MIAMI.- In the last two weeks, two hurricanes have threatened Florida: Helene y Milton; with which the state reinforces its place as the “hurricane capital” of USA.
At the moment, Category 5 hurricane “Milton” moves towards Floridawhere it is forecast to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area.
Just a few days ago “Helene” made landfall as a category 4with a balance of 40 people dead and millions in material damage.
But, What causes Florida to be a magnet for tropical storms and hurricanes?
Florida, the “hurricane capital” of the United States
The impact of major hurricanes on Florida They are not exceptional events, since every year it is placed in the path of the tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantiche Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
Florida has been the state most affected by hurricanes in the United States.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has experienced more hurricanes than any other state, with more than 120 direct hits since 1851.
Some of the most devastating hurricanes to hit the state include Andrew (1992), Irma (2017) y Michael (2018).
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Why do so many hurricanes hit Florida?
Five factors make Florida the hurricane capital of the world.
- Geographic location
- Ocean currents and winds
- Long hurricane season
- be a peninsula
- Heat and climate change
Geographic location
Florida’s unique geographic position makes it a target for tropical storms and hurricanes.
Because it is located between the Atlantic Ocean (east) and the Gulf of Mexico (west), it is vulnerable to hurricanes coming from both areas.
Additionally, its proximity to the equator makes it more susceptible to hurricanes that originate in the tropical Atlantic.
Ocean currents and trade winds
Currents in the Atlantic Ocean and prevailing winds direct many storms and hurricanes toward Florida.
While the warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico provide the fuel these storm systems need to intensify, easterly trade winds carry many tropical storms westward.
Since Florida is located in that direction, it is constantly in the direct path of hurricanes.
Hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30representing a six-month period in which Florida is constantly at risk for storms.
There is a peak of hurricane activity between mid-August and late October due to warmer waters.
During this time, weather conditions are optimal for hurricane formation due to high water and atmospheric temperatures.
It’s a peninsula
I owe what Florida is a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides.
With a coastline of more than 1,350 kilometers, the chances of a hurricane making landfall, from any direction, increase.
Even when the storm does not hit the state directly, the extended radius of its winds can cause considerable damage.
Heat and climate change
The warm waters surrounding Florida are the fuel needed for hurricanes to intensify.
In recent decades, climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of hurricanes that hit the state.
The warming of ocean waters due to high global temperatures creates more powerful and destructive storms and hurricanes.
Additionally, sea level rise, another effect of climate change, exacerbates coastal flooding problems when a hurricane makes landfall.
The condition of factors such as its location, ocean currents as well as the aggravating effects of climate change, make it Florida is the epicenter of hurricanes in the United States.
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