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ $294.803 billion | 2017 |
| 2 | $172.297 billion | 2005 |
| 3 | $120.425 billion | 2022 |
| 4 | ≥ $80.727 billion | 2021 |
| 5 | $72.341 billion | 2012 |
| 6 | $61.148 billion | 2004 |
| 7 | ≥ $51.114 billion | 2020 |
| 8 | ≥ $50.526 billion | 2018 |
| 9 | ≥ $48.855 billion | 2008 |
| 10 | > $40.360 billion | 2024 |
Despite the unseasonably warm temperatures in the North Atlantic, the equatorial Atlantic cooled rapidly into an "Atlantic Niña" due to upwelling caused by shifts in the trade winds and the Atlantic zonal mode. The effects of an Atlantic Niña is not certain but it is contrary to the assumptions that the NOAA used in their forecast of seasonal activity.[47] CSU associated the quietness of the Atlantic during the month of August and the period after Ernesto dissipated–despite predictions of an extremely active peak period–to tropical waves forming too far north, warm upper-level winds causing destabilization, wind shear in the East Atlantic, and factors associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation.[48]
After nearly three weeks of inactivity, the longest in over fifty years at that point in the season,[49] Hurricane Francine formed on September 9.[50] Tropical Storm Gordon followed suit two days later on September 11,[51] with Francine making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 system later that day.[52] Four systems developed during the final week of September. Hurricane Helene formed on September 24.[53] The system affected the Yucatán Peninsula on September 25, before making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida late on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, where it rapidly weakened into a tropical depression by noon of September 27.[54] Hurricane Isaac formed on September 26 and later peaked as a Category 2 hurricane. On September 27, Tropical Storm Joyce formed just west of the Cabo Verde Islands.[55] On September 29, Tropical Depression Twelve formed. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Kirk the next day, and later became a Category 1 hurricane on October 1.
A Central American gyre resulted in the formation of convection over the Gulf of Tehuantepec on June 15. As the convective activity progressed northward over southeastern Mexico and exited into the Bay of Campeche, an area of low pressure gradually developed on June 17 about 105 miles (169 km) northwest of Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico. The system gradually became better organized, though still remained rather broad, developing into Tropical Storm Alberto by 12:00 UTC on June 19. Under the influence of light vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, Alberto intensified up to landfall, attaining peak winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 992 mbar (29.29 inHg) by the morning of June 20. Alberto moved ashore at 09:00 UTC that day near Tampico, Mexico. Alberto rapidly weakened over land, dissipating just nine hours later.[56]
Alberto brought heavy rainfall to the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in northeast Mexico. Rainfall from Alberto resulted in four deaths in Mexico, all in Nuevo León: one in Monterrey due to river flooding, one in El Carmen, and two in Allende (the latter three were indirect electrocution deaths).[57][58] Damage reported in Nuevo León exceeded MX$1 billion (US$53.7 million).[59] Alberto's large wind field produced tropical storm-force winds along the coastline of Texas, despite the center being located over northeastern Mexico. A 3–4 feet (0.9–1 m) storm surge inundated coastal communities between Corpus Christi Bay and Galveston.[56][60] Storm surge and coastal flooding damaged piers, roads, and sand dunes, as well as causing several high water rescues.[56] One person drowned at Galveston due to rip currents generated by the storm.[61] Alberto brought significant rainfall to the Galveston area, leading to freshwater flooding. Additionally, an EF1 tornado touched down near Bellville, causing some property damage along its 2 mi (3.2 km) long path,[62] and two EF0 tornadoes occurred near Rockport.[63][64] To the east, coastal communities in Louisiana, especially Grand Isle, also received some flooding.[65]
On June 25, the NHC began monitoring a tropical wave producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms just south of Cabo Verde.[66] The following day, the wave began showing signs of organization, with modest thunderstorm activity, curved bands, and some spin development.[67] The disturbance further organized, becoming Tropical Depression Two over the central tropical Atlantic on June 28.[68] Located south of a strong subtropical ridge, the depression moved generally westward through an unusually favorable environment for the time of year with warm sea surface temperatures (SST) and minimal wind shear, consequently beginning a period of rapid intensification. The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Beryl six hours after formation,[69] and the thunderstorms quickly organized into a central dense overcast, with a symmetric cloud pattern surrounded by rainbands.[70] Late on June 29, Beryl intensified into a hurricane. The inner core of the thunderstorms organized into an eye,[71] which became clear and symmetrical. Observations from the Hurricane Hunters indicated that Beryl became a major hurricane on June 30.