Hurricane Season Comes to an End, But Questions Remain
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season: A Record-Breaker
Hurricane season ended last week, and as expected, the cold fronts have begun to dominate the weather patterns in the United States. While not every December is free of tropical activity, this year’s winter-like pattern is a clear sign that we are in the clear.
The Mystery of Storm Surge: A Case Study of Helene and Milton
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by many historic events, but one question that seems to dominate the conversation is why Helene brought record storm surge to Tampa Bay while Milton did not, despite both storms rapidly intensifying into monsters before landfall.
Understanding Storm Surge
The most important thing to know about storm surge is that it is controlled by the "push" of water, not the "pull" of water. When Tampa Bay dropped to record-low levels with Irma and Ian, the water did not get "sucked" out. Instead, it was pushed out by the storm’s counterclockwise winds.
The Role of Wind Direction
Both Irma and Ian stayed east of Tampa, keeping the city on the side of the storm that pushes water out. Helene, on the other hand, went to Tampa’s west, which meant the counterclockwise winds pushed the water into the Bay, setting an all-time record for surge.
The Case of Milton
At one point, Milton looked like it was about to do the same thing as Helene, but it began trending south. Sarasota, which is only about 50 miles south of Tampa and a couple of hundred miles south of Helene’s landfall, was enough to keep Tampa Bay on the side of the storm that pushed water out, not in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by many historic events, and the mystery of storm surge remains a topic of discussion. By understanding the role of wind direction and the "push" of water, we can better comprehend why Helene brought record storm surge to Tampa Bay while Milton did not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What controls storm surge?
A: Storm surge is controlled by the "push" of water, not the "pull" of water.
Q: Why did Helene bring record storm surge to Tampa Bay?
A: Helene’s counterclockwise winds pushed water into the Bay, setting an all-time record for surge.
Q: Why did Milton not bring storm surge to Tampa Bay?
A: Milton began trending south, keeping Tampa Bay on the side of the storm that pushed water out, not in.
Q: What is the role of wind direction in storm surge?
A: Wind direction plays a crucial role in determining the direction of storm surge, with counterclockwise winds pushing water out and clockwise winds pulling water in.
