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Record-breaking hurricane activity in Pacific Ocean is battering SoCal
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The 2024 Pacific hurricane season has set a new record for accumulated cyclone energy, surpassing the previous high in 2018, leading to significant coastal damage in Southern California.
- Strong tropical storms, including Tropical Storm Rachel, have caused severe erosion, flooding, and structural damage along the Southern California coast, prompting emergency declarations in Orange County.
- The unusually active season is driven by a combination of long-term ocean warming, elevated nearshore temperatures, reduced wind shear from a strong El Niño, and a marine heat wave, creating favorable conditions for storms to impact the region.
- Experts warn that the storm activity is likely to continue, with additional cyclones expected in the coming weeks, and Southern California is preparing for potentially severe impacts from the strongest El Niño on record this winter.
- Historically, El Niño winters bring stronger waves and increased coastal erosion, with the risk of significant damage amplified if storms coincide with king tides, which are anticipated around major holidays this season.
