Climate change made deadly hurricane Helene 500 times more likely

As Hurricane Milton nears Florida, fueled by an unusually warm Gulf of Mexico, new research highlights how climate change is driving more intense storms. A recent analysis found that the heat worsening last month’s deadly Hurricane Helene was 200 to 500 times more likely due to human-induced global warming.

Hurricane Helene, which struck with 140 mph winds, is now one of the deadliest in U.S. history, leaving over 220 dead across six states. The analysis revealed that climate change increased the rainfall by 10% and intensified winds by 11%, contributing to the storm’s devastation.

Scientists at the World Weather Attribution group stated that fossil fuel burning has made storms like Helene about 2.5 times more likely than during the pre-industrial era. If global warming reaches 2°C above pre-industrial levels, storms could see even more rainfall, the study warned.

“The heat from human activities acts like steroids for hurricanes,” said Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist at Climate Central. “We’re seeing storms like Helene and Milton become more explosive due to excess heat.”

Milton, currently barreling towards the Tampa area with 180 mph winds, stunned scientists by intensifying from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in just nine hours. The Gulf's water temperature along Milton’s path is 2-3°C higher than normal, further fueling its rapid growth.

Experts are increasingly concerned about the potential for more frequent and severe hurricanes due to the warming waters, with the Gulf experiencing record-high temperatures this summer.

Brian McNoldy, a climate scientist at the University of Miami, compared the situation to a “powder keg” waiting for a spark. “Now we have that spark. Milton’s intensification rate is historic.”

Hurricanes are gaining strength from warmer oceans and a hotter atmosphere, which increases both the storms' speed and their moisture content. This results in more intense rainfall and catastrophic flooding, as seen when Helene hit communities as far inland as North Carolina.

Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy, noted that the oceans have absorbed 89% of the extra heat caused by global warming, leading to stronger hurricanes and rising sea levels. “Our future is in our hands,” she added, emphasizing the need to halt fossil fuel consumption.

With the U.S. presidential election nearing, the twin hurricanes serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by climate change. While the issue has barely featured in the campaign, the impacts of global warming are being felt across the country, affecting everything from the economy to basic services like food, water, and shelter.

Florida’s officials have issued evacuation warnings as Milton’s landfall approaches, with the Tampa mayor warning that lives are at risk if residents don’t heed the advice.

[Information sourced from The Guardian]