NOAA satellites constantly monitor the oceans for tropical activity. As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season comes to a close, we’re looking back at this above-normal season.
More than two weeks ago Otis went from tropical storm to Category 5 hurricane in a record 12 hours. It caught authorities and residents flat footed in this city of 1 million, a blend of big hotels and impoverished suburbs, tourism and drug violence.
The devastating hurricane showed how warm waters are like caffeine for a storm. About 90% of the excess heating from human activity has gone into our oceans.
Families of Mexican sailors missing since Hurricane Otis last month devastated the seaside resort of Acapulco are pleading for more help in the search for loved ones, frustrated by a lack of progress and government assistance.