Three Hurricanes Active in the Pacific Ocean

<p>Currently, three hurricanes are present in the Pacific Ocean, located between 15 and 20 degrees north latitude. The easternmost storm, Hurricane Polo, has been active off the southern coast of Mexico for nearly a week and is classified as unusually strong. To the west, Hurricane Odalys, which was previously a Category 4 hurricane, is gradually weakening. In the central Pacific, Hurricane Nolo has reached Category 2 status and is approximately 145 miles off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, where it is expected to bring up to 25 inches of rain, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.</p><p>Last month, four storms developed in the Pacific over a 12-day span, with Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke coming close to Hawaii. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, noted that the frequency of these storms has increased this year, with 17 tropical storms forming so far, compared to the typical 12 by this point in the season, attributed to a significant El Niño event.</p><p>Among the current storms, Polo has fluctuated between Category 4 and 5 and is expected to cause significant damage upon making landfall on Monday. The warm ocean temperatures associated with El Niño contribute to the formation of stronger storms. Michelle L’Heureux from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center stated that strong El Niños can influence weather systems globally.</p><p>The warmer waters have expanded the area where storms can form. Brennan explained that storms typically weaken as they approach the central Pacific, but this year, temperatures are over 3 degrees Celsius warmer than usual, allowing hurricanes like Nolo to form closer to Hawaii. Brennan indicated that such a hurricane season occurs roughly every decade, but this year's activity is notable.</p><p>Hawaii has faced multiple disasters this year, including an eruption of the Kilauea volcano in January, which caused damage from rocks and ash, and historic flooding from back-to-back Kona lows in March. In May, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake impacted nearly 150 homes. Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm, brought approximately 30 inches of rain to parts of the Big Island without making landfall.</p><p>David Ho, a professor of oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, experienced flooding in his neighborhood during Lala. He reported that over 200 homes and around $67 million in public infrastructure were damaged, as per the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Ho noted that many homes were built before modern building codes were established, leading to vulnerabilities during storms.</p><p>Many residents, particularly in rural areas, continue to feel the effects of Lala. Janice Ikeda, CEO of the nonprofit Vibrant Hawaii, highlighted the importance of preparedness, noting that many households lost their food supplies due to the storm. The state has since reissued Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to over 65,000 households affected by the storm.</p><p>Earlier this month, another storm, Lowell, approached Hawaii, causing power outages for more than 90 percent of utility customers in Kauai. Nolo is expected to remain 100 miles from the coast, which may mitigate its impact compared to previous storms; however, it could still bring significant rainfall, coastal flooding, and high surf. The hurricane season is expected to continue for another two months, with the influence of El Niño likely to strengthen.</p><p>In contrast, the Atlantic hurricane season is experiencing fewer storms due to strong wind shears generated by El Niño, making it difficult for hurricanes to form. As of now, no hurricanes have developed in the Atlantic, and none are anticipated in the near future.</p>