This year’s hurricane season was marked by three Category 5 storms—some of the most potent hurricanes ever documented—yet there were no landfalls on U.S. soil, leading to an unusual lull during the typically active period. These elements contributed to what many are calling a “screwball” season.
Atmospheric scientist Phil Klotzbach made this observation.
“It’s been quite an unusual year,” noted Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University. “Characterizing this year’s patterns has been challenging.”
The official end of hurricane season is November 30th. Notably, the year 2025 aligns with anticipated increases in storm frequency as climate change progresses. Late-season hurricanes formed, some escalating rapidly and producing some of the most intense storms recorded.
In many respects, it was simply puzzling. Although fewer hurricanes developed than anticipated, nearly all that did reached major storm status. For the first time in a decade, the U.S. mainland avoided any landfalls, underscoring the unpredictable nature of hurricane seasons, despite improvements in forecast accuracy. This is particularly true in a warming climate.
Hurricanes will occur less frequently but with greater intensity.
In May, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters predicted a stronger-than-usual season, estimating six to ten hurricanes, including at least three major storms classified as Category 3 or higher, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.
Klotzbach independently confirmed this forecast, as did other hurricane monitoring organizations. We were on the same page.
Ultimately, while the number of hurricanes was lower than expected, four out of the five that formed (Erin, Gabriel, Humberto, Imelda, and Melissa) were classified as major.
Hurricane Imelda impacted Bermuda on October 1st.NOAA
“This marks the highest rate seen in the past 50 years,” remarked Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Ocean, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.
Additionally, three of those storms reached the Category 5 level, the pinnacle of hurricane intensity.
Despite the limited number of storms, forecasters’ predictions of an above-average season held true, as measured by a metric called accumulated cyclone energy, which gauges the total intensity and duration of tropical cyclones throughout the season.
Klotzbach estimated the stored energy would be 125% of the 30-year average; the season concluded at 108%. This indicates that, given the fewer storms, each one was particularly powerful.
“It wasn’t about quantity this season; rather, it was about intensity,” he commented.
Klotzbach noted that nine of the last ten Atlantic hurricane seasons have been warmer than average, attributing this trend to rising ocean temperatures and the La Niña cycle, which generally weakens upper-level winds that inhibit hurricane formation.
McNoldy, who meticulously tracks Atlantic Ocean temperatures, stated that 2025 is expected to be “unusually warm.”
“Regardless of the storms we experienced, there was undoubtedly a significant amount of fuel available,” McNoldy said. Heat from the ocean promotes evaporation, driving warm, moist air upward and leading to convection. For hurricanes to develop, ocean temperatures must be at least 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
As Tropical Storm Melissa wreaked havoc south of Haiti, meteorologist Philippe Papin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) firmly believed it was on the verge of evolving into a formidable hurricane.
In his capacity as the lead forecaster, he forecasted that within a mere 24 hours, the storm would escalate to a Category 4 hurricane and shift its course toward Jamaica’s coastline. Up to that point, no NHC forecaster had made such an announcement. What a daring prediction for quick validation.
However, Mr. Papin had an ace up his sleeve: artificial intelligence, specifically Google’s newly released DeepMind hurricane model from June. As expected, Melissa transformed into an unbelievably strong storm that devastated Jamaica.
NHC forecasters are increasingly depending on Google DeepMind. On the morning of October 25th, Mr. Papin elaborated on this in a public forum. He also shared on social media that Google’s model was central to his confidence: “Approximately 40 out of 50 members of the Google DeepMind ensemble predict Melissa will reach Category 5. While we are cautious about predicting its intensity due to track uncertainty, it remains a strong possibility.”
“Rapid intensification is likely as the storm traverses very warm ocean waters, characterized by the highest ocean heat content in the entire Atlantic Basin.”
Ultimately, Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, marking one of the most powerful landfalls recorded in nearly two centuries across the Atlantic. Mr. Papin’s audacious forecasts could provide Jamaicans with critical time to brace for disasters, potentially safeguarding lives and property.
Google DeepMind is revolutionizing weather forecasts in recent years, and the parent forecasting system that the new hurricane model is based on has also excelled in identifying last year’s large-scale weather patterns.
Google’s models function by discovering patterns that traditional, slower, physics-based weather models may overlook.
“They operate much faster than their physics-based counterparts, with increased computational efficiency that saves both time and resources,” remarked former NHC forecaster Michael Rowley.
“This hurricane season has demonstrated that emerging AI weather models can be competitive, and in some instances, more accurate than the slower, traditional physics-based models that have long been our standard,” Rowley noted.
It’s important to note that Google DeepMind exemplifies machine learning—not generative AI like ChatGPT. Machine learning processes large data sets to identify patterns, allowing models to generate answers in minutes using standard computing resources. This stands in stark contrast to the flagship models employed by governments for decades, which take hours to compute using some of the world’s largest supercomputers.
Nevertheless, the fact that Google’s model has quickly surpassed traditional models is nothing short of remarkable for a meteorologist devoted to forecasting the planet’s most powerful storms.
Former NHC forecaster James Franklin expressed his admiration: “The sample size is now significant enough to conclude this isn’t merely beginner’s luck.”
Looking ahead, Franklin mentioned his intention to engage with Google during the upcoming offseason to enhance DeepMind’s output by providing additional internal data for better assessment of its predictions.
“What concerns me is that while these predictions appear very accurate, the model’s output operates like a black box,” Franklin remarked.
No private or commercial entity has ever developed a leading weather model that allows researchers to scrutinize its methods. Unlike the majority of models built and maintained by the government, which are available to the public at no cost, Google has established high-level resources for DeepMind; published in real-time on a dedicated website, though its methodologies largely remain concealed.
Google is not alone in harnessing AI for challenging weather forecasting issues. Governments in the US and Europe are also working on their own AI weather models, demonstrating enhanced capabilities compared to previous non-AI versions.
The next frontier in AI weather forecasting seems to be for startups to address sub-seasonal forecasts and challenges that have so far proven difficult. To enhance advance warning of tornado outbreaks and flash floods—a goal supported by US government funding. Additionally, a company named WindBorne Systems is launching weather balloons to bridge gaps in the U.S. weather observation network, recently diminished by the Trump administration.
Hurricane Melissa, which has recently impacted both Jamaica and Cuba, has become emblematic of the increasing frequency and intensity of major storms in a warming world.
Historically rare devastating storms characterized by extreme winds and heavy rainfall are now becoming more frequent, a trend accelerated by climate change. This shift is revealing intriguing patterns in the behavior and timing of these formidable hurricanes.
Before making landfall in Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm, Melissa, similar to other hurricanes over the past decade, exhibited exceptional strength in warmer waters. This rapid intensification has marked it as a major force of the current Atlantic season, tying it for the most formidable landfall recorded in Atlantic history.
After impacting Jamaica, the storm weakened and delayed rainfall—another indication of how climate change influences hurricane behavior. Notably, Melissa’s occurrence came later in the season, demonstrating a shift as hurricane activity typically peaks in early September, but this year persisted into the fall when ocean temperatures remain elevated.
Experts suggest that these patterns signify a new normal for hurricanes with Melissa representing this change.
“This storm differs significantly from those observed in previous decades,” stated Shel Winkley, a meteorologist affiliated with the Climate Central research group.
This is a critical change that meteorologists and officials in hurricane-prone areas are vigilantly observing.
intensified all at once
One of the most striking features of Melissa is its extraordinary rate of intensification. In a mere 18 hours, it escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 4 on Sunday, achieving Category 5 status early Monday morning.
Climate change is heightening the likelihood of such “rapid intensification,” defined by the National Hurricane Center as an increase in wind speeds of 35 miles per hour or more within a 24-hour timeframe.
In Melissa’s case, Winkley noted that notably warm sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean, coupled with elevated atmospheric moisture, triggered “extremely rapid intensification.”
“We’ve become adept at predicting significant increases in hurricane intensity, but Melissa surpassed even our most optimistic forecasts regarding wind speeds,” he explained.
Winkley added that the storm traversed Caribbean waters that were 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit above average, with climate change making its occurrence up to 700 times more likely.
“While 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit might seem minor, such small variations can noticeably impact storm behavior,” Winkley stated.
A number of recent hurricanes have exhibited rapid intensification. For instance, Hurricane Milton’s wind speeds surged by 90 miles per hour in roughly 25 hours, and Hurricane Ian in 2022 experienced rapid strengthening prior to making landfall in Florida. Similar patterns were observed in Hurricanes Idalia in 2023, Ida in 2021, and Harvey in 2017.
If there are fewer hurricanes, the impact will be greater.
Over the past 35 years, the annual incidence of hurricanes and tropical cyclones has decreased.
“Our research indicates that the number of hurricanes, including typhoons, around the globe has significantly dropped since 1990,” remarked Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University.
However, this overall decline is largely attributed to a reduction in Pacific cyclone activity, Klotzbach noted. In contrast, Atlantic hurricane activity has seen an increase primarily due to a long-term La Niña effect, which tends to weaken the upper-level winds that inhibit hurricane formation.
