By Karolina Mroczek, Grade 11
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30. Although it is almost over based on our calendar, some may say it is only the beginning as this season has been much more active than usual. So far, 10 hurricanes have formed this season, three of which hit and devastated Florida. Furthermore, the overall damage caused by these hurricanes is roughly $150 billion and over 370 people have been killed by the storms.
Florida faced many natural challenges with nearly back-to-back hurricanes since August. Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm, reached Florida in the first week of August. Despite its weaker strength (compared to other hurricanes this season), Debby caused widespread flooding and heavy rain throughout the southeastern United States. Towards the end of September, Category 4 Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc upon Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee. The storm itself caused over 230 deaths (which accounted for over 60 percent of the total hurricane deaths in the 2024 season). In early October, Hurricane Milton hit Florida. It was a Category 3 storm known for being the cause of 100 tornadoes in Florida alone. These three hurricanes have caused remarkable devastation in Florida, severely damaging infrastructure.
Due to the severity of the 2024 hurricane season, relief efforts are more important than ever. So far, organizations such as the Salvation Army and Convoy of Hope have helped Floridians impacted by the hurricanes by distributing relief supplies. Also, President Biden announced that $612 million would be given to help Florida rebuild its electric grids. Even major celebrities, such as Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds, have shown support and donated to the cause. With the help of donors and charity organizations, the year-long rebuilding of Florida has a bright future.
The hurricane season may be coming to an end, but it definitely is not over yet. Meteorologists say that more hurricanes can form as early as mid- to late October.
