A new study published in the journal Science has warned the average number of major hurricanes in the North Atlantic could double or triple on past years. Last year’s Atlantic Hurricane season whipped up six major hurricanes, some of which peaked at winds of 111 mph (178 kph). The hurricanes, which included Harvey, Irma and Maria, tore through the Caribbean and US East Coast causing death and destruction on an unimaginable scale.
In past years the average number of major hurricanes forming in the Atlantic typically sat around three a year. Even further back in time, around two major storms would form each year. However, scientists now fear anywhere between five and eight major hurricanes will become the norm as early as the year 2100. Hiro Murakami, a hurricane expert at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), warned future hurricane seasons will be as destructive as last year’s. He said: “We will see more active hurricane seasons like 2017 in the future.” READ MORE
