The science is becoming clearer every year. Climate change is making hurricanes stronger, faster, and more destructive. A new study from Climate Central, published in Environmental Research: Climate, confirms that warmer ocean temperatures, fueled by human-caused global warming, are driving more powerful Atlantic hurricanes.
The Data Behind Stronger Storms
Between 2019 and 2023, 30 out of 38 hurricanes reached intensities one category higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale than they would have in a world without climate change. In some cases, storms that might have been Category 3 hurricanes escalated to Category 4 or even 5, pushing damage potential to catastrophic levels.
In fact, three hurricanes, Lorenzo (2019), Ian (2022), and Lee (2023), were intensified into Category 5 storms specifically due to climate change. On average, wind speeds increased by 18 miles per hour during this period. Even a slight increase in wind speeds, without a full category jump, can dramatically increase the potential for storm surge and coastal flooding.
Unfortunately, the trend is continuing. In 2024 alone, every single Atlantic hurricane has been intensified by climate change, with maximum wind speeds increasing between 3 and 14 miles per hour.
Warmer Water, Faster Intensification
Hurricanes are fueled by warm ocean water. As global sea surface temperatures climb, storms now intensify at alarming speeds. Hurricane Milton, for example, strengthened by 120 mph in less than 36 hours, fueled by ocean heat made hundreds of times more likely by climate change.
This kind of rapid intensification leaves little time for communities to prepare, making flood defenses more critical than ever.
Why Flood Protection Matters More Than Ever
According to NOAA, the potential damage from hurricane winds increases by a factor of four with every category jump. That means stronger storms bring not just stronger winds, but also more destructive storm surges and inland flooding.
Traditional sandbags and outdated methods simply aren’t enough to keep pace with the hurricanes of today. Cities and homeowners need fast, reliable, and reusable flood protection systems.
How Tiger Dams Help Communities Stay Ahead
Tiger Dams offer a proven solution for both homeowners and municipalities preparing for stronger, faster, and less predictable storms. Tiger Dams can be quickly installed ahead of an incoming storm to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. They are also reusable & cost-effective, unlike sandbags, saving communities money year after year.
Climate change is rewriting the rules of hurricane season. Every storm is now stronger because of warmer oceans, and the risks of catastrophic flooding are rising. The time to act is before the next storm hits.
With Tiger Dams, communities and homeowners don’t have to wait for recovery — they can prepare, protect, and stay resilient in the face of stronger hurricanes.
