NOTE: This content is about weather and meteorology, similar to that contained in my WeatherMatrix Blog which ran from 2005-2022 on AccuWeather.com.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will go into the history books as one of the worst seasons for the United States since records began. Here are the rankings:
#1-#2 FOR DAMAGE:
AccuWeather says the 2024 hurricane season will have caused $500 billion in total damage and economic loss. That’s likely the 2nd worst season on record, worse than 2005, or if you don’t include 2017’s Maria in Puerto Rico, 2024 may have been the costliest season for the Continental US.
#3 FOR TROPICAL TORNADOES:
For tornadoes spawned by tropical storms, 2024 ranks 3rd since 1995 (when SPC records began) with four hurricanes dropping 173 twisters, helping lead to the most active US tornado season since 2011.
#4 FOR US HURRICANE LANDFALLS:
The season had 5 hurricane landfalls in the continental United States — Beryl, Debby, Frances, Helene and Milton. Only 3 years since 1850 had more hurricanes that made landfall. The 1886 season had 7, while 2020 and 1985 had 6. The number of landfalls is slightly different in years that had one hurricane make more than one landfall, for example Katrina 2005 (Florida then Louisiana) and Gloria 1985 (North Carolina then New York then Connecticut).
#5 FOR NUMBER OF HURRICANES:
A total of 11 hurricanes in 2024 ranks #5 since 1850. Only four years, 2020, 2005, 2010 and 1969 had more hurricanes in the Atlantic basin. We also had 5 Major Hurricanes which ranks this season #9 since 1850.
#9 IN THE SATELLITE ERA FOR NUMBER OF STORMS:
With 18 named storms, this season was on the low side of many forecasts. However, that still ranks 2024 #11 since 1850, which is pretty impressive for a 174-year record. It ranks #9 since 1960 (satellite era). IF the “Carolina Flood” storm gets ranked post-season as a named storm, 2024 rankings move up to #6 / #5.
#11 “EXTREME SEASON” OF ACE IN SATELLITE ERA
Although this season ranks #23 for Accumulated Cyclone Energy since 1850, it’s #13 since 1960 (satellite era) and according to Phil Klotzbach, the 11th “extreme season” in the satellite era (which he defines as 1966+).