During 2017, several hurricanes caused significant damage, not only material losses but also loss of life. Hurricane Irma alone , a Category 5 storm that lasted from August 30 to September 15, left $118 in damages and 127 deaths . It was the costliest hurricane since Katrina in 2003. But we won't only remember Irma: there are other names that won't be easily forgotten either, such as Harvey and Maria.
Last weekend, we had Nate , which intensified from a tropical storm that ravaged Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras to a Category 1 hurricane that threatened Mexico and parts of the U.S. coast. With this storm, there are currently nine active hurricanes this season , the most active in over a century. This level of cyclonic activity is comparable to that of other seasons, such as the 2017 hurricane season.
While observations were once made from land or ships, which makes it very difficult to know if ten hurricanes formed in any given year, the reality is that the 2017 season is proving to be especially active in the Atlantic , a trend not seen since at least 1893. But why?
The average surface temperature of the Atlantic Ocean, combined with a weak El Niño phenomenon , has allowed several hurricanes to form, some of them very intense.
Hurricanes feed on ocean heat. The higher the ocean temperature, the more cyclones are likely to form . But if we continue to use the seas as a dumping ground, we will not only be endangering marine life but also our own survival. Plastic is a material that traps heat and can raise water temperatures . The recent discovery of a new island of plastic waste in the Pacific, the size of Mexico and larger than Spain, should prompt us to implement measures to begin respecting the planet we live on.
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 , 10 of which became hurricanes and 6 of which 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 over 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 further explored in relation to climate change and its effect on hurricanes.
Furthermore, 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. Unprecedented rainfall was recorded, with some areas receiving over 60 inches of rain . This storm caused devastating flooding in and around Houston, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, with estimated losses exceeding $125 billion. For more information on hurricanes in the ocean, you can refer to 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 and remained at that level for an exceptionally long time. Irma made landfall on several Caribbean islands and eventually on the Florida coast. Furthermore, this hurricane is associated with 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 sustained winds of 155 mph and a pressure of 908 hPa , Maria became one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history, further underscoring the importance of understanding 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 previous years with strong El Niño events that tend to decrease cyclonic activity in the Atlantic. This phenomenon is discussed further in the section on La Niña 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 future . With global warming, ocean temperatures are expected to continue rising, which could lead to the formation of more severe hurricanes. Coastal communities must prepare for a future with more intense and destructive hurricane activity. Understanding why hurricanes are rare in Spain is crucial.
As we move further away 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 underscored by NASA's hurricane research.
