1. AccuWeather warns of an extremely active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season with up to 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes, and potential impacts on the U.S.
2. Factors contributing to the prediction include warm ocean temperatures, shifting from El Niño to La Niña, stronger African jet stream, and changes in steering winds.
3. Utilities in high-risk areas are advised to have preparation plans in place, such as storm hardening initiatives and undergrounding power lines to improve grid reliability and resilience.
AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting an active and potentially explosive hurricane season for 2024, with up to 25 named storms, 12 of which could be hurricanes, and significant direct impacts on the U.S. Factors contributing to this forecast include warm ocean temperatures, a shift from El Niño to La Niña, weather patterns in Africa, and changes in the location and strength of steering winds.
The transition to La Niña is expected to lead to a stronger African easterly jet stream, which could hinder tropical development early in the season but support more robust tropical waves later on. Power companies in high-risk areas like the Texas coast, Florida panhandle, south Florida, and the Carolinas have implemented storm hardening initiatives to improve grid reliability and resilience. Florida Power & Light (FPL) has seen marked improvements in system resilience as a result of these efforts.
AccuWeather advises all residents and interests along the U.S. coast, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, to have a hurricane plan in place and be fully prepared for a direct impact. With a potentially active hurricane season ahead, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their assets.