“If you enjoy hurricanes, La Niña is beneficial for the Atlantic,” Klotzbach said.
Hurricane Melissa on October 27, 2025.Noah / Shira
If a hurricane forms, it is increasingly likely to develop into a significant storm due to rising ocean temperatures.
“We’ve observed a rise in the frequency of hurricanes reaching categories 4 and 5,” Klotzbach noted.
Melissa was the third Category 5 hurricane to form this year, marking the first instance in two decades where two or more such hurricanes occurred in a single season.
Zachary Handros, an atmospheric scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, explained that warmer oceans will likely contribute to increased hurricane activity moving forward; however, atmospheric changes may alter upper-level winds, potentially hindering some storms. “It’s not a straightforward answer,” he added.
The ongoing evolution of these trends is a subject of active research and scientific inquiry.
Hurricane season gets longer
Experts concur that this season’s top hurricane struck just days before Halloween.
“At this point, we are quite late in the season, and typically things should be easing,” remarked Derrick Herndon, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin’s Tropical Cyclone Research Group.
While the Caribbean has always been known for powerful late-season hurricanes, Klotzbach indicated that the likelihood is increasing. He recently submitted a peer-reviewed study suggesting that hurricane seasons may commence earlier.
Workers, community members, and business owners clean up debris after Hurricane Helen on September 30, 2024, in Marshall, North Carolina.Javin Botsford/The Washington Post, with files from Getty Images
Klotzbach noted that the pattern of fall hurricanes is influenced by a long-term swing toward a La Niña pattern, likely a result of both climate change and natural variability.
La Niña diminishes upper-altitude winds while Caribbean waters remain warm, facilitating storm formation into late October and early November. “The odds are stacked for a powerful hurricane,” he said.
Hurricane Melissa further complicated matters with warmer-than-usual ocean waters off Jamaica’s southern coastline.
“If we anticipate a particularly strong Atlantic hurricane, it is likely to develop in this region,” Herndon stated.
In previous years, such storms would generally pull up cooler waters from the depths, thereby limiting their growth. However, with ocean heat surging both at the surface and at depths of 60 meters, Melissa has been able to tap into increased heat and energy, according to Andy Hazelton, a hurricane modeler and associate scientist at the University of Miami’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Cooperation Institute.
the storm is stagnant
Research indicates that hurricanes are more prone to stalling just before or after making landfall, resulting in significant rainfall. This conclusion has been supported by a study published last year. Other research suggests that the overall forward speed of storms has decreased, but this remains a topic of debate.
Residents of Guanimal, a coastal town in Cuba southwest of Havana, navigate flooded streets after Hurricane Helen in 2024.Yamil Raji/AFP from Getty Images File
Following this pattern, Hurricane Melissa gained strength before stalling offshore from Jamaica. On Tuesday morning, the day of its initial landfall, the storm was traveling at a mere 2 miles per hour. Forecasters anticipated up to 30 inches of rain in some areas of Jamaica, surpassing one-third of the yearly average.
The scientific community remains divided regarding why certain storms slow down, though some hypothesize that climate change may be weakening atmospheric circulation patterns.
Hurricane Harvey in 2017 vividly illustrated the consequences of such stalls, as the storm lingered over Houston, leading to rainfall of nearly 5 feet in some locations. This phenomenon is especially concerning as a warmer atmosphere can retain and release more moisture.
“For every degree Fahrenheit that the environment warms, the atmosphere can contain 4% additional moisture,” Winkley stated. “Rising ocean temperatures amplify not only the strength of hurricanes but also enable greater evaporation, resulting in more moisture available for these storms to absorb and then release.”
According to studies, the warm waters that fueled the storm’s rapid intensification are 500 to 700 times more likely to be influenced by climate change. This was highlighted by Daniel Guilford and his team at Climate Central, a non-profit based in the US.
“The figure of ‘500 to 700 times more likely’ is substantial,” Guilford noted. “This clearly indicates that the extreme temperatures witnessed around Melissa wouldn’t be possible without human-induced climate change.”
Tropical cyclones like Melissa derive their energy from warm ocean waters. When storms pass over warmer surfaces, more water vapor is generated. As this moist, warm air rises and cools, condensation occurs, releasing latent heat. This process generates energy that fuels tropical cyclones.
In the central Caribbean, where Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, sea surface temperatures were recorded at 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than typical for October. These elevated temperatures extend to significant depths, resulting in an abundance of thermal energy within the oceans.
As Melissa stirs the ocean, sea surface temperatures remain elevated, bringing deeper, warmer water to the surface. Conversely, if only a shallow warm layer exists, colder water rises, depleting the storm’s energy.
“Hurricane Melissa is shaping up to be a perfect storm. The warm ocean has been rapidly escalating in intensity recently, while its slow movement could lead to extensive rainfall as it makes landfall,” said Lianne Archer, a researcher at the University of Bristol in the UK. “These conditions are largely intensified by the additional heat present in the oceans and atmosphere driven by climate change.”
The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall poses a severe threat to Jamaica. Reports indicate that three individuals have already lost their lives as preparations continue for the storm, anticipated to make landfall around 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. local time.
“This presents one of the most alarming scenarios,” commented Hannah Cloke, a researcher from the University of Reading in the UK. “The nation will bear deep and lasting scars from this storm, making recovery a challenging endeavor for impacted regions.”
Historical studies of past disasters indicate that such events can stifle economic growth for years. Though some economists speculate a quick recovery could spur growth, this notion has often proven to be unfounded.
Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa captured on October 28
Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo
Jamaica is facing severe impacts from what is possibly the strongest hurricane to hit the Atlantic Ocean. Current forecasts predict up to 1 meter (40 inches) of rainfall. There’s little doubt that global warming has intensified Hurricane Melissa.
“‘500 to 700 times more likely’ is an astonishing figure,” Guilford stated. “This clearly indicates that the extreme temperatures observed around Melissa would not be feasible without human-induced climate change.”
Tropical storms like Melissa draw their energy from warm ocean waters. The hotter the sea surface, the more water vapor is generated when a storm passes above it. As the warm, moist air rises, the vapor condenses and releases latent heat, warming the air and encouraging further condensation. This process fuels tropical cyclones.
In the central Caribbean, where Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, sea surface temperatures were 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) above the October average. Since these extreme temperatures penetrate to significant depths, there is abundant excess thermal energy available in the ocean.
This indicates that sea surface temperatures remain elevated as Melissa churns the ocean and draws up cooler, deeper water. Conversely, if only a thin layer of warm water exists, the storm brings up cold water, cutting off its energy supply.
“A perfect storm continues to build for Hurricane Melissa. The warm ocean has been rapidly strengthening over recent days, and its slow movement may bring additional rainfall as it makes landfall,” stated Lian Archer, a researcher at the University of Bristol in the UK. “Many of these conditions are being exacerbated by heightened heat in the oceans and atmosphere attributable to climate change.”
The combination of powerful winds and extreme rainfall poses a significant risk of severe damage to Jamaica. So far, three lives have been lost as preparations for the storm continue, which is expected to make landfall around 11 a.m. or noon local time.
“This is one of the most troubling scenarios,” remarked Hannah Cloke, a researcher at the University of Reading in the UK. “The entire nation will suffer long-term and potentially permanent damage from this storm, and recovery will require significant effort for those affected.”
Research into past disasters suggests that such events can depress economic growth for decades. While economists propose that quicker recovery or even growth driven by recovery efforts is possible, these notions have generally proven to be overly optimistic.
Hurricane Erin has regained strength, returning to a Category 4 storm over the weekend.
The recent hurricane activity has led to the formation of one of the most rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes on record, suggesting that climate change is elevating the threat of quickly strengthening storms.
Erin was the first hurricane of this Atlantic season, rapidly escalating from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in just over 24 hours. Even after fluctuations in intensity, Erin’s transformation back to a Category 4 storm is among the five fastest transitions from Category 1 to Category 5.
The hurricane is anticipated to grow stronger on Monday as it moves east of the Bahamas. For more information, refer to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory. Heavy rainfall is expected in Hispaniola on Monday, as well as in parts of the Turks and Caicos, and the southeastern and central Bahamas until Tuesday.
However, experts are focusing closely on the phenomenon of the storm’s “rapid strengthening.”
The National Hurricane Center defines rapid strengthening as an increase in sustained wind speed of at least 35 mph within 24 hours.
In Erin’s case, its maximum sustained wind speed surged by approximately 75 mph over a 24-hour period from Friday morning to Saturday.
Climate change is heightening the risk of rapidly intensifying storms, primarily due to elevated sea surface temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere.
As Erin approaches the Bahamas on Monday, it is expected to further intensify in the warm waters that are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A warmer atmosphere caused by global warming is capable of holding more moisture, allowing the storm to gain strength and enhance rainfall.
