The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been severe on the East Coast of the United States. As of October 11th, the World Meteorological Organization has designated 13 storms, including four major hurricanes. Most recently, Hurricane Rafael was reported in the Caribbean Sea. The intense Category 3 hurricane ripped across Cuba on November 6th before slowing to a Category 2 as it moved into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The devastating effects of Hurricane Milton in Florida prompted me to question the origins and nature of powerful hurricanes.
Hurricanes, or tropical cyclones, form in the Caribbean Sea when a large storm with powerful winds develops. They require at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit ocean temperatures for the initial 50 meters of their formation. Warm tropical ocean surface waters are the catalyst for these catastrophic storms. Hurricanes undergo four distinct stages before reaching their full potential: Tropical Disturbance, Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, and Tropical Cyclone.
Tropical Disturbance, the initial phase of a Tropical Cyclone, is characterized by simultaneous evaporation and condensation at the ocean’s surface, generating warm air clouds that persist until a circulating wind system forms around the “eye” of the storm. As it traverses the tropical atmosphere, it transforms into a Tropical Disturbance or a cluster of thunderstorm clouds.
As it grows, the air at the top of the cluster cools, releasing heat energy into the clouds, which warm and increase air pressure, pushing winds away from the eye and decreasing surface air pressure. This pulls air towards low-pressure areas, creating more thunderstorms and increasing wind speeds. Once winds reach 25 miles per hour, it’s upgraded to a Tropical Depression.
If it intensifies further, reaching 39 miles per hour, it’s upgraded to a Tropical Storm. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) assigns a name to the storm from six alphabetical lists, rotated every six years. As it strengthens, the prevailing winds accelerate and circulate around the eye.
Once wind speeds reach 74 mph, a tropical storm becomes a Category 1 Hurricane with 74-95 mph winds. Category 2 Hurricanes have 96-110 mph winds, Category 3 Hurricanes have 111-129 mph winds, Category 4 Hurricanes have 130-156 mph winds and Category 5 Hurricanes exceed 157 mph. Hurricanes reach 50,000 feet in height and span at least 125 miles. The storm’s eye is 5-30 miles wide, where storm surges are most intense. Once on land, Hurricanes lose their energy and weaken.
Atlantic Ocean Hurricanes primarily impact North America and the Caribbean due to trade winds from Africa. While it’s possible for hurricanes to weaken after landfall, nature is unpredictable. Hurricane relief efforts from Milton and Helene continue, and another major hurricane in Florida this season could hinder recovery.
To help with Hurricane Relief efforts from Hurricanes Milton, Helene, visit the American Red Cross website.
