Short Wave The 2021 Hurricane Season Wrapped
Dec 6, 2021
Matthew Cappucci, a meteorologist with the Washington Post and Fox 5 DC, dives into the whirlwind of the 2021 hurricane season, marking it as one of the most active yet. He discusses how all 21 storm names were exhausted and the unusual patterns observed. The conversation highlights the staggering impact of climate change on storm intensity, specifically rapid intensification seen in storms like Hurricane Ida. Cappucci emphasizes the need for effective communication and resilience in the face of hurricanes, considering both wind and rainfall as critical threats.
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Hurricane Formation
- Tropical cyclones begin as interacting thunderstorms that form a spinning center.
- Hurricanes, the most intense form, arise from surprisingly calm atmospheric conditions.
2021 Hurricane Season Overview
- The 2021 hurricane season was unusually active, exhausting the naming list for only the third time recorded.
- The season also exhibited a stark shift, being hyperactive initially and then abruptly becoming quiet.
Hurricane Ida's Impact
- Hurricane Ida, a high-end Category 4, significantly impacted Louisiana with 150 mph winds.
- Ida's remnants caused major flooding in the Northeast, breaking rainfall records and leading to numerous fatalities.