Latest news with #stormactivity
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Gizmodo
The Atlantic Hurricane Season Is About to Get Real
After an unusually slow start to hurricane season, it's looking like storm activity is about to ramp up. Meteorologists are keeping a watchful eye on the Atlantic Basin as ocean surface temperatures rise to record levels. So far, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has produced four tropical storms and no hurricanes. As of Friday, August 8, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was monitoring two areas of interest for storm development—one off the southeastern U.S. and the other in the Central Atlantic. The NHC says the odds of development for both systems are low, but high ocean surface temperatures are raising concerns about hurricane potential. 'As the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season enters its historical peak, atmospheric and oceanic conditions continue to favor an above-normal season as NOAA first predicted in May,' NOAA stated in an update on Thursday, August 7. Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are one of several factors that could contribute to elevated storm activity, the update reads. Strong marine heatwaves—persistent periods of above-average ocean temperatures—are present over much of the North Atlantic off the East Coast, according to NOAA's Physical Sciences Laboratory. On Sunday, August 3, Miami-based hurricane specialist Michael Lowry shared NOAA data showing record-high sea temperatures across the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Warmer ocean surface temperatures create more energetic storms, helping them develop into hurricanes, according to NOAA. In 2024, marine heatwaves fueled Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, resulting in billions of dollars in damage along the East Coast. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was also characterized by extreme sea surface temperatures, producing the fourth-highest number of named storms since record keeping began in 1950. As the global average temperature rises, marine heatwaves are becoming more intense and persistent. This is partly why climate change leads to stronger hurricanes. Sea surface temperatures aren't the only factor meteorologists are paying attention to, however. In July, Department of Defense meteorologist Eric Webb said atmospheric conditions may help more storms make landfall on the East Coast than normal this season, The Washington Post reports. 'I'm honestly more convinced of that now than I was then,' he told the publication this week, pointing to high ocean temperatures and air pressure patterns that could guide storms toward the U.S. What's more, the Madden-Julian Oscillation may raise the risk for additional storms in late August as it crosses Africa, The Washington Post reports. NOAA describes the MJO as an eastward-moving disturbance of clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure that traverses the planet over one to two months before returning to its starting point. Models suggest these conditions may add to increasing activity in the Atlantic Basin after August 15, according to the Washington Post. The Atlantic hurricane season historically peaks in September, so seeing storm activity increase in August isn't unusual. That said, unprecedented oceanic and atmospheric conditions driven by climate change are poised to rapidly shift the course of this slow-to-start season. Multiple non-hurricane-strength storms have already brought devastating impacts to the U.S. this year. Remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to deadly July 4 flooding in the Texas Hill Country, and Chantal caused significant damage in North Carolina. The affected communities will be particularly vulnerable to any storms that make landfall in their area as cleanup efforts continue.
Gizmodo
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Gizmodo
NOAA Warns of Brutal Atlantic Hurricane Season, as Trump Slashes the Agency
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season today, predicting 'above-normal' storm activity. The news comes amid concerns that sweeping staff cuts and policy shifts may impact the agency's preparedness. A total of 13 to 19 named storms could form in the Atlantic basin this year, Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), said during the Thursday news briefing in Gretna, Louisiana. Of those, six to 10 are expected to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five could become 'major' hurricanes—Category 3, 4, or 5. If this forecast comes to fruition, it would mark the ninth consecutive year of above-average storm activity in the Atlantic basin, primarily driven by rising ocean temperatures. Last year, the season saw 18 named storms, 11 of which were hurricanes. Five intensified to major hurricanes, including Category 4 Helene and Category 5 Milton, which made landfall in the U.S. within two weeks of each other and devastated large swaths of the Southeast. Based on NOAA's forecast, the 2025 season could be similar. But this time around, the agency will be working with a significantly reduced staff. The NWS alone has lost more than 10% of its workforce since the Trump administration took office, CBS News reported. Despite this, Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said the National Hurricane Center (NHC)—an arm of the NWS—is 'fully staffed and ready to go,' emphasizing that forecasting is a top priority both for NOAA and the Trump administration. In a statement, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said NOAA has 'never been more prepared for hurricane season,' pointing to 'advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems' that should provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings. Indeed, NOAA promised some big improvements for this season, highlighting moves to upgrade its hurricane analysis and forecast system, issue tropical storm advisories up to 72 hours before landfall, and extend their global tropical hazards outlook—which provides advance notice of potential storm risks—from two weeks to three weeks. The agency plans to deploy new tools as well, including an experimental, plane-mounted radar system that will collect data on ocean waves and wind during a hurricane. NOAA also aims to expand its flood inundation mapping (FIM) tool—which provides real-time, street-level visualizations of flood waters—to cover 60% of the U.S. this year. It currently covers just 30%. But just two days ago, an unnamed NOAA official told Scientific American that 'everything has ground to a halt' at the agency due to Lutnick's insistence that he personally review any contract over $100,000. This stalled more than 200 NOAA contracts, including one intended to help local communities prepare for extreme weather, Scientific American reports. What's more, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced last week that it is shifting disaster recovery responsibility to the states. While it's still not entirely clear what this will look like, the move could significantly reduce the amount of aid states can get from FEMA. Acting chief David Richardson warned that traditional FEMA cost-sharing, which covers 75% of recovery expenses, could change by this summer, according to the Associated Press. When asked about how this will impact members of her community during the briefing today, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said giving more responsibility to the states is a 'good thing to be talking about,' but emphasized the importance of making sure that states actually have the resources to respond adequately. Jefferson Parish—home to more than 420,000 Louisianans—was hit hard by Hurricane Francine last September, with total losses estimated at $1.3 billion. With the official start of hurricane season just 10 days away, NOAA's ability to weather unprecedented policy shifts during what will likely be another punishing storm season will soon be put to the test. Here's hoping everyone can keep their heads above water.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornadoes Expected to Strike Multiple States This Weekend in One of the Worst Seasons This Decade