[72] The hurricane strengthened further into a Category 4 hurricane. Beryl maintained an initial peak intensity with winds of 130 mph (215 km/h).[73] Beryl then underwent an eyewall replacement cycle and briefly weakened to a Category 3 hurricane early on July 1,[74] but regained Category 4 strength six hours later once the cycle was completed.[75] At 15:10 UTC the same day, Beryl made landfall in Carriacou, Grenada, with sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h).[76] At 03:00 UTC the next day, Beryl further intensified into a Category 5 hurricane,[34] peaking a few hours later with winds of 165 mph (270 km/h), while moving to the west-northwest at about 20 mph (35 km/h).[77] Later that same day, Beryl passed south of Isla Beata, Dominican Republic, where it weakened to Category 4 strength[78] as a result of wind shear.[79]
Moving generally west-northwestward under the influence of the strong ridge to its north, Beryl's center passed very near the southern coast of Jamaica on the afternoon of July 3. It remained a Category 4 hurricane, despite continued westerly shear.[39] At 06:00 UTC on July 4, while southeast of the Cayman Islands, Beryl weakened to Category 3 strength.[80] Beryl continued to weaken, and was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane that afternoon.[81] Late that same day though, data from an Air Force reconnaissance team showed that Beryl had re-strengthened to a minimal Category 3 hurricane.[82] It weakened once more to Category 2 intensity, however, a few hours later.[83] At 11:00 UTC on July 5, the system made landfall just northeast of Tulum, Quintana Roo, with sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h).[38] Inland, Beryl quickly weakened into a Category 1 hurricane,[84] and then a tropical storm a few hours later.[85] The tropical storm then emerged into the Gulf of Mexico as it was steered by a mid-level ridge located over the southeastern U.S.[86] That night and into the next day, in addition to a broader inner core, Beryl was beset by an infusion of dry air and by moderate wind shear, which kept the storm from strengthening appreciably.[87] Even so, by the afternoon of July 6, its convective structure had improved some and had become more persistent.[88] At 04:00 UTC on July 8, Beryl regained hurricane intensity whilst approaching the Texas coast.[89] Shortly thereafter, Beryl made its final landfall near Matagorda, Texas with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h).[37] The system quickly weakened inland, transitioning to a post-tropical cyclone early on July 9.[90] By the following day, the storm's remnants were moving through the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, tracking northeastward into Ontario before dissipating on July 11.[91]
On June 29, the prime minister of Saint Lucia ordered a national shutdown in anticipation of Beryl's impacts on the island nation.[92] Caribbean Airlines postponed several flights between Barbados, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago the next day.[93] A Caribbean Community meeting in Grenada, scheduled to run from July 3 to 5, was canceled.[94] Effects and casualties from the hurricane were widespread. Beryl caused catastrophic damage on Grenada's northern islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique and on several of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' southern islands such as Union Island and Canouan where an estimated 95% of buildings were damaged or destroyed.[95][96] In Venezuela, six people were killed and several were missing.[97] Sustained damage was also recorded in the Yucatán as well, although it was generally limited to downed trees and power lines, and damage to roofs; there was also widespread flooding.[98] In the United States, the state of Texas experienced severe flooding and wind damage, with reports of at least 22 dead in the Greater Houston area.[99][100] Additionally, the outer bands of the hurricane produced a prolific three-day tornado outbreak, with 68 tornadoes confirmed in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, and Ontario.[101][102] A total of 70 fatalities have been confirmed, and preliminary damage estimates are more than US$5.06 billion.[103][104][105]
On June 24, the NHC began monitoring a tropical wave east-southeast of the Windward Islands producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.[106] The disturbance moved generally westward across the Caribbean for several days,[107] before traversing the Yucatán Peninsula and emerging in the Bay of Campeche early on June 30.[108] There, an area of low pressure formed, which quickly became better organized. Tropical Depression Three formed later that day,[109] and strengthened into Tropical Storm Chris six hours later.[35] Shortly thereafter, the system made landfall in the municipality of Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz, at peak intensity.[36] Chris rapidly weakened over the rough terrain of Mexico, dissipating early on July 1.[110]