Research published in 2023 in the Journal Scientific Reports indicates that the likelihood of rapid intensification for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic has increased by about 29% from 2001 to 2020 compared to the 1971 to 1990 period.
Rapid intensification has been well-documented in recent years, with Hurricane Dorian reaching peak winds of 150 mph to 185 mph in just nine hours in 2019. Additionally, Hurricane Ian experienced rapid strengthening before making landfall in Florida in 2022.
Last year, Hurricane Milton’s sustained wind speed astonishingly rose by 90 mph over approximately 25 hours. Other notable instances of rapid strengthening include Hurricanes Harvey (2017), Laura (2020), Ida (2021), and Ian (2023).
Despite these observations, predicting rapid intensification remains a challenge. Scientists understand that warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, and favorable atmospheric conditions play crucial roles, but further research is essential to comprehend the specific mechanics at play in individual storms.
In the coming days, the National Hurricane Center indicated that Erin will track between Bermuda and the US East Coast.
While the storms are not forecasted to make direct landfall, they can still generate dangerous surf, strong currents, and other hazardous conditions affecting the Bahamas, Bermuda, the US East Coast, and Canada’s Atlantic region.
The threat of hurricanes in Florida is increasing, driven by anthropogenic climate change that warms our atmosphere and elevates sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Warmer conditions retain moisture, enhance hurricane intensity, and create more powerful storms, making Florida more susceptible to storm-related damage. During Hurricane Helen, extreme rainfall surged by 10%, with some regions in Florida receiving up to 26.95 inches of rainfall.
Jeremy Porter, a climate risk expert at the First Street Foundation, points out that soaring insurance costs reflect the significant effects of climate change in West Florida, where areas like Fort Myers Beach are grappling with recurring losses and expensive recovery efforts.
“In recent decades, we’ve been catching up with the reality of climate risks that weren’t adequately reflected in risk modeling. Now, as we reassess, premium costs are rising rapidly, impacting people’s household budgets,” Porter noted.
Due to a scarcity of home insurance options, residents are increasingly opting for coverage through Citizens Insurance Property Corp., a state-supported non-profit insurer in Florida.
Porter anticipates that by 2055, home insurance premiums in the Tampa Metro region could soar by 213% because of hurricane risks. Climate-related threats are similarly disrupting insurance markets in other states; for instance, Sacramento, California, may see a 137% rise due to heightened wildfire risks.
Porter also mentioned that declining home prices in Florida could influence insurance costs and accessibility. If property values fall below a certain threshold, insurers exposed to hurricane risks may view this as a warning sign, leading to increased scrutiny and potential hikes in premiums during the underwriting process.
Zillow data indicates that the value of homes in Fort Myers Beach has decreased by approximately $200,000 from pre-pandemic levels, with around 86% of last year’s sales reflecting this price drop.
Before Hurricane Ian, the average home value on Sanibel Island, a favored destination in Lee County, stood at nearly $1.3 million. Today, it has plummeted to $868,000, with 93% of homes having sold at reduced prices.
Joan Krempner, a part-time resident of Fort Myers Beach since 2016, stated that selling her home is not financially feasible after substantial rebuilding costs following Hurricane Ian. With few alternatives but to remain in Fort Myers Beach, Krempner expresses concern about the long-term implications of climate change on the community’s future.
“We must face that this is a long-term issue. The critical question is whether people want to keep investing in Fort Myers Beach,” Krempner remarked. “If there hasn’t been a hurricane in 30 years, the risk seems worthwhile for living in paradise. But if three major hurricanes strike within 18 months, doubt creeps in.”
Jacki Liszak, president and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, asserts that Fort Myers Beach remains an attractive place to live and visit, highlighting community efforts toward resilient architecture and the construction of homes above flood levels.
“Homes must be built strong and elevated,” Liszak emphasized. “This is beneficial. People are already here, and they’ll continue to come. They cherish this lifestyle—it’s truly a beautiful part of the world.”
Forecasters are about to lose a vital source of satellite data just months ahead of the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, as the Department of Defense prepares to shut down a more critical data stream than cybersecurity issues.
The data is generated by microwave sensors on three aging polar orbit satellites that serve both military and civilian functions. These sensors are crucial for hurricane forecasting, as they can analyze cloud layers and the storm’s core, providing insights even at night without relying on visible light.
Experts are concerned that this loss of data will hinder forecasters during a period when the National Weather Service is deploying fewer weather balloons due to budget cuts and insufficient meteorological staff. The absence of this data affects meteorologists’ ability to assess storm threats effectively and prepare emergency managers accordingly. Microwave data offers some of the earliest signs that wind speeds are intensifying in storms.
“It’s a tool that enables deeper insight. Losing it will significantly impair hurricane forecasts. It can detect the formation of eye walls in tropical storms, indicating whether these storms are intensifying,” an expert commented.
Researchers suggest that as ocean temperatures rise due to human-induced climate change, rapid intensification in tropical storms may become more common.
The three satellites operate through a collaborative initiative involving the Defense Weather Satellite Program, NOAA, and the Department of Defense.
While hurricane experts expressed concern about the loss of this tool, NOAA’s communications director, Kim Doster, minimized the potential impact of the National Weather Service’s decision on hurricane forecasting.
In a message, Doster described the military’s microwave data as “one dataset in a robust suite of hurricane prediction and modeling tools” within the NWS.
According to Doster, these forecasting models integrate data from various satellites located around 22,300 miles away from Earth, providing a synchronized view that follows the planet’s rotation.
They also incorporate measurements from Hurricane Hunter planes, buoys, weather balloons, land radars, and additional polar orbit satellites, including NOAA’s joint polar satellite system.
A U.S. Space Force representative confirmed that the satellites and their equipment are operational, and data will continue to be sent directly to satellite readout terminals across the DOD. However, the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Weather and Oceanography Center has opted to cease public data processing and sharing, officials reported.
The visible and infrared images show Hurricane Eric, which has intensified since the June 18th Category 2 storm.CIMSS
The Navy did not respond promptly to requests for comments.
Earlier this week, a Navy division informed researchers that it would halt data processing and sharing by June 30. Some researchers received notifications from the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Weather and Oceanography Center regarding their reliance on outdated and insecure operating systems.
“We cannot upgrade our systems; it raises cybersecurity risks and jeopardizes our DOD network,” stated an email reviewed by NBC News.
This decision could lead to forecasters losing up to half of the available microwave data, according to McNoldy.
Additionally, this microwave data is crucial for snow and ice researchers tracking polar sea ice levels, which helps understand long-term climate patterns. Sea ice, formed from frozen seawater, expands in winter and melts in summer. Tracking sea ice is essential as it reflects sunlight back into space, cooling the planet. This metric is vital to monitor over time, especially since summer Arctic sea ice levels are showing declining trends due to global warming.
Walt Meier, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, mentioned that his program learned about the Navy’s decision earlier this week.
Meier noted the satellites and sensors have been operational for approximately 16 years. While researchers anticipated their eventual failure, they did not expect the military to abruptly discontinue data sharing with little notice.
Meier stated that the National Snow and Ice Data Center has depended on military satellites for sea ice coverage data since 1987 but will adapt by utilizing similar microwave data from Japanese satellites known as AMSR-2.
“Integrating that data into our system could take several weeks,” said Meier. “While it may not undermine the integrity of sea ice climate records, it will pose additional challenges.”
Polar orbit satellites, part of the Defense Weather Satellite Program, offer intermittent coverage of regions prone to hurricanes.
These satellites generally circle the Earth in a north-south path every 90 to 100 minutes at relatively low altitudes, according to Meier. The microwave sensors scan narrow bands of the Earth, estimated to be around 1,500 miles wide.
As the Earth rotates, these polar orbit satellites capture images that can help researchers analyze storm structure and potential strength when they are within range.
“Often, great passes provide extensive data beyond just the hurricane,” said McNoldy, who added that the loss will decrease the frequency of scans for areas covered by microwave scans and specific storms.
Hurricane modeler Andy Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami Ocean and Atmospheric Research Institute, mentioned that microwave data is still utilized in some hurricane models and by forecasters with access to real-time visualizations.
Hazelton highlighted that forecasters always look for visual cues from microwave data, which typically provides early indications of rapidly strengthening storms.
The National Hurricane Center defines rapid intensification as a 35 mph or greater increase in sustained winds in tropical storms within a 24-hour period. The loss of microwave data is particularly concerning as scientists have observed a rise in rapid intensification linked to climate change due to warmer seawater.
A 2023 scientific report indicated that tropical cyclones in the Atlantic have about a 29% higher likelihood of rapid intensification from 2001 to 2020 compared to the period from 1971 to 1990. For instance, Hurricane Milton was strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane just 36 hours after being classified as a tropical storm, with part of this intensification occurring overnight when other satellite equipment offered less information.
From the International Space Station, Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, was captured on October 8th in the Gulf of Mexico off the Yucatan Peninsula.NASA/Getty Images
This trend poses significant risks, particularly when storms like Hurricane Idria intensify just before approaching the coast.
