what causes hurricanes like Helene and Katrina and Andrew to be so powerful compared to other hurricanes ?
In: Planetary Science
Some of it is random variability, combined with the current state of the El Nino cycle.
Some of it is absolutely climate change loading the dice. [Atlantic surface temperatures have been historically high](https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-sea-surface-temperature) this year. High ocean surface temperatures are like rocket fuel for hurricanes.
Add that to rising sea levels, and the storm surge is more destructive than ever.
For more details (and a slightly less ELI5 explanation): [NPR Shortwave – Here’s how Hurricane Helene turned into a major storm](https://www.npr.org/2024/09/27/1202000782/hurricane-helene-tropical-flooding-update)
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