During 2017 there have been several hurricanes that have caused significant damage, not only material but also human loss. Just Irma, Category 5, which lasted from August 30 to September 15, left $118 in losses and 127 deaths. It was the most expensive since Katrina in 2003. But we're not just going to remember Irma: there are other names that won't be easy to forget either, such as Harvey o María.
Last weekend we had Nate, which went from being a tropical storm that devastated Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras to a Category 1 hurricane that threatened Mexico and part of the United States coast. With this phenomenon, at the moment there are 9 active hurricanes of the season, the most active in over a century. This cyclone activity can be compared to that of other seasons, as mentioned in the 2017 hurricane season.
Although observations were once made from land or from boats, which makes it very difficult to know if ten hurricanes formed some year, the reality is that the 2017 season is being especially active in the Atlantic, since at least 1893. But why?
The average temperature of the Atlantic Ocean surface, combined with a weak El Niño phenomenon, have allowed several hurricanes to form and some of them very intense.
Hurricanes feed on the heat of the oceans. The higher the ocean temperature, the more cyclones are expected to form. But, in addition, if we continue to use the seas as a landfill, we will not only be endangering the life of marine fauna, but also our own survival. Plastic is a material that accumulates heat and can increase the temperature of the water. The recent find of a new island of plastic garbage in the Pacific, which is the size of Mexico and is larger than Spain, should help us to put measures that serve to begin to respect the planet on which we live.
If we don't, we'll have to get used to increasingly destructive weather events. It's also important to understand the most destructive hurricanes of recent years.
A look at the 2017 hurricane season
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was notable for the formation of 17 tropical systems, of which 10 became hurricanes y 6 reached major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). This year will be remembered not only for the number of storms, but also for the intensity of some of them. In this context, it is important to understand How hurricanes relate to phenomena such as space hurricanes.
For the first time in more than a decade, three Category 4 hurricanes formed in the continental United States during the same season: Harvey, Irma and Maria. These hurricanes not only reached dangerous categories, but also caused significant economic damage and loss of life. The intensity of these storms is a hot topic, which can be explored further in Climate change and its effect on hurricanes.
In addition, cyclonic activity can be analyzed in detail in a video about the 2017 hurricane season, which is worrying for the future.
Harvey
Hurricane Harvey formed in August and rapidly intensified before making landfall in Texas. Record-breaking rainfall was recorded, with some areas receiving more than 60 inches of rainThis phenomenon caused devastating flooding in Houston and its surrounding areas, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in American history, with estimated losses of more than $125 billion. For more information on hurricanes in the ocean, you can consult Category 4 hurricanes.
Harvey's distinctive features include:
- Duration: Harvey spent an exceptionally long time as a tropical cyclone over land, which contributed to massive flooding.
- Winds: Harvey reached winds of up to 130 mph, which classified it as a Category 4 hurricane.
- Impact: More than 100 dead are attributed to this hurricane, and thousands of people were evacuated from their homes.
Irma
Hurricane Irma quickly became one of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. It reached Category 5 status and remained there for an exceptionally long time. Irma made landfall on several Caribbean islands and eventually on the coast of Florida. Furthermore, this hurricane is related to significant changes in the ecosystems of the Virgin Islands.
Below are some of Irma's devastating effects:
- Destruction in the Caribbean: The Virgin Islands and Barbuda suffered catastrophic damage, where up to 95% of structures in Barbuda were damaged or destroyed.
- Economic losses: Damage caused by Irma is estimated to exceed $50 billion. only in the United States.
- Human impact: Irma caused at least 44 deaths in the Caribbean and 7 in the United States, in addition to many more injuries and evacuations.
María
Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica and then made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing unimaginable damage. With maximum winds of 155 mph and a pressure of 908 hPa, Maria became one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history, which also underscores the importance of know the characteristics of hurricanes like Maria.
The details about Maria are alarming:
- Devastation in Puerto Rico: More than 90% of the island was left without electricity and many residents were evacuated due to severe flooding.
- Humanitarian impact: At least 65 deaths were reported in Puerto Rico due to this hurricane, although it is believed that the real figure could be much higher.
- Economic losses: Damage to infrastructure and property in Puerto Rico amounted to approximately $90 billion.
The Role of El Niño and its Effect on Hurricane Season
Ocean temperature and El Niño activity have been observed to play a crucial role in hurricane formation. In the 2017 season, a weak El Niño created an environment conducive to hurricane formation, unlike in previous years when strong El Niño events tend to reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic. This phenomenon can be reviewed further in the La Niña phenomenon and its impact.
The El Niño phenomenon alters wind currents in the atmosphere, which can increase or decrease the likelihood of hurricane formation. In general, when El Niño is active, wind shear increases, making it difficult for storms to organize. This is important for better understanding the phenomenon.
The relationship between ocean temperature, atmospheric conditions, and hurricane activity is complex and affects each season differently. However, in 2017, conditions were ideal for the development of intense hurricanes.
2017 Hurricane Activity in Numbers
The 2017 hurricane season was characterized by extremely high cyclone activity. Here are some numerical data:
- 17 tropical systems.
- 10 hurricanes, 6 of which were Category 3 or higher.
- More than $300 billion in total damages.
- More than 300 deaths attributed to hurricanes.
The Future of Hurricane Seasons
Scientists warn that as climate change continues, The intensity and frequency of hurricanes may also increase in the futureWith global warming, ocean temperatures are expected to continue to rise, which could lead to the formation of more severe hurricanes. Coastal communities must prepare for a future where hurricane activity will be more intense and destructive. It is critical to understand Why there are no hurricanes in Spain.
As we move on from 2017, the lessons learned from this season remain relevant and necessary. Investments in infrastructure, early warning systems, and evacuation plans are crucial to mitigating the impact of future hurricanes. This importance is highlighted by the NASA hurricane research.
