Water up to your knees, abandoning your home and everything you know, not enough water, and no way to communicate and check up on your loved ones. These are just some of the many things people had to go through during the 2017 Hurricane season. This hurricane season has been one to remember with hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, among others devastating the Atlantic. At this time, we need to take into consideration global warming. But what are the effects of Global warming on these catastrophic events? One may say none, if they refuse to believe in Global warming.  However, the theory is becoming a reality and it needs to be discussed.  Hurricane Harvey brought catastrophic flooding to the Houston area due to massive rainfall. Irma placed number two in the most describe hurricanes in the Atlantic. Maria devastated the Virgin islands and greatly impacted Puerto Rico.

Since around the 1970’s hurricane activity in the Atlantic has risen critically and sharply according to the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratories. The intensity, duration, and frequency are apart of this increase. The gradually rising temperatures caused by global warming are the perfect ingredient for a harsh hurricane. The temperature increase causes extreme precipitation. Not only this but hurricanes act as a “valve” for these hot temperatures radiating heat to space. In other words, the increase in global temperature have made hurricanes more necessary and even more intense. The rise of sea levels also plays a role. A rise in sea level means stronger storm surges  which cause massive flooding and destruction to homes near the shore. Although a bit unsure scientist speculate that the size and duration of the hurricane is also affected by global warming. These attributes of global warming are very significant in terms of destruction. According to hurricanescience.org storm surges can be “as destructive as wind but can be even more deadly, and is by far the greatest threat to life and property along the coastline.” The temperature’s effect on the frequency causes more hurricanes to happen between shorter amounts of time. For instance Puerto Rico has hit both by category four hurricanes Maria and Irma. This double hit left the country in devastation were most people are without power and water supply.

Global warming is truly taking a toll on hurricanes and the evidence is already there to prove, not only scientifically but amongst people the undergo the devastation and rush of emotions.