“We’ve definitely observed numerous instances of rapid intensification right before landfall recently, something we cannot afford to overlook,” McNoldy remarked.
Brian Lamare, a dedicated forecaster at the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, noted that this data is crucial for predicting flood impacts when hurricanes make landfall.
“These scans are key for predicting the areas of heaviest rainfall and the rates of rainfall,” said Lamarre. “This data is vital for public safety.”
Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, peaking at the end of summer and early fall. NOAA forecasters anticipate a busier hurricane season in 2025, with expectations of 6-10 hurricanes.
Though it might not be as well-known as the Hubble Space Telescope or the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Landsat 7 has significantly enhanced our understanding of our planet. For over 25 years, it has been capturing the stunning landscapes of Earth from space, documenting remarkable details of the planet’s ever-changing environment.
Launched in 1999 with an expected mission duration of only five years, Landsat 7 has instead emerged as one of the longest-running Earth observation missions in history. While it doesn’t gaze into distant galaxies, its instruments are focused on the vibrant, living surfaces of Earth instead.
From an altitude of 700 km (about 435 miles), it has produced vital data for scientific research and conservation, showcasing stunning images of dynamic deserts, glaciers, forests, and coastlines.
“[Landsat 7 has] been essential in tracking environmental changes such as natural disasters, deforestation, and urban expansion,” said David Applegate, former director of the US Geological Survey.
“It documented significant events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the Australian wildfires from 2019 to 2020, and rapid urban growth across the globe.”
The Landsat 7’s primary sensor, the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), captured in the clean room at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Photo Credit: NASA/Raytheon
Landsat 7 is scheduled to retire this month after covering 6.1 billion km (3.8 billion miles) in space and capturing over 3 million images. A carefully planned shutdown will involve depleting its batteries, turning off the fuel line heater, and rendering the communications system silent permanently. For another 55 years, the satellite will drift silently above Earth before eventually re-entering the atmosphere and burning up.
As we bid farewell, we reflect on its lens and celebrate the beauty and complexity of our planet, revealing both the impacts of deforestation and the intricate patterns of continents.
Coral Reef Conservation
In the first year of the Landsat 7 mission, detailed images of coral reefs were gathered from around 900 locations worldwide. These vibrantly colored swirls depict atolls, enclosed coral reefs that typically surround a lagoon, often formed from eroded volcanic islands. Photo Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Science Visualization Studio
Guinea-Bissau, West Africa
Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, showcases intricate patterns evident in the shallow waters along its coast, where silt from the Geba and other rivers is carried away by the Atlantic Ocean. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Siberia, Dragon Lake
Dragon Lake, formed by the Bratsk Reservoir along the Angara River in southern Siberia, Russia, is shown here frozen in winter. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Lena Delta, Siberia
The Lena River, approximately 4,500 km long, is among the largest rivers globally. The Lena Delta Reserve is the most extensive protected wilderness area in Russia, serving as a sanctuary and breeding ground for many Siberian wildlife species. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
9/11, New York
This true-color image was captured on September 12, 2001, by the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensor on the Landsat 7 satellite shortly after the Twin Towers fell. Photo Credit: USGS/EROS
Comprehensive Continental Mosaic of Antarctica
A complete continental mosaic of Antarctica was constructed using images from Landsat 7. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Bolivian Deforestation
Once a vast expanse of lush vegetation, the Amazon rainforest is rapidly changing. This image demonstrates the significant deforestation occurring in Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Basin, where loggers have carved extensive paths while ranchers have cleared areas for grazing. The bright red areas indicate healthy vegetation. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Icefall, Lambert Glacier, Antarctica
Lambert Glacier, the largest glacier in the world, features an ice waterfall that nourishes the glacier from the expansive ice sheets covering the plateau. The ice flows slowly, resembling water, descending about 1,300 feet (400 meters) to the underlying glacier. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
On April 20, 2010, a catastrophic oil spill followed an explosion at an oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Efforts to contain the expanding oil slick began immediately. Landsat imagery provided by the US Geological Survey reveals the extent of the spill, with Landsat data being vital for monitoring its range and movement. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Westfjords, Iceland
The Westfjords are a series of peninsulas located in northwestern Iceland. Though they comprise less than one-eighth of the country’s land area, their rugged coastlines account for over half of Iceland’s total coastline. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
“Spilled Paint”: Iran’s Dasht-e Kavir
Resembling spilled paint, this image showcases a vibrant tapestry of landscapes in Iran’s largest desert, Dasht-e Kavir, or Great Salt Desert. It spans approximately 77,000 square kilometers (29,730 square miles) and consists of dry stream beds, desert plateaus, and salt marshes. Extreme temperatures and dramatic daily fluctuations, alongside severe storms, are characteristic of this harsh environment. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans
Following Hurricane Katrina, which led to severe flooding of up to 80% of New Orleans, Landsat 7 captured this image on September 15, 2005. Two and a half weeks post-hurricane, efforts were ongoing to siphon water back into Pontchartrain Lake, with pumps extracting approximately 380 cubic meters of water every second. Photo Credit: USGS/CEROS
Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Namib Naukluft National Park is an ecological reserve in the Namib Desert, where coastal winds give rise to the world’s tallest dunes, which can reach 980 feet (300 meters). Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cap, Iceland
This image features blue ice fingers breaking away from the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park, situated at the southern extremity of Europe’s largest ice cap. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Uppsala Glacier Retreat in Argentina
Landsat images captured in 1986, 2001, and 2014 illustrate the retreat of the Uppsala Glacier. Photo credit: NASA
The National Marine and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an active Atlantic hurricane season, expecting more storm activity than usual.
“We’re really monitoring a typical season,” stated Ken Graham, a meteorologist and director of the National Weather Service. “We’re expecting a range of storms with names, from 13 to 19.”
A storm receives its name when wind speeds reach 39 mph or more. The forecast indicates 6 to 10 storms may develop into hurricanes, with wind speeds exceeding 74 mph. NOAA also predicts the occurrence of major hurricanes in category 3 or higher.
While the forecast does not specify whether a hurricane will make landfall, where it will do so, or how many will impact the U.S. coast, it is crucial to prepare now, according to meteorologists.
“This is a good time to gather your supplies and prepare your kit,” Graham advised. “We need to be prepared; currently, there are no long lines for supplies, gas, plywood, or water.”
Graham noted that the above-average forecasts are influenced partly by warmer ocean temperatures, a trend linked to climate change.
“The warm ocean temperatures align with our expectation of a more active season,” he explained during a news conference.
Forecasters have also predicted increased activity from the West African monsoon, suggesting that storms may develop off the African coast and travel across the Atlantic towards the U.S.
This hurricane forecast arrives as many National Weather Service offices face staffing shortages, following staff cuts and voluntary retirement programs initiated during the Trump administration.
In the early months of 2025, nearly 600 personnel have left the National Weather Service, creating gaps in staffing. However, the agency’s leadership assured that the National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service, is adequately resourced.
“We are fully staffed at the Hurricane Center and prepared to respond; this is our top priority for this administration,” stated NOAA acting manager Laura Grimm.
The nation’s 122 local forecast offices have been significantly affected and face numerous vacancies. Many will be responsible for predicting regional impacts such as flooding and rainfall following hurricanes.
“Our office will ensure that the necessary resources are in place to issue warnings whenever there’s a hurricane threat,” Graham added, “and we are working on solutions to maintain long-term staffing.”
Hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th, generally peaking in late summer and early fall.
NOAA’s predictions are largely consistent with forecasts from various external research groups, including those from universities, government bodies, and private organizations.
On average, external research groups have forecasted eight Atlantic hurricanes for 2025. The website, managed by Colorado State University and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, monitors and compiles annual forecasts.
Last year, NOAA projected a record hurricane season, which featured 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes. Five hurricanes made landfall in the U.S., including Hurricane Helen, which impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast and caused severe inland flooding in North Carolina, resulting in over 150 fatalities.
Additionally, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, Florida, spawning 46 tornadoes.
Both hurricanes experienced rapid intensification, a phenomenon where a storm strengthens significantly right before hitting land.
This intensification is increasingly likely due to global warming. High sea surface temperatures can enhance rapid strengthening, similar to trends observed recently. A 2023 study found that tropical cyclones in the Atlantic are about 29% more likely to rapidly intensify from 2001 to 2020 compared to 1971 to 1990.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Saturday.
The pattern of activity surprised forecasters. The season was busy early on, with strong storms occurring later in the season, but quiet during what is normally considered the peak period.
Climate change has most likely caused the observed storms to become more intense.
A bizarre and devastating hurricane season officially came to an end Saturday, and forecasters are looking into its many surprises.
Philip Klotzbach, a Colorado State University meteorologist who specializes in Atlantic hurricane forecasting, said, “Every year there are one or two things that bother me, but this year there were more than usual.” he said.
Most forecasters are predicting a very active hurricane season as early as April, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its best forecast ever.
