‘If you can get out, get out.’

Rising Storms, Rising Temperatures: How Climate Change Fuels Destruction

The map show sea surface temperatures on October 6, using data from the Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) project based at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Surface waters above 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius)—the temperature generally required to sustain and intensify hurricanes—are dark red. Source: NASA

On 26-27 September 2024, Hurricane Helene swept across the southeastern U.S., leaving behind a trail of destruction in both coastal and inland regions. With winds up to 220 km/h and rainfall exceeding 750 mm in some regions, the storm caused extensive flooding, especially in southeastern states. Human-induced climate change largely fuelled the storm's unprecedented power.

Warmer sea temperatures intensified the hurricane, increasing rainfall by up to 20% and wind speeds by 11%. As Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend, it unleashed winds over 220 km/h and nine-foot storm surges, while inland areas endured severe flooding. Despite warnings, inland regions suffered substantial damage and tragically, over 227 people lost their lives.

Today Florida is bracing for Hurricane Milton, which has strengthened to 155 mph—just shy of Category 5—and is projected to expand significantly before making landfall on Wednesday evening. The storm is expected to unleash high winds, tornadoes, and a storm surge reaching 12 feet, which, though slightly less than the anticipated 15 feet, would still surpass records set by Hurricane Helene.

Climate change drives record-high sea surface temperatures, and warmer ocean temperatures fuel more powerful and destructive storms. Climate change also elevates sea levels, making storm surges more dangerous while changing atmospheric patterns increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

In the meantime, in the political arena, amid the urgent preparations for Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to engage with Vice President Kamala Harris, dismissing her involvement as unnecessary. While he eventually spoke with President Biden about relief efforts, this event highlights how political agendas can overshadow the greater need for unity and cooperation, even in moments of crisis that should transcend politics

Sources:

1. ClimaMeter - 2024/09/26-27 Hurricane Helene

2. Climate change key driver of catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene that devastated both coastal and inland communities – World Weather Attribution

3. Hurricane Milton and Climate Shift Index: Ocean | October 7, 2024 (climatecentral.org)

4. Harris and DeSantis fight over hurricane relief calls - POLITICO

5. Live updates: Hurricane Milton’s storms arrive in Florida |