Chris generated heavy rains in the states of Chiapas, Hidalgo, Morelos, San Luis Potosí, and Veracruz, causing flooding, overflowing rivers, and mudslides.[111] Consequently, local authorities in Veracruz closed schools in 41 municipalities and opened 9 temporary shelters, which housed 86 people.[36][111] Flooding also damaged numerous homes, including almost 2,000 in Huiloapan alone.[111] In Hidalgo, flooding forced the evacuation of around 200 families in Yahualica. More than 20,000 people were affected by flooding in Xochiatipan, which inundated homes and a clinic. An elderly man was killed in San Salvador after he was buried by a mudslide.[112] In addition, four police officers in Tepetlán, Veracruz, were killed after being swept away by an overflowing stream while surveying storm damage.[113]
On July 26, the NHC started tracking a tropical wave with the potential for development into a tropical cyclone.[114] As it moved westward, the NHC noted that the tropical wave was becoming well-defined,[115] designating it Potential Tropical Cyclone Four on August 2.[116] That night, the system developed a closed circulation just off the southern coast of Cuba, causing the NHC to upgrade it into a tropical depression.[41] Tropical Depression Four entered the Gulf of Mexico where it further intensified into Tropical Storm Debby later on August 3.[42] In the Gulf of Mexico, it intensified from tropical storm to hurricane status late on August 4, before making landfall in Florida. On August 8, Debby made a second landfall in South Carolina, approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Charleston.[117] Steadily weakening once inland, later that day, Debby weakened into a tropical depression.[118] Early the next day, Debby became a post-tropical cyclone.[119]
Rainfall impacted nations across the Caribbean, especially Cuba and Puerto Rico.[120][121][122] States of emergency were declared for the states of Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina ahead of the storm. Heavy rains fell as a result of the storm moving slowly, with accumulations peaking near 20 in (510 mm) of rain near Sarasota, Florida. Altogether, 10 fatalities have been attributed to the storm. Preliminary damage reports are estimated to be at near US$2 billion.[123] Rain also severely impacted Quebec, with Debby causing the heaviest one-day rain in the history of Montreal[124] and becoming the most costly climate event in Quebec history, with more than CAD $2.5 billion in insured damages.[125]
On August 8, the NHC noted that an area of low pressure could form in the central or tropical Atlantic.[126] Later that day, they began tracking a tropical wave southwest of Cabo Verde.[127] Shower activity associated with the wave began increasing two days later,[128] later showing signs of organization on August 11.[129] As a result, later that day, the disturbance developed into a low-pressure area.[130] As the system was expected to impact the Leeward Islands, it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Five soon after.[131] The next day, the system organized enough to become a tropical storm, being named Ernesto.[43] Ernesto would intensify as it moved through the Lesser Antilles, impacting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.[132] Generally favorable environment conditions allowed Ernesto to intensify further, becoming a hurricane on August 14.[44] Although it continued to be disrupted by dry air intrusion, the storm intensified further, peaking as a Category 2 hurricane a day later.[45] Following this, Ernesto would weaken due to wind shear before making landfall in Bermuda at 08:30 UTC on August 17 as a Category 1 hurricane.[46] After making landfall, Ernesto would then weaken further into a tropical storm due to dry air later that day.[133] However, at 21:00 UTC the next day, Ernesto re-intensified into a Category 1 hurricane as environmental conditions began to improve around Ernesto.[134] After a brief period of re-intensification throughout August 19, re-strengthening to sustained winds of 90 mph (145 km/h),[135] Ernesto began to weaken once again due to colder sea surface temperatures and environmental conditions becoming unfavorable, as it brushed the coast of Newfoundland.[136] As Ernesto continued to quickly move northeastwards during the middle of August 20, Ernesto would become post-tropical as the NHC ceased issuing further advisories on the system.[137]
Several main roads on the island of Guadeloupe were closed due to the storm.[138] Wind gusts on the island of Culebra reached 86 mph (138 km/h),[139] where downed trees blocked roads and roofs were blown off. More than 45,000 customers lost power in the Virgin Islands[132] as a result of hurricane force wind gusts. The entirety of Saint Croix and Saint Thomas lost electricity.[139] Over 728,000 households in Puerto Rico lost power, around half of the island. An additional 235,000 households suffered water outages.[140] In Bermuda, power outages were recorded as well.[141] In South Carolina, two people died due to rip currents caused by Ernesto.[142] In North Carolina, one person was found dead also due to rough sea conditions caused by Ernesto.[143] In New York City, with swells predicted to reach 6 ft (1.8 m), mayor Eric Adams ordered all beaches in Brooklyn and Queens to close.[144]