In the end, there were 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes. Although this was at the low end of the range most forecasters expected, it was still above normal and a “very active” season.
What surprised researchers was how strange the season unfolded. It got off to a roaring start in June when Hurricane Beryl became the first Category 5 storm to be observed in the Atlantic Ocean. But from mid-August to early September, everything went quiet. The season typically reaches its peak around September 10th. But it was the first time since 1968 that no named storm formed during those weeks.
Just when researchers thought their predictions were wrong, storm activity picked up again and Hurricanes Helen and Milton struck, causing billions of dollars in damage.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico on October 8th. NOAA/NESDIS/Star
“The normal seasonal cycle has been reversed,” Klotzbach said. “What was striking to me was that it was like a switch was flipped, completely off, then completely on. For Helen, nothing happened, and for East Atlantic and Milton, The storm continued.”
Researchers are studying what causes this strange pattern to better understand the factors that cause hurricanes and improve future predictions.
Researchers predicted this spring's hurricane season would be busy and dangerous because of record-high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the possibility that La Niña, a pattern of natural fluctuations, could take hold. Ta. Ocean heat provides fuel for hurricanes and can intensify them faster. La Niña is associated with hurricanes because it often reduces atmospheric stability.
“Early on, we thought it was going to be our busiest season on record,” Klotzbach said.
Although ocean temperatures remained at or near record highs in the North Atlantic, La Niña events did not develop as strongly, said Matthew Rosen, chief hurricane forecaster at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. Krans said.
A combination of other factors most likely contributed to the alarming stagnation in activity.
Approximately 60% of hurricanes occur as a result of Africa's tropical monsoon season. draws moisture into an area called the Sahel. However, this year's monsoon developed elsewhere.
“The monsoon reached so far north and was so strong that it reached areas that hadn't had rain in 45 years,” Rosencrans said, adding that this change had weakened the development of tropical cyclones. Ta.
Rosencrans said another climate pattern, called the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a group of storms that pass near the equator, also likely contributed, with storm development slowing in early September and then later in the month. It is said that hurricanes are starting to occur.
Researchers will spend the winter examining which factors had the most influence through climate and weather models.
“This is an opportunity to learn, to observe systems and let the Earth teach us something new,” he said.
Despite a mid-season interruption due to a tropical storm, 2024 set several records. According to a review published by Klotzbach, five hurricanes have made landfall in the continental United States, tied for the second-highest number in history.
Destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen's flooding in Batcave, North Carolina, on October 8. Tama Mario/Getty Images File On September 28, heavy rains from Hurricane Helen caused record flooding and damage in Asheville, North Carolina. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images File
Helen was the most powerful hurricane to hit Big Bend, Florida. Since September 25th, seven hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic Ocean, the most on record.
Hurricane Milton set a record for tornado warnings in Florida, spawning dozens of tornadoes.
Research suggests climate change has worsened Helen and Milton's symptoms. Both hurricanes underwent a rapid intensification process, with their sustained wind speeds increasing by at least 35 miles per hour over a 24-hour period. This trend is becoming more common as global temperatures rise.
Rosenkrans said research generally does not suggest that the number of named storms (winds of 39 miles per hour or more) will change with climate change. However, a larger proportion of named storms are expected to become hurricanes, with the majority of those hurricanes reaching Category 4 or 5. That was the case this year as well.
Hurricane Milton’s tornado outbreak in Florida was the leading cause of death and damage from the storm.
On Wednesday, South Florida experienced one of the strongest tornadoes on record. Overall this year, the United States has seen an unusually high number of violent tornadoes associated with hurricanes.
Early research shows that in a warmer world, tropical cyclones can produce more tornadoes.
Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc earlier than expected before making landfall this week, as supercell thunderstorms featuring rotating updrafts and the potential to spawn tornadoes raced across the state.
In St. Lucie County, a tornado destroyed a retirement community and killed five people, accounting for nearly one-third of the 17 deaths reported so far in the aftermath of the hurricane.
As Florida begins the long process of recovering and recovering from Hurricane Milton, tornado outbreaks are causing deaths and damage in a state accustomed to tropical storms but less accustomed to powerful twisters. has emerged as the main cause.
One of the strongest tornadoes in South Florida history occurred on a day that will likely go down in Florida history as one of the worst tornado outbreaks ever observed in Florida during a cyclone.
Swirling winds reached 160 miles per hour in Palm Beach Gardens, tearing apart concrete walls and tearing off large sections of roofs from new homes. Breaking news from the National Weather Service.
“This is the first EF-3 on record for the South Florida area south of Lake Okeechobee,” said Donal Harrigan, NWS meteorologist in Miami. EF-3 refers to tornadoes with estimated wind speeds of 136 to 160 miles per hour (EF stands for Enhanced Fujita Scale; Started operation at the National Weather Service in 2007).
Harrigan added that several other observed twisters may be rated EF-3 after damage assessment.
“You can probably count on one hand how many EF-3s have been in this state historically, potentially multiple times a day,” he said.
Overall this year, the United States has seen an unusually high number of powerful tornadoes associated with hurricanes.
Tornadoes are common when hurricanes make landfall, but most are on the weaker end of the spectrum. Less than 1% of tornadoes associated with tropical systems that make landfall are rated EF-3 or higher. By contrast, four out of five hurricanes that made landfall in the United States this year produced tornadoes with EF-3 strength.
From 1995 to 2023, only five tornadoes caused by tropical cyclones received such high ratings.
A home is destroyed in Lakewood Park, Florida, on Thursday, a day after a tornado struck the area.Giorgio Vieira/AFP – Getty Images
Early research suggests that tropical cyclones could produce more tornadoes in a warmer world. In a study published in June, researchers modeled hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, Rita, and Harvey in a warmer future climate. Their results show that the number of potential tornado storms caused by a tropical cyclone is 56% to 299% increase by mid-century Assuming the pace of fossil fuel pollution remains steady.
It is not yet known whether climate change played a role in the twisters associated with this year’s storms. But Bill Gallus, an author of the June study and a professor of meteorology at Iowa State University, said “it was really unusual that conditions in South Florida were this volatile” during Milton.
A situation is considered unstable if, due to differences in density and temperature, a mass of air rises or falls rapidly, which means that thunderstorms can form.
“When I looked at the instability graph, I was shocked. It was about as high as you’d see in Kansas chasing storms,” Gallus said. “Hurricanes have produced more tornadoes, but Florida alone has never produced so many tornadoes.”
He added that this type of instability is “expected to become more common” in a warming world.
One reason Milton produced so many tornadoes is that hurricane thunderstorms traveled far from the center.
“With the first tornado, it looked like a certain band of showers and storms from Milton were actually erupting well in front of the hurricane,” Gallus said.
The outer storm belt eventually became isolated and ended without interference from other systems. Those were thunderstorms that produced tornadoes. This is a reminder that hurricanes can become a threat long before landfall and even far from the storm’s center, experts said.
Another important factor for Milton’s tornadoes is heat. The hurricane approached the Florida coast in the afternoon and encountered particularly warm conditions, as the thunderstorms were quite far away at the edge of the hurricane, in addition to wind shear (changes in wind direction and speed with altitude). This allowed it to grow stronger than a typical hurricane setup.
“There was plenty of time to warm up the atmosphere,” Gallus said. “Most hurricanes get very little heat from the sun. Tornadoes form under heavy rain and cover.”
In hurricanes like Milton, where winds blow counterclockwise, tornadoes tend to form on the leading edge of the storm and to its right, sometimes called the dirty side. This region is also the windiest.
How it unfolded during Milton, Gallus said, noting that the twister “started in the exact place you see most tornadoes form.”
But in Milton’s case, he noted, the tornadoes were particularly concentrated.
Because Milton crossed the Florida peninsula for a short distance, “the tornado area was small, and I think it was one of the most concentrated tornadoes ever produced by a hurricane,” Gallus said.
More research is needed into exactly how climate change will affect tornadoes produced by hurricanes. However, the impact of global warming on extreme rainfall is more certain and clear.
A report released Friday by the World Weather Attribution Project, a consortium of scientists considered an authority on analyzing extreme weather events and determining the impact of climate change on specific events, says: It turned out. Rainfall amounts for single-day events like Milton are currently about 20% to 30% higher due to climate change.. The analysis found that Milton’s wind speeds were likely 10% stronger due to climate change.
The researchers also found that Hurricane Helen was wetter and windier because of climate change. Separate preliminary reports say climate change is likely to increase Helen’s rainfall by up to 50% over three days in some of the worst-hit areas.
This includes a whopping 5.09 inches in one hour from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET. This level is believed to have an approximately 0.1% chance of occurring in any given year.
“This is insane! St. Petersburg reported 5.09 inches of rain in one hour and 9.04 inches in three hours,” said Matthew Cappucci, Atmospheric Scientist and Senior Meteorologist at MyRadar Weather. states.Posted on Wednesday by X. “That’s rarer than a once-in-a-millennium rain event.”
Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a strong Category 3 storm Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Other significant precipitation amounts across Florida include 14.01 inches in Clearwater Beach, 13.09 inches in Baskin, 11.43 inches in Tampa, and 10.12 inches in Seminole.
Scientists have not yet completed their analysis of the impact on Milton because it takes time to understand the effects of climate change on individual weather events. But in general, experts know that global warming is making storms wetter and more intense.
Research shows that global warming causes sea surface temperatures to rise, which provides extra energy to storms, increasing their speed and intensity. The unusually high sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico that strengthened hurricanes Milton and Helen are 200 to 500 times more likely to be caused by climate change, according to a study released Wednesday. It is said that
The warmer the atmosphere, the more water it can hold. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit increase in Earth’s temperature, the atmosphere can hold about 3% to 4% more water. Therefore, storms can dump large amounts of rain on land.
Milton’s heavy rains quickly flooded roads, homes, and other structures along the Florida Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Tampa and St. Petersburg, which lasted until 2:30 a.m. ET Thursday.
Forecasters expected heavy rain as Milton moved into Florida. Hours before landfall, the National Hurricane Center said it expected 6 to 12 inches of rain to fall across the central and northern Florida peninsula through Thursday, with local rainfall totals up to 18 inches.
The east coast of Florida is also experiencing rain. Preliminary measurements Wednesday showed 7 inches of precipitation in St. Augustine, 7.38 inches in Titusville, and 3.05 inches in Daytona Beach, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Milton has returned to the ocean, but additional rain and flooding is expected to continue into parts of eastern and central Florida through Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Dennis Chow
Dennis Chow is a science and space reporter for NBC News.
Hurricane Milton strengthened at the fastest rate on record.
The storm's wind speeds exceeded 175 miles per hour, unprecedented for an October hurricane.
Record-breaking hydrothermal waters in the Gulf of Mexico helped intensify Milton, increasing its size through a process known as eyewall displacement.
Hurricane Milton has been a surprise at almost every turn.
What began as a small, well-scarred hurricane has grown into a vast monster that has grown in strength at the fastest rate in recorded history. The storm could cause dangerous flooding across parts of Florida's west and east coasts, particularly putting the flood-prone areas of Tampa Bay, home to more than 3 million people, at risk.
As the storm developed, record warmth in the Gulf of Mexico helped the storm intensify. He then underwent an eyewall replacement process to increase in size.
Explain how Milton developed into such a serious threat.
Pacific influence
Hurricanes approaching the United States typically follow similar paths. Tropical cyclones form off the west coast of Africa, gain strength as they cross the Atlantic Ocean and enter the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
But part of Milton's origin story lies in the eastern Pacific. This hurricane formed when the remnants of a tropical cyclone in the Pacific Ocean pushed eastward across the Yucatan Peninsula and encountered a stationary front in the Gulf of Mexico. The most recent storm to hit Florida after forming in the same area, Mexico's Bay of Campeche, occurred in 1867.
Follow live updates about Hurricane Milton
Chris Slocum, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Satellite Applications Center, said that when the tropical storm entered the Gulf Coast, it created “a little bit of a vortex, some rotation” in the thunderstorm system there.
Milton was then organized and kept away from other star systems.
“By being isolated from other thunderstorms, the pressure increases and the winds increase,” Slocum said. Milton began to draw air toward its center, drawing energy from the warm ocean.
small but strong
Milton started out as a very small storm, which conserved its angular momentum and rotated tightly and rapidly around a narrow eye.
The Gulf Coast experienced record high ocean temperatures and moist, warm air. These are the necessary elements to strengthen your power. On Monday, the central pressure in Milton's core decreased at a constant rate. A scientist was described as “crazy” As Milton grows stronger. The value of central pressure is closely related to storm strength and wind speed.
“This is absolutely terrifying,” NBC South Florida hurricane expert John Morales said, choking on the air as he talked about the importance of the pressure drop.
Milton's wind speed is 92 mph in about 24 hoursAccording to the nonprofit research organization Climate Central. This far exceeded a milestone that scientists consider rapid intensity: an increase of 35 mph in 24 hours.
“It's unusual that it went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than two days,” said Kartik Balaguru, a climate scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Jonathan Lin, an atmospheric scientist at Cornell University who specializes in hurricane forecasting and modeling, called Milton “one of the fastest-strengthening hurricanes we've ever seen in the Atlantic.” There is.
The hurricane's wind speeds exceeded 175 miles per hour, unprecedented for an October storm. Milton is the strongest Gulf hurricane since Hurricane Rita in 2005.
new eyewall
In the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes wrap counterclockwise around a central, mostly cloudless eye.
Bands of rain began falling outside of Milton Monday night into Tuesday. These storms merged to form a second ring, creating a replacement eyewall and tripling the radius where maximum wind speeds were recorded, Slocum said.
This phenomenon, known as eyewall displacement, typically causes storms to widen but reduce wind speeds somewhat, and it happened to Milton. As the storm develops, it may occur several times. Once this process is complete, and conditions permit, the hurricane may begin to gain strength again.
“You can think of it as molting. Once it molts, it can intensify again. That's exactly what we saw in Milton,” Lin said.
wobble
According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton “wobbled” Tuesday afternoon, changing its expected path and moving its expected landfall south.
Wobble results from instability due to complex mechanics inside the eyeball.
Lin explained the dynamics of a hurricane by comparing it to a top or a dreidel.
“Sometimes you'll see the top spinning. If you push it a little bit or give it a little push, it wobbles a little bit and then it starts spinning again,” Lin said. “It redirects itself.”
Large shakes can change the course of the storm and determine which locations receive the brunt of the hurricane.
Forecasters are expecting storm surge of up to 13 feet. If the storm were to change course slightly to the south, it could avoid the worst of the flooding in especially vulnerable Tampa Bay. In 2017, Hurricane Irma changed course to the east, helping Tampa Bay avoid a predicted storm surge of more than 12 feet.
Once the storm reaches the coast, areas south of Milton's Eye should experience strong wind gusts, pushing water onto shore and resulting in storm surge.
That's because of the angle at which the storm approaches the Florida peninsula and the counterclockwise rotation of the winds around its center.
what happens next
Milton weakened during her final approach to the Florida Peninsula. The main reason for this is that they encountered vertical wind shear, which refers to changes in wind speed and direction in the upper layers of the atmosphere.
But Lin said, “That doesn't make it any less dangerous.”
Even with weaker winds, Milton is expected to remain a major hurricane until it makes landfall Wednesday night.
After landing, it is expected to cross the peninsula and head out to sea. The time on land robs the storm of the energy it draws from the ocean's heat, and the storm will weaken rapidly, just as the coma slows down, Lin said.
break the eerie silence
A new report from the World Weather Attribution Group on Hurricane Helen, which made landfall in Florida on September 26, shows that climate change has caused the storm's wind speeds to increase by 11% and total precipitation to increase by approximately It was found that there was a high possibility of an increase of 10%.
Researchers said they expect Milton to behave similarly, but even worse because of climate change.
Warmer-than-normal ocean conditions in the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and the emergence of a hurricane-related La Niña weather pattern led forecasters to predict a very active hurricane season this spring.
But even in mid-September, the typical peak of hurricane activity, the season remained eerily quiet, leaving researchers perplexed, despite the ocean heat that fuels hurricanes. , making us wonder if their positive predictions were wrong.
The eerie calm was broken in late September as Hurricanes Helen and Milton roared into view. If Milton makes landfall, it will be the second-highest number of hurricane landfalls in a year on the Gulf Coast.
“This makes 2024 the second-highest number of Gulf hurricane landfalls on record, along with 2005 and 2020, after 1886,” meteorologist Philip Klotzbach said. I wrote to X.
Climate change has increased Hurricane Helen’s wind speed by 11% and total precipitation by about 10%, according to a new report.
Researchers expect Milton to do the same, and say it is likely to get worse because of climate change.
The report says the higher sea surface temperatures that contributed to the intensification of both storms are 200 to 500 times more likely to be due to climate change.
As Hurricane Milton hurtles toward Florida’s west coast, a new report estimates how intense Hurricane Helen’s winds and rain could have been due to climate change. Scientists involved in the study said they expected Milton to do the same, and that it would likely get worse because of climate change.
The report, released late Wednesday night, is from the World Weather Attribution Group, a consortium of scientists that analyzes extreme weather events and determines how much climate change has influenced certain events. He is regarded as the leading expert in making decisions.
The findings show that because of climate change, Hurricane Helen’s wind speeds were 11% more intense and its precipitation totals were about 10% higher.
Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London who contributed to the new study, said “we now have a complete study showing a very clear link” between climate change and hurricane strength. “The biggest danger is not making the connection to climate change.”
Like Hurricane Helen, Hurricane Milton is also moving through record-breaking heat. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are much warmer than usual, even for this time of year. Warmer water acts as fuel for such storms, helping them intensify faster.
