First Tropical Storm of the Year Forms in North America... "Earliest Appearance on Record"

First Time Occurrence in Early May... Impact of Global Warming
US Hurricane Center, "Coastal Residents Should Prepare in Advance"

[Image source= U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC)]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The first tropical storm of the North American continent, which usually appears in early June, has reportedly appeared before mid-May this year. This tropical storm, the earliest on record, is believed to have emerged due to rising sea surface temperatures caused by global warming. U.S. authorities have warned residents living in coastal areas to prepare in advance for hurricane damage, as this year's hurricane season is expected to start very early.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) on the 9th (local time), the first tropical storm of the year appeared off the western coast of Mexico and was named "Andres." The NHC stated that this is the first time a tropical storm has appeared in early May on record. A tropical storm refers to a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speeds near the center ranging from 17 to 24 meters per second, and if it strengthens further, it becomes a hurricane.

Although the U.S. hurricane season is generally known to start on June 1, it has recently been moved up to mid-May due to the effects of global warming, but this year it has been advanced even further to early May. The rise in sea surface temperature is considered the main cause. Recently, hurricanes have developed in the Caribbean region even after October, with some crossing the Atlantic in midwinter and making landfall on the European continent, causing damage.

The NHC recommended, "Residents living in coastal areas should prepare emergency supplies in advance to cope with hurricane damage and repair their homes to prevent typhoon damage." According to CNN, additional damage is feared as repairs have not yet been properly carried out in southern cities such as Louisiana, which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Laura last summer.