On August 26, the NHC noted that a low-pressure area could form in the Central Tropical Atlantic.[145] Two days later, they began tracking a tropical wave producing disorganized showers.[146] Initially, showers from the wave were a bit more concentrated along its axis,[147] becoming more organized by August 31.[148] However, an unconducive environment for development caused the wave to become disorganized.[149] Several days later, on September 7, the wave crossed into the Bay of Campeche,[150] becoming a low-pressure area the next day.[151] Due to the system's imminent threat to land, it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Six at 21:00 UTC on September 8.[152] Higher wind gusts in the system were enhanced by a barrier jet near the Sierra Madre Oriental.[152] Early the next day, the disturbance organized into Tropical Storm Francine.[50] As the system meandered in the gulf, its track trended east due to a high pressure system in Florida.[153] Francine's core continued to organize, becoming a hurricane 03:00 UTC September 11.[154] As Francine continued to move northeastwards, steady rapid intensification occurred.[155] Despite a continuous increase in wind shear, Francine would strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane just south of Louisiana, achieving peak intensity of 100 mph (155 km/h).[156] At that intensity, Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana at 22:00 UTC on September 11.[157] Rapid weakening began after the hurricane made landfall, and at 03:00 UTC on September 12, Francine weakened into a tropical storm and then a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC and finally after another three hours remained as a remnant low for one day.[158]
Flooding occurred along much of the Northeast Gulf of Mexico.[159][160][161][162] Oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico was also disrupted.[163] No fatalities were reported as a result of Francine.[164]
On September 7, the NHC noted that a trough of low pressure could interact with a nearby tropical wave and slowly develop.[165] Being in a favorable environment for development,[166] on September 11, showers and thunderstorms began showing signs of organization in the disturbance, which had became a tropical wave.[167] Later that day, the wave developed a surface circulation,[168] causing it to develop into Tropical Depression Seven.[169] The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Gordon at 15:00 UTC on September 13.[170] The center of the system remained to the west of its deep convection, and persistent wind shear prevented Gordon from significantly strengthening. Gordon weakened back to a tropical depression on September 15.[171] Gordon's convective structure gradually degraded, and the system degenerated into a trough of low pressure on September 17.[172] The NHC continued to monitor the system for potential redevelopment until September 21, though strong wind shear kept any convection away from the center of circulation as it moved over the open central Atlantic.[173]
On September 17, the NHC noted that tropical cyclogenesis could occur somewhere in the northwestern Caribbean Sea in less than a week.[174] Several days later, on September 22, they began tracking a broad low-pressure area located in the western Caribbean.[175] As it traversed an environment conducive for development,[176] showers and thunderstorms associated with the disturbance began to consolidate.[177] Due to the system's imminent threat to land, it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine at 15:00 UTC on September 23.[178] The system would acquire tropical characteristics over the next twenty-four hours, and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Helene at 15:00 UTC on September 24. The system continued strengthening, and by the next day, NHC upgraded the system to a hurricane. On September 26, Helene made landfall just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River at peak intensity. [179] Helene quickly weakened as it moved quickly inland before degenerating into a post-tropical cyclone over Tennessee on September 27. The system then stalled over the state before dissipating on September 29.
In advance of Helene's expected landfall, the governors of Florida and Georgia declared states of emergency due to the significant impacts expected, including very high storm surge along the coast and hurricane-force gusts as far inland as Atlanta. Hurricane warnings also extended further inland due to Helene's fast motion. The storm also caused catastrophic rainfall-triggered flooding, particularly in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and spawned numerous tornadoes. As of October 1, a total of 167 deaths have been attributed to Helene, making it the second-deadliest hurricane to strike the continental United States in fifty years, after Katrina in 2005.[180]
On September 25, the NHC noted that a non-tropical low over the open Atlantic could transition into a tropical cyclone.[181] As showers and thunderstorms associated with the low consolidated,[182] the low detached from a frontal boundary a few hours later.[183] As a result, it soon transitioned into Tropical Storm Isaac early on September 26.[55] Isaac organized further and became a hurricane on September 27.[184] It later underwent an eyewall replacement cycle and intensified to a Category 2 hurricane around September 28.[185] Isaac's intensification then halted,[186] before steadily weakening back to a tropical storm late on September 29 under the influence of increasingly unfavorable sea surface temperatures, wind shear, and dry air.[187] Isaac transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone on the morning of September 30.