Both hurricanes undergo a process known as rapid intensification, where the hurricane’s sustained wind speeds increase by at least 35 miles per hour over a 24-hour period. This trend is becoming more common due to climate change.
The report says the sea surface temperatures that pushed Helen and Milton up were 200 to 500 times warmer due to climate change.
On Monday, Milton experienced a dramatic pressure drop in the center of the hurricane, strengthening to one of the fifth strongest hurricanes ever recorded.
“This storm is definitely explosive,” said Bernadette Woods Plucky, chief meteorologist at the nonprofit research group Climate Central and co-author of the new report.
Using a combination of statistical analysis and detailed climate modeling, the researchers found that climate change and the fossil fuel pollution it causes are about 2.5 times more likely to produce a hurricane as strong as Helen.
This is the third and most extensive preliminary report linking climate change to the heavy rains that killed more than 200 people after Hurricane Helen made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26.
Scientists at World Weather Attribution examined rainfall over two days along the coast of Florida, where Helen first hit, and three days of rainfall in mountainous areas in six neighboring states, including North Carolina and Tennessee. Assessed quantity.
They found that coastal rainfall totals are 40% more likely to be this high due to climate change, and inland rainfall totals are 70% more likely to be this high due to climate change. I discovered that there is a sex.
Helen flooded parts of southern Appalachia with more than 6 feet of rain. Floodwaters washed away houses, washed out highways, and cut off access to the town. Much of the recovery work is just beginning.
Damaged buildings in downtown Chimney Rock, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helen passed through on October 2nd. Alison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images
The World Weather Attribution group is a loose confederation of scientists who rapidly publish extreme findings about whether and how climate change has affected particular events. Twenty-one researchers participated in the new analysis. Although the group uses peer-review methods, its findings are published prior to traditional peer-review when events are new and particularly newsworthy. Previous studies on global weather attribution have withstood further scrutiny by outside scientists and been published in major scientific journals.
Otto said the new results are consistent with two previous analyzes of the effects of climate change on Hurricane Helen, but different researchers defined the parameters of the study in different ways, and there are different He said each report produced different numbers because they focused on geography.
Scientists at World Weather Attribution will run the numbers again for Milton and write a new report.
A storm surge is when hurricane force winds push shallow water towards the coast, causing an abnormal rise in water levels during a storm. Factors such as wind, the angle of approach of the storm, ocean floor shape, and storm’s low pressure all play a role in the intensity of the surge.
Storm surge is a deadly threat from hurricanes as it can quickly flood coastal areas and penetrate far inland.
West Florida’s shallow coastline along the Gulf of Mexico is particularly vulnerable to storm surges due to its gentle slopes and the continental shelf being close to the surface, making it easier for water to rise.
Climate change-induced rising sea levels further increase the risk of flooding in the region, and the impending Hurricane Milton has the potential to cause significant damage.
While the exact landing location of Milton is uncertain, small changes in its path can have a significant impact in areas like Tampa Bay. The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring the storm’s movements and advising residents to be prepared for potential evacuation orders.
Historically, Tampa Bay is at high risk of storm surges due to its underwater topography acting as a funnel for floodwaters. The city’s urban development has also increased the vulnerability of its population and coastal structures to storm-related threats.
As Milton approaches Florida, its size may increase while its winds could weaken, affecting the height of storm surges. Local officials are urging residents to follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
Storm surge is a serious concern, particularly with major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or higher. Even lower-ranking storms can produce devastating storm surges, as seen with hurricanes like Katrina and Ike in the past.
The Milton, which is expected to make landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast Wednesday evening, is sailing through unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Temperatures in much of the ocean basin were well above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with some parts of the bay up to 4 degrees warmer than normal. Data from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Rising temperatures in the Gulf also strengthened Hurricane Helen, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region less than two weeks later.
2023 study published in journal scientific report We find that Atlantic tropical cyclones are about 29% more likely to develop rapidly from 2001 to 2020 compared to 1971 to 1990.
Scientists have documented many recent examples of rapid intensification, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Hurricane Laura in 2020, Hurricane Ida in 2021, and Hurricane Idalia last year. 2019 Hurricane Dorian’s peak wind speed increased from 150 mph to 185 mph in nine hours, and 2022 Hurricane Ian experienced two rapid intensifications before making landfall in Florida.
Although this process is well documented, rapid intensification is difficult to predict. Although scientists know the ingredients needed to activate this phenomenon, it remains difficult to predict exactly how and when it will occur, and its exact triggers.
Milton is expected to weaken slightly before making landfall, but the storm’s impacts will be severe. A storm surge watch is in effect for the Florida Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area, with potentially life-threatening storm surges of up to 12 feet expected. As many as 15 million people are under flood watches across the state.
Dennis Chow
Dennis Chou is a science and space reporter for NBC News.
Despite warm ocean temperatures, hurricane season is on a lull.
This season is expected to be much more active than usual and is off to a record-breaking start.
Still, the unofficial peak of hurricane season is on September 10, so scientists wouldn’t be surprised if cyclonic activity picks up again soon.
The Gulf of Mexico is scorching hot, but hurricane season is on a lull (at least temporarily) — a surprise to researchers who say there’s a lot brewing in the Atlantic, but no storms are showing up on radar.
“Nothing is happening, which is extremely quiet and odd given the warm temperatures in the Atlantic and the La Niña climate pattern,” said Philip Klotzbach, a meteorologist at Colorado State University who specializes in seasonal hurricane forecasting in the Atlantic basin. “It’s a head-scratching situation right now.”
The La Niña weather phenomenon that scientists are predicting will develop this fall is closely linked to hurricanes, as is warming water in the Atlantic Ocean, with ocean heat content in the Gulf of Mexico at its highest since 2013, according to data from the University of Miami.
Warmer oceans increase hurricane energy through heat, increasing the risk of storms intensifying rapidly.
“We have plenty of fuel. It’s not going to hinder our season,” Klotzbach said.
Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. Hurricane scientists had predicted this year’s hurricane season would be record-breaking, but it got off to a record-breaking start in June with Hurricane Beryl being the first Category 4 storm to form in the Atlantic. Then, the slow-moving Hurricane Debbie dumped incredible rain on several southeastern states in early August. But since then, it’s been relatively quiet.
Steve Bowen, chief scientific officer at global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re, said weather trends off the coast of West Africa, including a strengthening monsoon, may have prevented tropical storms from developing in the Atlantic basin.
But that may not last long: The unofficial peak of hurricane season is September 10.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get what’s called a backloading season with pretty good activity through September, October, and possibly November,” Bowen said.
Although things have calmed down recently, scientists believe this season has been quite active so far.
“We’ve already had two landfalls in the United States,” Bowen said. “Typically, the first major hurricane doesn’t form until August 31st. … Just looking at the statistics, we’re well ahead of normal.”
Two days after Hurricane Beryl struck Texas, Janet and Pamela Jarrett’s Houston home was still without power and a heat watch was in effect.
They spent the evening playing Pamela’s favorite game, Connect 4. All seemed well.
But early the next morning, Janet found Pamela, 64, who is disabled and in a wheelchair, struggling to breathe.
“I could hear her gasping for air and breathing heavily,” Janet said. “It’s something you never forget. It never goes away. I can hear it even when I’m lying down to sleep. It feels like I’m going through it all over again.”
Pamela Jarrett died on July 11 from hyperthermia due to environmental heat exposure. Courtesy of Janet Jarrett
Pamela died on the way to the hospital on July 11. The official cause of death was: Environmental Heat Exposure.
Of the 21 confirmed deaths in Texas from Hurricane Beryl, one-third died the same way: not from typical storm threats like flooding or downed trees, but as a result of extreme heat caused by widespread power outages during and after the storm. Heat indexes, or “feels like” temperatures, rose into triple digits in the days following the storm.
These tragedies highlight how ill-prepared Texas (and much of the rest of the country) is for the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events caused by climate change, especially when multiple hazards overlap. The death toll also shows how easily the line can become blurred between one type of deadly environmental hazard and another.
The death toll from Beryl in Texas is expected to continue to rise, and the increase in deaths from heatstroke has led to increased scrutiny of local power company CenterPoint Energy and the state government.
“She didn’t have to die like that,” Janet said of her sister. “I’m angry that I didn’t get a response. I couldn’t call anyone. I’m angry that CenterPoint didn’t do a better job. I’m just angry about the whole thing.”
More than 2 million homes and businesses were affected by power outages caused by Category 1 Hurricane Beryl. CenterPoint said in a statement to NBC News that it would be conducting a “thorough review” of its response to the storm.
“Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Beryl,” the power company said.
CenterPoint officials insist the company mobilized crews as quickly as possible and did everything in its power to resolve the outage.
Janet Jarrett was forced to go without electricity for a total of nine days, during which indoor temperatures soared to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit at night. She spent a week in that heat after her sister died.
