Hawaii has often dodged the path of hurricanes. Why did it see so many storms this summer?
Summary
Hurricane Lowell recently caused damage in Hawaii, which rarely faces strong hurricanes because of its remote location and usually cooler ocean water nearby. This year’s warmer sea temperatures, driven by the El Niño weather pattern and human-caused climate change, have increased the number and strength of storms near Hawaii.Key Facts
- Hurricane Lowell damaged trees, power lines, roads, boats, and piers on the island of Kauai.
- Hawaii had another hurricane, Lala, in August, bringing hurricane-force winds to the Big Island and Oahu for the first time in 155 years.
- Hawaii usually avoids direct hurricane hits due to its isolation and cooler ocean waters east of the islands that weaken storms.
- El Niño is causing warmer sea temperatures in the Pacific, which helps storms form closer to Hawaii and get stronger.
- Hurricane Lowell briefly reached category 5 strength, fueled by unusually warm ocean waters.
- Climate change has made these warm ocean conditions much more likely, increasing storm intensity.
- Forecasters expect the hurricane season near Hawaii to continue with potentially more strong storms through November.
- Officials are working to repair damage and stay prepared for more storm impacts this year.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
