Hurricane season is a yearly phenomenon that usually occurs between July and November. During this time, tropical and subtropical storms develop around the North Atlantic Ocean. Although hurricanes are common on and around the East Coast during this time of year, the 2024 hurricane season has produced some of the most devastating and impactful hurricanes in the US and North Carolina’s history.
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene made landfall in the northern peninsula of Florida on September 26th, 2024 as a category 4 storm. With winds up to 140mph, the storm rapidly trekked its way north, plowing through the Appalachian region of the East Coast. Parts of Florida and Georgia were hit with heavy rain and heavy winds. These conditions caused damage to businesses and households, as with any hurricane. Further north, however, the Appalachian region was battered by devastating flash floods.
The Appalachian Mountain Range stretches from the north of Alabama and continues through the eastern half of North America towards Canada. The mountains and deep valleys are extremely prone to flooding. Heavy rainfall in the days prior caused excess water from Helene to fill valleys and rivers. Flash floods have caused people to lose their homes and businesses. The entire town of Chimney Rock was destroyed, while Ashville and Boone both experienced costly damage and loss of life.
Federal and local organizations have brought essential supplies to people affected by the storm and are still assisting in rescue efforts for unaccounted individuals. A large sense of community has developed from this storm, with private networks and citizens coming together to help others in need. Leesville also hosted a hurricane relief supply drive to assist people in need.
Misinformation and political tension have exploded since the storm has passed. Many individuals have expressed their anger with the federal government’s response to the storm. Fear of violence has been spread throughout impacted areas, one incident cited an individual threatening multiple FEMA employees. Another rumor spread hinting at a possible violent militia, although those threats were later subdued. Gov. Roy Cooper responded to these threats during a recent press conference. “Whatever your aim is, the people you are really hurting are those in western North Carolina who need help. The safety of our government and volunteer response workers, including FEMA, remains a top priority. I’ve directed the Department of Public Safety to coordinate law enforcement assistance for FEMA and other responders who need it to help ensure their safety and security, so people can keep getting the help that they desperately need” Said Gov. Roy Cooper in a recent interview.
As of October 17, 2024, FEMA reports that 252 individuals have lost their lives, and another 92 are still unaccounted for. Power outages are down from 1 million to 13,000, and road closures are down from 1200 to 580. Damage from both hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated to cost nearly 50 billion dollars according to CBS News.
Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton proved to be one of the most anticipated and bizarre hurricanes of our time. During the early hours of October 5th, 2024, Tropical Storm Milton developed into a category 1 hurricane. As the day went on, the storm underwent explosive intensification, exploding into a category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 180 miles per hour. By the end of the day, Hurricane Milton was the strongest hurricane to ever develop in the Gulf of Mexico.
The hurricane barrelled its way towards the west coast of Florida, with storm surge posing the biggest threat to the Tampa Bay area. Meteorologists then predicted the upcoming storm surge (a rapid flood of ocean water, like a tsunami) to reach up to 15ft tall. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida issued a state of emergency the days before the hurricane, calling for a mandatory evacuation of anyone in the immediate impact zone of the storm.
The initial fear and anticipation of Hurricane Milton is one of the most prominent aspects of this storm. If the hurricane struck Tampa as a category 5, the entire city would have gone underwater. The mayor of Tampa Bay said, “If you choose to stay in an evacuation area you are going to die.” At its peak intensity, the storm was pictured to be reaching the mathematical limits of what is possible. A viral video spread days before the impact, showing a meteorologist tearing up and picturing the damage that the storm could bring.
Hurricane Milton impacted the Florida coast south of Tampa Bay on October 9th late in the night. The storm had luckily reduced to a category 3, although still threatening impact zones with powerful winds of 140mph and deadly storm surge. The storm developed powerful tornadoes as it passed through Florida. As of October 18th, 2024, 28 people have lost their lives, and initial damage cost estimates are nearing a record-breaking 38 Billion USD.
Looking Ahead
There’s still more than a month left in the 2024 Hurricane season, and meteorologists are expressing their concerns about what the future could bring. Climate change is playing an extremely large role in the intensification of hurricanes, and these storms are only going to become more damaging as the planet warms.
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