A recent flash study revealed that human-caused climate change significantly intensified Hurricane Helene, increasing its rainfall by approximately 10% and wind speeds by about 11%. The warming climate also elevated Helene's wind speeds by 13 miles per hour and made the high sea temperatures that fueled the storm 200 to 500 times more likely. Ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were recorded to be 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above average, contributing to the storm's strength.
Experts warn that continued burning of fossil fuels will lead to more hurricanes like Helene, resulting in catastrophic floods well inland, in addition to coastal areas. The impact of Helene was felt across several states, with record storm surge, sustained winds of 140 miles per hour, and over 230 fatalities. The storm dumped an unprecedented 40 trillion gallons of rain on the region, a volume significantly exacerbated by climate change.
