Forecasters warn that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season may not be over yet. AccuWeather says there is a possibility of 1 to 3 additional named storms forming, with the potential for a tropical storm even developing in December.

The hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30, has already been active and destructive. Hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Helene, and Milton have all made landfall in the U.S. this year, causing billions in damages and over 300 deaths.

Forecasters are currently monitoring an area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean Sea with a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm in the next week. Warm ocean temperatures and low wind shear in the region could allow any system that forms to quickly intensify.

While storms forming this late in the season tend to track north or northeast, sparing Florida, forecasters warn the state and the Carolinas could still be at risk of another direct impact. The strength of a high-pressure system to the north of any potential storm will play a key role in determining its eventual path.

The Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coastlines are not expected to see any direct impacts for the remainder of the season. However, late-season tropical systems are more likely to affect Florida and the East Coast.

It has already been an extremely active and damaging hurricane season. Hurricane Helene is estimated to have caused $225-$250 billion in damage, while Hurricane Milton caused around $160-$180 billion in destruction.

(Image credit: Adobe stock)

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