Hurricane Helene and Milton are tropical cyclones that caused mass destruction in parts of the United States. Hurricane Milton was formed two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit Florida, causing destruction in the Southeast.
The warm sea temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in the intensification of Hurricane Milton that fluctuated in strength before making landfall in Florida. Hurricane Milton was classified as a Category 5 hurricane and Helene a Category 4 hurricane, due to the effects of climate change. This was proven by the Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS) that concluded that Milton’s windspeeds were increased by approximately 11mph, and Helene’s by 13mph.
There was huge economic damage as a result of these hurricanes that were exacerbated by climate change, as well as loss-of-life; long-lasting impacts such as poor health outcomes will strain health systems that will be felt in years to come. Fossil fuel emissions are also having a detrimental effect on climate change which has resulted in increased global temperatures, with extreme weather events such as Helene and Milton becoming more frequent.
How were Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton formed?
The excess heat across the United States strengthened both hurricanes by rising air that cools, causing moisture to condense which produces clouds. As droplets form, more heat is released that powers the storm, this low pressure over the sea causes more air to move upwards. The low-pressure void is filled by the air that rushes into this area when the systems spins, once these winds are sustained at 74mph, the hurricanes are formed. Weaker Category hurricanes would have hit landfall if the overall sea surface temperature was lower.
Climate Change Mitigation:
There is a strong consensus among scientists and policymakers that more actions are needed to mitigate climate change, which is exacerbating the intensity and frequency of hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Continued investment in climate science is essential for understanding hurricane behaviour in a warming climate. Improving predictive models and monitoring systems can better inform communities at risk and improve preparedness. While mitigation is crucial, enhancing community resilience to hurricanes is equally important. This involves investing in infrastructure upgrades, flood defences, and emergency preparedness plans to protect vulnerable populations.
In summary, a multifaceted approach that combines mitigation of climate change with adaptation and resilience strategies is essential to address the growing threats posed by hurricanes and other climate-related disasters.
About WPS Compliance Consulting:
At WPSCC, we provide a wide range of compliance services covering:
- BREEAM/Construction Consultancy
- Environmental Consultancy
- Planning Services
- Training and Development Services
We have also developed a software tool called SitePlan that enables clients to be self-sufficient and manage their own waste and environmental data.
