2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Ends with Record Late-Season Activity and Devastating Impacts

The hyperactive season saw 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes, with five making Gulf Coast landfalls, causing billions in damages and dozens of fatalities.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season produced 18 named storms, 11 of which became hurricanes, exceeding the seasonal average by four storms and four hurricanes.
Five hurricanes made landfall on the Gulf Coast, including Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Helene, Milton, and Francine, marking only the fourth time this has occurred in a single season.
Hurricane Beryl broke multiple records, becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane on July 2 and rapidly intensifying in just 42 hours, a rare feat in hurricane history.
Florida faced significant devastation from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, with combined damages exceeding $5.3 billion and over 63 reported fatalities in the state alone.
Experts attribute the season's heightened storm intensity to record-warm ocean waters, which are linked to climate change and are expected to fuel stronger hurricanes in the future.