Pamela Jarrett sits with her family. Courtesy of Janet Jarrett
Janet said she did her best to keep Pamela cool, using cold rags and taking her outside in her wheelchair when it was windy, but as with most patients with heatstroke, by the time the symptoms became apparent it was too late.
“I didn’t know there was anything really wrong with her,” Jarrett said. “She was talking, she was reacting to everything, she was just normal, so I didn’t realize anything was wrong.”
Jesus Rodriguez, 52, of Houston, also had no idea that anything was wrong with his 78-year-old father, Oscar. On July 10, the third day of the blackout, Jesus went to check on Oscar in the morning, grabbing some water and a cold diet coke from the cooler.
When Jess got home that afternoon, her dad “was lying on his back, almost like he was asleep, but he was breathing heavily,” Jess said. “I didn’t think anything of it, but I tried to wake him up, but he wouldn’t wake up. That’s when I called 911.”
Oscar died that day at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital in Houston. Jess described her father as a healthy man for his age and a devoted family man.
There have been power outages during previous storms, but never for more than two days.
“This was definitely the worst,” Jesus said. “It took almost a week and a half to get the electricity restored.”
He blamed CentrePoint for being slow to respond and for not communicating well enough.
“If they had said, ‘We can’t get to your house in a week and a half,’ I might have been able to send my father somewhere else,” Jesus said.
Three Houston-area hospitals reported a significant increase in emergency room visits due to the post-storm heat.
Dr. Ben Saldana, associate medical director at Houston Methodist Hospital, said the hospital has seen its highest number of emergency room visits since the 2021 Texas cold snap.
“On the day of the storm, our emergency department saw almost double the normal volume of patients,” Saldana said, adding, “We’re not back to normal yet.”
Doctors at the hospital said they have linked health issues in 525 patients to the effects of heat since the Fourth of July.
Even those whose lives were not in danger from the heat described the harsh conditions caused by the power outages.
Deja McClendon of Humble, Texas, was without power for six days and had been shuttling between her apartment, her boyfriend’s mother’s apartment, and a hotel to escape the heat. She said the chaos had forced her to take time off work.
“Texas is something else when it comes to the heat,” McClendon said, adding, “It was very stressful having to move around so much.”
Talulah Christie, who is five months pregnant, was without power for five days in Conroe, Texas, which is served by Entergy Texas. She said the outages after Beryl were the worst she could remember.
“I tried to endure [the heat] “After the first two days, and then the second night, I knew this was becoming a medical issue. I couldn’t stay here,” she said. But she and her husband couldn’t find an affordable hotel room nearby, so they stayed.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into CenterPoint’s response after the hurricane, but he has himself faced criticism for being on an economic development trip to Asia when the storm made landfall.
The utility has also been blamed by Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas, whose district saw several heatstroke deaths after Hurricane Beryl.
“The extreme heat exacerbated the public health crisis because CenterPoint failed to quickly restore power,” she said in a statement to NBC News.
Janet Jarrett said she hopes preventative measures are taken to prevent others from suffering preventable losses.
“This should never have happened. We had so many plans and they took it all away from her,” Jarrett said. “And now I’m burying her.”
Initial predictions for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season indicate that it could be particularly severe and potentially break records.
Colorado State University, a renowned center for hurricane and tropical weather forecasting, has released forecasts stating that there could be 11 hurricanes, with five of them potentially reaching Category 3, 4, or 5 status, which means wind speeds of at least 111 mph. In total, researchers anticipate 23 named storms for this season.
“This is the most accurate forecast we’ve made for April,” stated Colorado meteorologist and Atlantic hurricane forecaster Philip Klotzbach during a video news conference.
On average, an Atlantic hurricane season typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), according to the National Hurricane Center.
The primary reasons for the above-average expectations for the upcoming season (June 1 to November 30) are the unprecedented levels of warmth in the Atlantic Ocean and the natural fluctuations caused by La Niña. Ocean temperatures have hit record highs in the past year, enhancing the probability of potent storms and potentially intensifying them at a faster rate.
According to Colorado’s forecast, there is a 62% likelihood of a major hurricane striking the U.S. coastline, an increase of about 19% from the norm. However, this projection was disclosed earlier this year and will be updated as the season progresses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has yet to release its forecast.
Other hurricane experts also express concerns about the combination of unnatural ocean warming and La Niña’s natural impacts.
“All signs point towards what could potentially be a highly active hurricane season in 2024, with very powerful hurricanes. That’s definitely something to be worried about,” remarked meteorologist and hurricane expert John Morales from NBC 6 South Florida.
Sea surface temperatures are climbing globally, setting new daily records for over a year. This trend has baffled marine scientists and is likely influenced by climate change. Some of the most significant temperature anomalies have been observed in the waters off the west coast of Africa, where many Atlantic hurricanes that hit the U.S. East Coast originate.
“The ocean heat content in the tropical eastern Atlantic is currently *3 months* ahead of the norm,” noted Brian McNoldy, a senior research scientist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Ocean, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences, in a tweet. In simpler terms, the ocean’s current heat levels resemble those of a typical July.
Ocean heat serves as fuel for extreme storms. If a hurricane’s winds intensify suddenly as it nears the coast, there is a heightened risk of rapid intensification. In recent years, there has been an observed uptick in such intensification. Last year, Hurricane Idalia rapidly strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm within 24 hours.
Morales expressed that this swift intensification is “one of the greatest concerns I’ve had to keep to myself over the past 15, 20 years as a hurricane forecaster.”
“Eventually, we’ll witness a mundane tropical storm transform into a Category 4 hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Miami 36 hours later,” he warned. “And individuals may not have made the essential preparations.”
According to NASA’s estimates, Louisiana has lost about 750 square miles of coastal wetlands since 1984. Check out the report for more details. In a recent paper published in February, researchers have predicted that three-quarters of Louisiana’s wetlands could be submerged by 2070.
In various coastal cities across the United States, the land is gradually sinking due to fossil fuel and water extraction, exacerbating sea level rise. By 2050, the sinking phenomenon could potentially put over half a million more people at risk of severe flooding.
Raising resilient children
Anna Dupont, 21, is one of the few young residents left in Cameron Parish. She cherishes her parents’ stories about the vibrant community of Cameron.
Anna Dupont, 21, is one of the few young people left in Cameron after a series of devastating hurricanes. Michael Gemelli/NBC News
Before Hurricane Rita, Cameron Parish was a thriving, close-knit community that enjoyed festivities like crawfish boils and barbecues, with residents being proud supporters of the high school football team.
Dupont recalls nostalgic memories of fishing and birdwatching in the expansive wetlands surrounding her former home. She laments the loss of her favorite hangout spot, T-Boy’s Cajun Grill, which now stands as an empty lot.
Cameron is considered ground zero for climate change by Dupont, who witnessed her home being destroyed twice by storms before she even graduated from high school. Hurricane Laura’s impact forced her and her family to evacuate, leading to a sense of loss and emptiness upon their return.
Despite a joyful upbringing, Dupont saw her peers struggle with disrupted childhoods due to unstable living conditions post-hurricanes, leading to mental health challenges and substance abuse in some cases.
While many residents departed Cameron Parish after Hurricane Rita in 2005, others chose to remain resilient despite subsequent natural calamities. However, the proposed expansion of Venture Global LNG’s CP2 LNG terminal construction has stirred concern among the remaining residents.
ACAPULCO, Mexico — Hurricane Otis intensified from a tropical storm to a dangerous Category 5 hurricane rapidly as it made its way towards Mexico’s South Pacific coast on Tuesday, ultimately making landfall near the resort town of Acapulco early Wednesday. The potential for devastating damage was predicted.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Otis had maximum sustained wind speeds of 160 mph by late Tuesday. It was located about 55 miles south-southeast of Acapulco and moving north-northwest at a speed of 9 mph.
A hurricane warning was in effect from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo, with a hurricane watch in effect from Lagunas de Chacahua to Punta Maldonado.
Otis is expected to maintain its Category 5 hurricane strength until it reaches land, but it is anticipated to rapidly weaken thereafter due to Mexico’s mountainous region. Otis is forecasted to dissipate over southern Mexico on Wednesday night.
As rain began to fall and winds increased, people in Acapulco hurried home and tourists were forced to leave the beaches.
The state government of Guerrero announced the preparation of 396 evacuation centers to accommodate families affected by wind damage and rising waters.
The Mexican Army and Navy have deployed over 8,000 troops equipped with specialized equipment to aid in the rescue operations. The port of Acapulco, where approximately 300 fishing boats are docked, has been closed by the authorities.
Otis is expected to bring 5 to 10 inches of rainfall to Guerrero, with certain areas possibly experiencing up to 15 inches. This raises concerns about landslides and flash floods in Guerrero’s steep mountains.
In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane tammy After passing through the Lesser Antilles over the weekend, it continued northeast over open ocean with winds of 115 mph. Tammy was located approximately 925 miles south-southeast of Bermuda. The storm is expected to weaken by Thursday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
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