NOAA predicts above-normal activity this hurricane season
La Niña and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are major drivers of tropical activity.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The chance of the season being above normal, per that forecast, is 85%.
NOAA’s forecast calls for 17 to 25 total named storms with eight to 13 of those forecast to become hurricanes, and 4 to 7 to be major hurricanes (category 3 or higher).
They are citing above-normal activity due to near-record ocean temperatures and the development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific which reduces wind shear. All of these factors together could make it an active season.
La Niña conditions are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity. On average, La Niña conditions occur every 3 to 5 years. This transition to the La Niña phase comes after a strong El Niño that was in place this Winter.
Above are the 2024 Atlantic tropical cyclone names selected by the World Meteorological Organizations (WMO). If the season is indeed above normal, it is possible all the names on this list get used up. There is a second list of names that can also be used.
Tennessee is no stranger to the remnants of tropical cyclones. Some recent storms that you might remember impacting the Mid State are Hurricane Alberto, Hurricane Harvey, and Hurricane Katrina. Although these storms were much weaker when they arrived here, they caused devastating flooding and tornadoes.
Historical hurricane tracks that have impacted Middle Tennessee can be found here.
Hurricane season is typically most active for the months of August through October, but each year differs a bit.
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