How climate change makes hurricanes
more destructive

As our climate warms, we’re experiencing stronger winds, higher storm surges and record rainfalls during hurricane season — which is also why these storms are becoming more destructive and costly.

Warmer oceans fuel storms

So why do hurricanes bring more rain in a warmer climate?

As ocean temperatures rise, evaporation increases, adding more moisture to the air. Hurricanes that travel over these warmer waters can draw in more heat and water vapor, fueling the storms.

That means heavier rainfall, stronger winds and more flooding when the storms hit land.

Sea level rise makes storm surges worse

Storm surge happens when waters rise above their normal levels and are pushed inland by wind. These walls of water cause dangerous flooding, putting people, homes and businesses in harm’s way. 

Rising sea levels — driven by human-caused global warming — can lead to higher storm surges when hurricanes hit. 

Two phenomena tied to climate change are causing sea level rise: Glaciers and ice sheets are melting, and ocean waters are expanding as they heat up. The average global sea level has already risen by well over half a foot since 1880 — about four of those inches since 1993. 

Learn more about climate change and extreme weather

Hurricanes are stronger, intensify faster

Research finds that in the Atlantic Ocean, the proportion of hurricanes strong enough to be classified as major hurricanes (Category 3 or above) has doubled since 1980. Hurricanes are also getting stronger faster, a phenomenon known as rapid intensification. 

Scientists have found that climate change is leading to conditions that may set the stage for hurricanes to strengthen quickly, such as warmer waters. 

And when storms rapidly strengthen close to landfall, it means less time to prepare and evacuate, endangering lives and threatening more economic damage.

Meanwhile, hurricanes are traveling more slowly, making more damage possible. Slow-moving storms bring a higher risk of flooding as more rain is dumped over an area before a storm moves on.

Scientists are still debating exactly how this drop in speed is linked to climate change, but here’s the leading theory: The winds that steer hurricanes move more slowly in a warmer climate.

The damage we’ve seen from catastrophic hurricanes shows we need science more than ever to help us prepare for — and act on — climate change.

Learn more about climate change and extreme weather