Summary
The 2024 Eastern Pacific hurricane season was marked by below-average activity, featuring 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Despite this reduced activity compared to historical averages, the season was notably impacted by Hurricane John, which caused significant damage and loss of life in Mexico.
Hurricane John rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm just hours after forming, making landfall on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast and resulting in at least 29 fatalities and approximately $1 billion in damages. The storm’s swift intensification and the resulting evacuation orders caught officials and residents off guard, highlighting ongoing concerns about the increasing frequency of such rapidly intensifying storms in the context of climate change. Meteorologists noted that the warmer ocean temperatures contributed to this trend, suggesting a worrying shift in hurricane behavior that could have implications for future seasons.
Key Statistics
- Total Named Storms: 13
- Hurricanes: 5
- Major Hurricanes: 3
- Notable Storm: Hurricane John
- Landfall: Southern Pacific coast of Mexico
- Wind Speed: Up to 120 mph
- Fatalities: 29
- Damage: Approximately $1 billion
Contextual Factors
The 2024 season’s activity was significantly lower than the long-term averages of 16.6 named storms, 8.8 hurricanes, and 4.6 major hurricanes from 1991 to 2020. This disparity was particularly evident as the season unfolded with Hurricane John being the most impactful event, illustrating that even in a less active season, the potential for devastating storms remains high.
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