Hurricanes are no longer just a seasonal threat. They are becoming more intense, more destructive, and more unpredictable due to a warming climate. Rising global temperatures, warmer ocean waters, and higher sea levels are fueling storms that bring stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and greater coastal flooding than ever before.
Stronger Hurricanes and Rapid Intensification
Hurricanes are not just getting more frequent, they are getting stronger, larger, and intensifying faster. Warmer ocean waters provide more fuel for storms, allowing them to gain strength much more quickly than in the past. This rapid intensification makes it harder for forecasters to issue timely warnings and gives coastal communities less time to prepare and evacuate.
Florida saw the devastating effects of this in 2024, when three major hurricanes made landfall. Two of them, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, were especially catastrophic for the Sarasota area and Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Sarasota Police preventing drivers from using the Ringling Causeway on Thursday, Sept. 26 as the weather worsened as Hurricane Helene passed nearby. (Sarasota Observer)
- Hurricane Helene rapidly intensified just before landfall and became one of the deadliest storms to strike Florida in years. Its massive storm surge devastated Sarasota and surrounding communities, while record-breaking rainfall and flash flooding made roads impassable and left thousands stranded.
- Hurricane Milton stunned forecasters when it rapidly strengthened from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than 36 hours. With 180 mph winds, Milton was one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever enter the Gulf of Mexico, and though it weakened slightly before landfall, it still caused catastrophic damage along Florida’s west coast.
- Hurricane Debby struck earlier in the season and, while not as strong as Helene or Milton, it brought prolonged flooding to Sarasota and parts of southwest Florida, further proving that even lower-category storms can be dangerous in a warming world.
A Warmer Atmosphere Means More Extreme Rainfall
A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, which means hurricanes now bring heavier rainfall than ever before. This leads to widespread flooding far beyond the coast, making inland communities increasingly vulnerable. We saw this in 2024, when storms stalled over Florida, dropping feet of rain in just a matter of days.
Hurricane Helene, in particular, produced unprecedented rainfall totals, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving entire neighborhoods underwater. Heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense, turning what were once wind-driven disasters into prolonged flooding catastrophes.
A fire truck is stalled in the deepest part of Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota during Tropical Storm Debby, on its way to hurricane status. (Andrea Melendez/WGCU)
Higher Sea Levels Lead to More Destructive Storm Surges
Sea level rise is making storm surge, the deadliest part of a hurricane, even worse. With water levels already higher, hurricanes can push even more ocean water onto land, flooding homes, businesses, and entire communities.
April 1st is No Joke—Kick Off the 2025 Hurricane Season Prepared!
Here’s why you do not want to miss this live event:
1. Be the First to Know!
Sarasota’s Climate Adaptation Center’s hurricane forecast has been the nation’s first and most accurate two years running. Get ahead of the storm before hurricane season even starts!
2. Protect Your Home & Finances!
New hurricane insurance changes could impact YOU. Learn how to prepare, adapt, and stay covered from top experts.
3. Hear from the Pros!
- Hurricane expert Bob Bunting will provide insight into what we can expect in 2025.
- Dr. Guillermo Franco, a global risk modeling expert, will break down the financial and property risks of hurricane season.
- Dr. Stuart Waterman, an adaptation strategist, will share practical strategies to help communities prepare for future storms.
📍 Live at USF Sarasota Manatee
🗓️ Tuesday, April 1 | 8:30 AM – 12 PM
🎟️ Tickets are just $49—get yours before they’re gone!
🔗 Reserve your spot now → https://bit.ly/4gyjGp9
Do not get caught off guard this hurricane season. Stay informed, stay prepared, and be part of the conversation.
👉 Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/4gyjGp9