Seasonal Review

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has come to a close, and it's time to look back at what made this season memorable. From record-breaking storm counts to unusual tracks, this season provided plenty of lessons for meteorologists and residents alike. Here's our comprehensive review of what happened and what it means for the future.

By The Numbers

The 2024 season was one for the record books. With 20 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), this season exceeded the 30-year average of 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes. What made it particularly notable was the rapid pace of storm formation—we saw multiple storms develop in quick succession during the peak of the season.

The season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th, but we saw our first named storm (Tropical Storm Alberto) form in mid-June, which is typical. However, the real action began in late July and continued through October, with an unprecedented stretch of activity in September.

Key Storms and Their Impact

Hurricane Helene (September)

Hurricane Helene was one of the most significant storms of the season, making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane along the Florida Panhandle before tracking northeast and bringing heavy rainfall to North Carolina. While Wake County was spared the worst impacts, the storm served as an important reminder of how quickly tropical systems can strengthen and how far inland their effects can reach.

Helene's rapid intensification was a textbook example of what can happen when a storm encounters ideal conditions: warm ocean waters, low wind shear, and abundant atmospheric moisture. The storm went from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in just 48 hours—a concerning trend we've seen more frequently in recent years.

Hurricane Milton (October)

Hurricane Milton became the strongest hurricane of the season, reaching Category 5 status in the Caribbean before weakening slightly as it approached the Gulf Coast. While it didn't directly impact North Carolina, it was notable for its extreme intensity and the devastation it caused in Florida. The storm highlighted the importance of preparation and evacuation planning, even when you're not in the direct path.

Tropical Storms That Affected Our Region

Several tropical storms and depressions brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Wake County throughout the season. While none made direct landfall in North Carolina, their remnants often combined with frontal systems to produce extended periods of heavy rain. This pattern is typical for our area—we're more likely to feel the effects of tropical moisture than direct hurricane impacts.

What Made This Season Different

Several factors contributed to the active 2024 season:

• Record Warm Ocean Temperatures: Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic were well above average for much of the season, providing ample fuel for storm development
• Favorable Atmospheric Conditions: Lower wind shear and higher atmospheric moisture created ideal conditions for storm formation
• La Niña Influence: The transition from El Niño to La Niña during the season reduced wind shear over the Atlantic, allowing more storms to develop
• African Wave Activity: Strong disturbances moving off the coast of Africa provided the "seeds" for many tropical systems

Lessons Learned

This season reinforced several important lessons:

Rapid Intensification is Becoming More Common

Multiple storms this season underwent rapid intensification, gaining 35+ mph in wind speed within 24 hours. This trend makes it even more critical to stay prepared throughout hurricane season, as forecast intensity can change dramatically in just a day or two.

Inland Impacts Should Not Be Underestimated

Even when hurricanes don't make landfall nearby, their remnants can bring significant impacts hundreds of miles inland. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and tornadoes are often the greatest threats to areas well away from the coast.

Early Season Preparation Matters

Having a hurricane preparedness plan in place before the season begins is crucial. Stocking up on supplies, reviewing evacuation routes, and ensuring you have multiple ways to receive warnings can make all the difference when a storm threatens.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the 2024 season, it's worth noting that active seasons often come in clusters. While we can't predict next year's activity this far in advance, the underlying climate conditions—warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric patterns—suggest that we should remain vigilant in future seasons.

Climate change continues to influence hurricane behavior, making storms stronger, wetter, and more prone to rapid intensification. This doesn't mean every season will be record-breaking, but it does mean that when conditions align, the potential for extreme events is greater than in the past.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will be remembered for its intensity, frequency, and the lessons it taught us about the evolving nature of tropical cyclones. While Wake County was fortunate to avoid direct hurricane impacts, the season served as an important reminder that we're never truly "safe" from tropical weather—we're just in a different risk category than coastal communities.

As meteorologists, we'll continue to monitor these trends and refine our forecasting techniques. As residents, we should continue to prepare, stay informed, and respect the power of these systems. The best defense against hurricanes remains preparation and situational awareness.

— WakeWx Meteorology Team