Tornadoes threaten huge swaths of the U.S. this weekend amid a season already marked by unusually high storm activity, even as the National Weather Service faces budget cuts likely to impede its ability to respond to severe weather. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has forecast severe thunderstorms with scattered tornadoes—some of them intense—across parts of Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and Ohio for the afternoon and evening of May 16. 'Today we're expecting a severe weather outbreak across the mid-Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio valleys,' says Jenni Pittman, a meteorologist and deputy chief of the Science and Technology Integration division at the National Weather Service's Central Region Headquarters. These regions stretch farther east than the historically prevalent 'Tornado Alley' of the mid- to late 1900s. [Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter] 'Then we see a renewed chance for severe weather Sunday, continuing Monday and continuing Tuesday as well,' Pittman says. 'A lot of the risks on Sunday through Tuesday are going to be from the High Plains pretty much through the Midwest.' National Weather Service maps show these risks concentrated in Kansas and Oklahoma. This weekend's predicted tornadoes would follow a slight lull in the region, she adds. 'We've had a little bit of a break here in May, which is typically a pretty busy severe weather month,' Pittman says. 'April was very active, and the rest of May does look pretty active as well.' As of May 15, the National Weather Service has tallied 779 tornadoes in its local storm reports—a preliminary number but a helpful metric for tracking the season's severity. For comparison, between 2005 and 2015, that same tally averaged 624; between 2010 and 2024, it was 592. 'As of mid-May, the U.S. is running well above the typical number of tornadoes to this point in the year,' says Rich Thompson, chief of forecast operations for the Storm Prediction Center. This year to date also stands out against individual years. The most active tornado season of recent years was 2011, when hundreds of storms struck in late April; by mid-May the tally stood at more than 1,300 storms, with more than 2,200 by the end of the year. That year also demonstrated the close connection between just a few days of serious storms and a bad season. 'Intense tornadoes are disproportionately responsible for damage, injuries and deaths, and such tornadoes are more common on a few 'outbreak' days,' Thompson says. 'Thus, the number of outbreak days often determines the severity of the season, with 2011 being the prime example of multiple high-impact tornado outbreaks.' Overall, this year is more on par with last year, which had seen 815 tornado reports by this point in the season. Notably, one third of those storms have occurred during just three outbreak days in March and April, Thompson says. If you live in an area where tornadoes are forecast, follow local weather and emergency response offices closely. In general, experts recommend having supplies available to shelter in place and having a safety plan for pets as well as humans. Pittman also recommends that people have multiple ways to stay on top of weather alerts (such as through broadcasts on television and on battery-powered radios, outdoor sirens and fully charged mobile phones). During an event, the National Weather Service recommends that people living where a severe thunderstorm watch is active head to 'an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.' If you're caught away from shelter, the calculus becomes more complicated. In a vehicle, if a storm is still at a distance, you may be able evade it by driving at a right angle to the tornado's apparent approach. If already caught in the winds, park instead, and either keep your seat belt fastened and protect your head and neck or get out of the car if there's someplace safe to lie below the elevation of the roadway. Avoid sheltering under bridges, however, which don't offer much protection, experts note.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Safeture AB - New report about the 2025 Hurricane Season: Tropical Storms Are Spreading
LUND, Sweden, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the increasing impacts of climate change, tropical storm activity is now reaching areas once considered safe. The latest report, "Hurricane Season 2025," published by Safeture, a Swedish company specializing in people risk management technology, in collaboration with Riskline, a leading provider of travel risk intelligence, offers an in-depth look at essential information for staying safe and informed during the season. Areas such as Western Europe, the Middle East, and Central Africa are increasingly experiencing the impact of hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. The latest report highlights that proactive preparation, rather than mere reaction, is now essential for protecting both individuals and business activities globally. The report includes a summary of last year: Europe experienced record-breaking storm activity, including Hurricane Kirk and Storm Herminia, which resulted in widespread flooding and transportation congestion across Central and Northern Europe. Asia-Pacific: The Philippines encountered an unprecedented six typhoons in one month, including two Super Typhoons. Australia was hit by Category 5 Cyclone Zelia. Americas: The Atlantic experienced 18 named storms-surpassing the seasonal average-with Hurricanes Milton and Helen affecting the U.S., and Hurricane Beryl setting records in the Caribbean. "Hurricane Season 2025," produced by Riskline, outlines essential travel safety strategies, health risk mitigations, and emergency preparedness protocols. The guide also stresses the importance of flexible travel policies, access to real-time alerts, and secure accommodations equipped with disaster plans. Advice on organizational preparedness includes: Training staff on emergency procedures and evacuation protocols. Monitoring official weather and travel advisories in real-time. Ensuring comprehensive health and evacuation insurance coverage for all travelers. Integrate travel risk management tools like Safeture's platform. "Storms are now unpredictable, global, and increasingly destructive," says Jonas Brorson, CMO at Safeture. "This guide helps companies plan intelligently and respond quickly." To download the full report or learn more, visit Hurricane Season 2025 For more information: or contact This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: Final PR Hurricane season 250512 Safeture-platform01 coverimage monitor View original content: SOURCE Safeture AB Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
