Hurricanes Could Hit the U.S. East Coast Harder This Year

Last updated: April 16, 2024 8:36 pm

3 Min Read

🇪🇸 Leer la noticia original en español · Translated with AI from our original reporting in Spanish.

2024 hurricane season expected to be extremely active, according to Colorado State University (CSU) forecast.

Forecast details include:

Named storms: 23 named storms are expected, exceeding the annual average of 14.4.
Hurricanes: 11 hurricanes are forecast, including 5 major hurricanes of category 3 to 5.
Likelihood of landfall: There is a 62% chance that at least one hurricane will make landfall in the United States, and a 66% chance in the Caribbean.
Highest-risk areas: The U.S. East Coast has a 34% chance of being affected by hurricanes, while the Gulf Coast has a 42% chance.

Factors contributing to the predicted active season include:

Warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures: Sea surface temperatures are higher than normal, providing the fuel needed for hurricane formation.
La Niña: This climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean can influence winds in the Atlantic, making them more favorable for hurricane formation.

Compared to previous years:

The 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the most active in recent decades, comparable to 2020, when Greek letters were used to name hurricanes after the alphabet was exhausted.
In 2023, there were 20 named storms, and one of them, “Idalia,” made landfall in Florida as a category 3 hurricane, causing 8 deaths and $3.6 billion in damages.

It is important to remember that this is only a forecast, and the actual hurricane season could differ.

However, it is crucial for people living in coastal areas to prepare for the possibility of above-average hurricane activity.

Here are some tips to prepare for hurricane season:

Develop a plan: Have a plan for your family in case of a hurricane. This includes knowing where to go if evacuation is necessary, how to communicate with each other, and how to obtain essential supplies.
Gather supplies: Put together an emergency kit that includes food, water, medications, and other essential items.
Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings from local authorities.
Protect your home: Take steps to secure your home against hurricane damage, such as trimming trees and securing loose outdoor objects.

For more information about the 2024 hurricane season, visit: