"An unprecedented number of storms rated Category 4 or stronger have lashed the U.S. shoreline in recent years".

"As Hurricane Ian barreled toward Florida this week, it did what six other storms did over the past six years as they approached the United States: It intensified, quickly.

A few factors help account for the shift, including the warming waters — fueled by climate change — that give hurricanes more energy to release through crushing winds and pounding waves. Climate scientists suspect the slow movement of storms like Ian also stems from global warming, giving them a greater opportunity to strengthen and destroy as long as day-to-day conditions remain ripe.

Since 2017, an unprecedented number of storms rated Category 4 or stronger have lashed the U.S. shoreline: Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael, Laura, Ida and now Ian. They all qualify as “rapid intensification events,” when a storm’s wind speeds increase by at least 35 mph within 24 hours."

Scott Dance and Kasha Patel report for the Washington Post September 29, 2022. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Study Finds That Climate Change Added 10% To Ian’s Rainfall" (AP) [3]

"How Hurricane Ian Became So Powerful" (New York Times) [4]