In preparations for Isaac, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) put the Azores under a yellow warning.[188]
On September 22, a tropical wave moved off the coast of West Africa.[189] Initially producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, the wave tracked through a generally favorable environment for development.[190] A broad low-pressure area formed along the wave,[191] producing increasingly convective activity.[192] On September 27, midway between the Leeward Islands and Cabo Verde, the disturbance acquired gale-force winds,[193] and developed into Tropical Storm Joyce that same day.[194] Joyce continued to organize, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) later that day.[195] By September 28, Joyce began to weaken as southerly wind shear displaced convection away from its center,[196] weakening to a tropical depression the next day.[197] Joyce degenerated into a remnant low by October 1.[198]
On September 27, the NHC noted that an area of low pressure could form over the eastern tropical Atlantic the next week.[199] Early the next day, they began monitoring a broad area of low pressure producing limited shower activity west of Cabo Verde.[200] As showers and thunderstorms associated with the disturbance became better organized,[201] satellite imagery on September 29 revealed that the disturbance's circulation was becoming better defined.[202] As a result, later that day, it developed into Tropical Depression Twelve.[203] The next day it developed into Tropical Storm Kirk.[204] Amidst "quite conducive" environmental conditions, Kirk strengthened at a quick pace, with the National Hurricane Center noting a partial eyewall by early on September 30. Around the afternoon of October 1, the NHC reported that Kirk became a hurricane.[205]
On September 11, the NHC noted an area with the potential of tropical cyclone development off the U.S. East Coast.[206] A non-tropical area of low pressure formed on September 14.[207] The following day, an Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that the system possessed a broad low-level circulation center, and was generating deep convection over and around the center. It also found that the system was in the process of separating from its frontal characteristics. Due to the increasing likelihood of the system gaining tropical characteristics, and its proximity to coastal South Carolina, the NHC designated the system Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight at 21:00 UTC on September 15.[208] A Tropical Storm Warning was issued at that time extending from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.[209] Schools were closed were closed in preparation for the storm.[210] The system did not attain tropical characteristics as it approached northeastern South Carolina the following afternoon, and its sustained winds fell below tropical storm force. Consequently, the Tropical Storm Warnings for the Carolinas were discontinued with the final NHC advisory at 21:00 UTC on September 16.[211] The storm caused significant flooding in Brunswick County, North Carolina.[212][213] The storm brought heavy rain to the Carolinas, especially at Carolina Beach, North Carolina, where rainfall totals reached 20.81 in (529 mm). The storm also resulted in a brief curfew in Brunswick County.[214] In Sunny Point, North Carolina, winds gusted to 77 mph (124 km/h).[215] Several coastal roads, such as NC 12, were flooded with high tide.[216] One person died after attempting to drive through floodwaters.[217]
The following list of names is being used for named storms that form in the North Atlantic in 2024.[218] This is the same list used in the 2018 season, with the exceptions of Francine and Milton, which replaced Florence and Michael, respectively.[219] The name Francine was used for the first time this season. Names retired, if any, will be announced by the World Meteorological Organization in spring 2025.
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This is a table of all of the storms that have formed in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2024 USD.
| Saffir–Simpson scale | ||||||
| TD | TS | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 |
| Storm name |
Dates active | Storm category at peak intensity |
Max 1-min wind mph (km/h) |
Min. press. (mbar) |
Areas affected | Damage (USD) |
Deaths | Ref(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberto | June 19–20 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 992 | Yucatán Peninsula, Northeastern Mexico, Southwestern United States | $179 million | 2 (3) | [59][61] | ||
| Beryl | June 28 – July 9 | Category 5 hurricane | 165 (270) | 934 | Lesser Antilles, Windward Islands, Venezuela, Greater Antilles, Yucatán Peninsula, Central and Northeastern United States, Eastern Canada | >$6.86 billion | 63 (7) | [220][221][222] | ||
| Chris | June 30 – July 1 | Tropical storm | 45 (75) | 1005 | Yucatán Peninsula, Eastern Mexico | >$1 million | 5 (1) | [223] | ||
| Debby | August 3–9 | Category 1 hurricane | 80 (130) | 979 | Lucayan Archipelago, Greater Antilles, Eastern Gulf Coast, Eastern United States, Eastern Canada, United Kingdom, Faroe Islands | >$2.8 billion | 6 (4) | [123] | ||
| Ernesto | August 12–20 | Category 2 hurricane | 100 (155) | 968 | Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Atlantic Canada, British Isles | $24.3 million | 3 | |||
| Francine | September 9–12 | Category 2 hurricane | 100 (155) | 972 | Eastern Mexico, Gulf Coast of the United States | $1.5 billion | None | |||
| Gordon | September 11–17 | Tropical storm | 45 (75) | 1004 | None | None | None | |||
| Helene | September 24–27 | Category 4 hurricane | 140 (220) | 938 | Cayman Islands, Nicaragua, Honduras, Yucatan Peninsula, Cuba, Southeastern United States | >$27 billion | 167 | [224] | ||
| Isaac | September 26–30 | Category 2 hurricane | 105 (165) | 968 | None | None | None | |||
| Joyce | September 27–30 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1001 | None | None | None | |||
| Kirk | September 29–present | Category 1 hurricane | 85 (140) | 980 | None | None | None | |||
| Season aggregates | ||||||||||
| 11 systems | June 19 – Season ongoing | 165 (270) | 934 | >$38.36 billion | 246 (15) | |||||
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