BREAKING NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour is deeply saddened by the recent tragedy involving his sister, who was rushed to the hospital after an accident but tragically did not survive.

Forecasters from Colorado State University anticipate an unusually active hurricane season in 2024, attributing it to record-warm temperatures in parts of the Atlantic Ocean. They predict an elevated risk of major hurricanes making landfall in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and along the East Coast. This prediction aligns with forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Corey Davis of the N.C. Climate Office, all of whom expect the transition from a strong El Niño to a La Niña phase between June and August. La Niña conditions typically foster more hurricanes in the Atlantic and facilitate the formation of stronger storms.

The Colorado State University forecast for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season includes projections of 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes. These figures significantly surpass the averages recorded over the past three decades.

Regarding the likelihood of major hurricanes making landfall in the United States, Colorado State University forecasters estimate higher probabilities compared to historical averages. They anticipate a 62% chance of a major hurricane hitting anywhere along the continental U.S. coast, with elevated probabilities for specific regions such as the East Coast (34%) and the Gulf Coast (42%). Additionally, they predict a 66% chance of a major hurricane striking the Caribbean.

For North Carolina, the researchers project an 85% chance of being affected by a named tropical storm, a 56% chance of being affected by a hurricane, and a 13% chance of being affected by a major hurricane (Category 3 or above) in 2024. These probabilities are notably higher than historical averages, indicating an increased risk for the state.