Recent Hurricanes in Puerto Rico (2024)

Let's dive right into this satellite image of the North Atlantic and the hurricanes it reveals. Now, the information presented here is not just run-of-the-mill data; it's a treasure trove for anyone keen on understanding the dynamics of hurricanes in the Caribbean region. The satellite image, dated 18.12.2023, courtesy of the CIMSS at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is like a snapshot frozen in time, allowing us to explore the history of some of the most potent hurricanes in Puerto Rico since 2018.

Let's start with Tammy, a Category 2 hurricane that roamed the Caribbean Sea from October 10-29, 2023. Despite not making a direct landfall in Puerto Rico, its presence was certainly felt, reaching a maximum wind speed of 167 km/h and a diameter of 741 km. The closest encounter was about 113 km west of Culebra in the East.

Philippe, a tropical storm, graced the Caribbean from September 20 to October 6, 2023, with a less intense profile. Maxing out at 83 km/h, it covered a wider area with a diameter of 1222 km.

Now, MetroLee, the Category 5 hurricane that swept through from September 1-17, 2023, was a force to be reckoned with. With a whopping max wind speed of 269 km/h and a diameter of 1296 km, it mercifully avoided direct landfall in Puerto Rico but came pretty close, about 322 km northwest of Culebra in the East.

Franklin, a Category 4 hurricane from August 18 to September 1, 2023, made its presence known in the South and West regions with a max wind speed of 241 km/h on land. Its closest approach to Puerto Rico was about 105 km northwest of Culebra.

Bret, a tropical storm in June 2023, didn't directly hit Puerto Rico but found its first landfall near Sainte-Luce in Martinique. It reached a max wind speed of 111 km/h with a diameter of 667 km.

Ian, a Category 4 hurricane from September 19 to October 2, 2022, and Fiona, another Category 4 from September 14-27, 2022, both had significant impacts on the East, South, and West regions. Ian reached a max wind speed of 250 km/h, while Fiona, on land, hit 157 km/h.

Earl, from September 2-15, 2022, came close but didn't directly land in Puerto Rico. Its max wind speed was 176 km/h with a diameter of 1308 km.

Skipping forward, Sam, a Category 4 hurricane from September 22 to October 7, 2021, stayed clear of Puerto Rico but ventured quite close—about 512 km northwest of Culebra in the East.

These are just a few highlights from a rich tapestry of hurricane history. The data sources from the National Centers for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lend credibility to these evaluations. The intricacies of each hurricane, from wind speeds to diameters, showcase the power and unpredictability of nature in the Caribbean. So, next time you see a satellite image, remember, it's not just a picture; it's a story of weather phenomena, and decoding it requires a keen eye and a wealth of knowledge.