The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its outlook for the upcoming season.

NOAA Predicts an 85% Chance of an Above-Normal Season

Why is this a Concern for Alabamians?

“Alabama has approximately 50 miles of Gulf Beach and an estimated 65 to 70 miles of bay beaches,” said the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Impacts could still be a concern for those living far inland, including our Townsquare Media Coverage area, as various modes of severe weather may occur depending on the hurricane's track.

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Key Factors for an Above-Normal Season

La Niña, which is typically linked to the intensification of storms. NOAA said that there is a “49% chance of development of La Niña may develop in June – August” or a “69% chance of development in July – September.”

The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing unprecedented warmth across numerous regions, a condition that may also contribute to the amplification of storm activity.

NOAA said that this “hurricane season also features the potential for an above-normal West African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms.”

“Light trade winds allow hurricanes to grow in strength without the disruption of strong wind shear and also minimize ocean cooling,” said NOAA.

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NOAA's 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

“Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.”

Named Storms

17 - 25

Hurricanes

8 - 13

Major Hurricanes

4 – 7

2024 Hurricane Names

25 costliest hurricanes of all time

Although the full extent of damage caused by Hurricane Ian in the Southwest is still being realized, Ian is already being called one of the costliest storms to ever hit the U.S. Stacker took a look at NOAA data to extrapolate the costliest U.S. hurricanes of all time.  

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state

Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.

Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Anuradha Varanasi

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