Weather

US Faces More Tropical Storm Risk After Helene

By Douglas McIntyre • September 30, 2024

Rodrigo Souza Pexels

New data show that at least one tropical storm could form in the Gulf of Mexico region later this week. Accuweather says, “the area from the western Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico will remain a potential tropical development zone into the first half of October. Over the next week, one to two tropical storms could be born in this zone and potentially steered across part of the southeastern U.S. “

Florida Destruction

The storm-threatened area runs from New Orleans to the western coast of Florida. If a storm hits the part of the US destroyed by Hurricane Helene, low-lying areas that have been flooded and parts of North Carolina that have been battered will face more destruction.

The primary cause of Helene would also trigger another dangerous storm. The water of the Caribbean is as much as 8 degrees F compared to the historical average. This warm and deep water feeds tropical storm systems, increasing the change of high winds, storm surges, and heavy rains.

$150 Billion Damages

Helene has killed as many as 100 people and caused damage of as much as $150 billion. Another violent storm in the same part of the US makes some parts of the region uninhabitable for weeks and perhaps longer.