The Atlantic and Central Pacific hurricane season starts June 1. Eastern Pacific hurricane season starts slightly earlier on May 15, 2024, and is predicted to be a higher activity hurricane season due to a variety of factors, including the switch from an El Niño year to La Niña.
Taking proactive steps well before hurricane season's peak can promote safety and reduce the costs of property damage. Continue reading to learn more, minimize potential storm damage, and navigate storms with greater peace of mind.
Table of contents:
- When Is Hurricane Season?
- When Is Hurricane Season Over?
- What Are the Hurricane Predictions for 2024?
- 2024 Hurricane Names
- Where Do Hurricanes Happen the Most?
- What Damage Can a Hurricane Cause?
- Trust Rainbow Restoration for Storm Damage Restoration
- Hurricane Season FAQ
When Is Hurricane Season?
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak season in mid-August to late October. However, other tropical storms or cyclones can form outside these dates.
Pacific hurricane season is divided into two segments. Central Pacific, which encompasses the central North Pacific Ocean, starting from 140 degrees west longitude (140°W) in the Pacific Ocean and extending westward to the International Date Line, experiences the same hurricane season as the Atlantic, from June 1 to November 30.
The Eastern Pacific, which is the eastern North Pacific Ocean, stretching from the west coasts of Central America and Mexico westward to 140°W, has a slightly longer hurricane season, from May 15 to November 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be above normal, while the Pacific is expected to have a below-normal season.
When Is Hurricane Season Over?
Both Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons end by December. However, other storms may occur after November, such as tropical storms, typhoons, and cyclones.
Of course, other parts of the world experience different peak storm seasons. The Western Pacific, encompassing the waters near Asia from the International Date Line to the Asian coast, has typhoon season generally from June to December, with a peak from July to September.
The South Pacific has a cyclone season, which impacts areas like French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Australia, and New Zealand. It runs from November to April, with a peak around February to March.
What Are the Hurricane Predictions for 2024?
NOAA predicts a busy Atlantic hurricane season in 2024, with a 70% confidence in their forecast of 17-25 named storms. This translates to a 85% higher chance of an above-average season compared to the historical norm of 14 named storms.
A key factor influencing this prediction is the transition from El Niño to La Niña. While El Niño brings warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, La Niña brings cooler-than-average temperatures. These temperature changes impact weather patterns worldwide, including hurricane activity.
2024 Hurricane Names
How are hurricane names chosen? The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has a predetermined list of rotating, easy-to-remember names that alternate between male and female. This system helps avoid confusion and makes it easier for forecasters and the public to track storms.
These lists are used on a six-year rotation, meaning the 2024 names will likely reappear again in 2030. The only exception is if a storm is particularly devastating. In that case, the WMO retires the name to avoid future insensitivity.
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Names
The names of the Atlantic and Pacific hurricanes are different, both rotating every six years. Below are the Atlantic hurricane names for 2024.
- Alberto
- Beryl
- Chris
- Debby
- Ernesto
- Francine
- Gordon
- Helene
- Isaac
- Joyce
- Kirk
- Leslie
- Milton
- Nadine
- Oscar
- Patty
- Rafael
- Sara
- Tony
- Valerie
- William
2024 Pacific Hurricane Names
Given the six-year rotation, these names last appeared in 2018. The Pacific hurricane names for 2024 are:
- Aletta
- Bud
- Carlotta
- Daniel
- Emilia
- Fabio
- Gilma
- Hector
- Ileana
- John
- Kristy
- Lane
- Miriam
- Norman
- Olivia
- Paul
- Rosa
- Sergio
- Tara
- Vicente
- Willa
- Xavier
- Yolanda
- Zeke
Where Do Hurricanes Happen the Most?
The states most susceptible to hurricanes in the United States are concentrated along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Here's a breakdown of where hurricanes are most likely to make landfall and cause damage:
- Florida: Due to its unique geography bordering both the Atlantic and the Gulf, Florida takes the top spot with the most recorded hurricane landfalls.
- Texas and Louisiana: Sharing the Gulf Coast, these states frequently encounter hurricanes forming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
- North Carolina: Despite not bordering the Gulf, North Carolina experiences hurricane activity due to its location along the Atlantic hurricane track.
Other states like South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi also see their fair share of hurricanes, though to a lesser extent than the top four.
Worldwide, the western North Pacific Ocean area, encompassing waters near Asia, is the most active tropical storm region — averaging around 16.5 typhoons per year, which is the name used for hurricanes in the Northwest pacific oceans. On the opposite end, the North Indian Ocean experiences the least hurricane activity, with an average of only 1.5 per year.
What Damage Can a Hurricane Cause?
Hurricanes can cause a wide range of damage depending on the storm's intensity and specific location. Here's a breakdown of the destruction hurricanes can cause:
- Wind damage: High winds are one of the main characteristics of hurricanes, tearing off shingles, ripping siding from walls, and snapping trees. Wind can also cause windows to break, allowing rain and debris to enter buildings, causing further damage.
- Storm surge: The massive surge of ocean water caused by a hurricane can inundate coastal areas, submerging homes and businesses. The force of the water can also cause structural damage to buildings.
- Flooding: Heavy rains associated with hurricanes can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flash floods or prolonged flooding. Floodwater can contaminate belongings, damage electrical systems, and cause mold growth if not addressed quickly.
- Tornado damage: Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, which are highly localized but destructive storms. Tornadoes can rip through structures, causing severe roof and wall damage and posing a serious threat to safety.
- Debris impact: Flying debris from wind-whipped objects like roofing materials, furniture, or even entire trees can cause significant damage to vehicles and properties. Broken windows from debris can also cause further water damage.
- Erosion: Hurricanes don't just damage structures; they can significantly reshape the coastline. Powerful waves erode beaches and dunes, stripping away protective barriers and leaving coastal properties even more vulnerable to future storms and flooding.
Trust Rainbow Restoration for Storm Damage Restoration
With hurricane season starting in May or June and ending in November, property damage is at an elevated risk for those in areas impacted by hurricanes for six months out of the year. With 2024 expected to be a higher-than-average hurricane season, it’s critical to be ready to face the storms and prepare to rebuild.
Rainbow Restoration® offers a range of services to help with hurricane damage, including 24/7 emergency disaster restoration services, water damage restoration and cleanup, and mold remediation and removal. Rainbow Restoration’s nationwide team of highly trained service professionals are available 24/7 to help with storm damage restoration and cleanup.
Call Rainbow Restoration to help restore a property after hurricane damage.
Hurricane Season FAQ
What Month Is Worst for Hurricanes?
September is statistically the worst month for hurricanes. This is because of the warm temperatures and low wind shear.
Will 2024 Be a Bad Year for Hurricanes?
2024 is predicted to be a worse-than-average hurricane season by NOAA, with a 70% confidence rating.
Which Parts of the United States Are Most in Danger of a Hurricane?
Historically, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina are the most impacted by hurricanes in the United States.
What Part of Florida Gets Hit the Most by Hurricanes?
The northwest Florida Panhandle experiences the most hurricanes in Florida. This is due to the warm and shallow waters and low wind shear.
