Date: 30 November 2024.
PRESS RELEASE: END OF THE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON 2024
End of the 2024 Hurricane Season: Reflections and Preparedness
Today, November 30, marks the official end of the 2024 Hurricane Season for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean basin. This season, described as hyperactive, lived up to expectations in several ways. It produced 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph (178 km/h) or higher. In comparison, an average season typically sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
The season began relatively late, with the first named storm, Tropical Storm Alberto, forming on June 19 in the western Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Beryl followed and made history as the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record for the Atlantic basin and the strongest hurricane ever recorded in June and July.
The three most destructive cyclones were Hurricane Beryl, which caused significant damage in the Caribbean, and Hurricanes Helen and Milton, which inflicted catastrophic damage in the United States.
Saint Lucia faced a direct threat from Tropical Cyclone Beryl, which prompted Hurricane Watches and Warnings from June 30 to July 1, 2024. Beryl brought near-hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and extremely rough seas, resulting in damage to homes, roads, public utilities, and critical infrastructure.
Additionally, there were several significant rainfall events in July, August, October, and November, causing localized flooding across various parts of Saint Lucia. November has been particularly wet, especially in the southern, central, and western areas, with Hewanorra Meteorological Office recording 457.2 mm of rainfall, the highest for November since 1973.
As we transition into the dry season, the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services reminds the public that severe weather can still occur outside the official hurricane season. The recently concluded 2024-2025 Dry Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), held in Saint Lucia, projects a wetter-than-normal start to the dry season from December 2024 to February 2025.
The public is encouraged to stay vigilant and follow local weather updates, advisories, and bulletins from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services and announcements from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).
The next hurricane season will run from June 1 to November 30, 2025.
We wish all Saint Lucians a safe and blessed holiday season.
Venantius Descartes / Meteorologist III
Vigil Saltibus / Director Ag.
Saint Lucia Meteorological Services.