USA: Hurricanes Helene and Milton 2024

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Toppled trees and power lines in Perry, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, USA
K M H P H O T O V I D E O/Shutterstock

Introduction

Hurricane Helene was a devastating tropical cyclone that caused widespread destruction and fatalities across the Southeastern United States in late September 2024. It was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005.

Hurricane Milton is a strong tropical cyclone that made landfall in the U.S. state of Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the state's Big Bend region. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton formed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance which originated in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5. The storm then underwent explosive intensification, and became a Category 5 hurricane on October 7 while still over the Gulf of Mexico. At peak intensity, the hurricane was the fifth-most intense in the Atlantic on record, and is the most powerful tropical cyclone worldwide in 2024.

Related links
Hurricane Katrina 2005
Hurricane Florence 2018
Hurricane Harvey 2017
Hazards
Cyclone, Hurricane and Typhoon
Country and region
United States of America

Knowledge base

Update

Assessing the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on small businesses

Many small enterprises stood in the path of two recent US hurricanes. How many firms and workers were put at risk, and which sectors could feel the greatest impact?
McKinsey & Company
Update

Hurricanes Helene, Milton force rethink of US disaster readiness

While the U.S. government spends billions on disaster relief, experts say more should be done to prepare for the next big storm.
Context
Update

Florida and North Carolina are making it easier for people to vote after the hurricanes – but some risks remain

Michael T. Morley, who studies natural disasters and election law, discusses how recent storms like Hurricane Helene could complicate voting in the presidential election.
Conversation Media Group, the
Rock and soil cover destroyed houses in La Conchita, California after a landslide tore through the community in 2005.
Update

Mapping landslide risk in the United States and Puerto Rico

A new method provides highly accurate continental-scale landslide susceptibility maps that are being used in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Eos - AGU
Toppled trees and power lines in Perry, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, USA
Update

North Carolina’s hurricane damage is not just limited to destroyed homes, but contaminated water systems, experts say

Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding in western North Carolina, damaging homes and contaminating wells. Experts warn the region must improve disaster preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change.
Northeastern University
Update

Yet another hurricane wetter, windier and more destructive because of climate change

Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico and intensified in the course of only two days into a Category 5 hurricane. It followed in the wake of Hurricane Helene that made landfall less than two weeks before Milton.
World Weather Attribution
Flooded road in Florida after heavy hurricane rainfall
Update

Why might people believe in human-made hurricanes? Two conspiracy theory psychologists explain

Disasters often spark conspiracy theories about weather manipulation, as people seek control in the face of uncertainty. Promoting critical thinking and improving disaster preparedness can reduce these beliefs and help encourage actions.
Conversation Media Group, the
Toppled trees and power lines in Perry, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, USA
Research briefs

Climate change key driver of catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene that devastated both coastal and inland communities

Climate change worsened Hurricane Helene’s impact by intensifying rainfall and wind, causing severe flooding and destruction in coastal and inland areas. Rising temperatures contributed to these extremes, according to a World Weather Attribution study.
World Weather Attribution
Update

USA: Key barriers to evacuating Hurricane Milton

Hurricane evacuations can be hindered by cost, lack of shelter, disabilities, pets, or fear of not returning home. Vulnerable communities, already disadvantaged, face greater challenges in leaving before storms hit.
Guardian, the (UK)
Aerial image of a completely ruined roof after a severe storm
Update

Why hurricanes like Milton in the US and cyclones in Australia are becoming more intense and harder to predict

Climate change is making cyclones fewer but stronger, with harder-to-predict impacts. Warmer oceans and changing El Niño/La Niña patterns add uncertainty, increasing the need for improved preparedness and adaptation.
Conversation Media Group, the

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