Immediate damage from a hurricane is evident, but environmental impacts can linger

• Hurricanes can cause the release of hazardous materials from industrial sites and sewage treatment plants.
• Storm surges and flooding erode shorelines, impacting water quality and habitats.
• Hurricanes can introduce invasive species and lower oxygen levels in marine ecosystems.

August is peak hurricane season, with four major hurricanes produced so far, leaving behind significant environmental impacts.

But the local impact of hurricanes can linger long after the storm has passed. Hurricanes can lead to the release of hazardous materials from industrial sites, sewage treatment plants, and agricultural runoff, according to experts with SciLine. 

Hurricane impacts, according to SciLine:

• Hurricanes can flood industrial sites, causing storage tanks to leak, releasing chemicals into the environment.
• Flooding can also damage equipment, causing fires and the release of noxious fumes.
• Storm surges and heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewage treatment plants, releasing raw or partially treated sewage into floodwaters.
• The contaminated water can then spread to surrounding areas, contaminating soil and water sources.
• Flooding can carry agricultural runoff, including fertilizers and pesticides, into waterways, causing eutrophication and harming aquatic life. 
• Storm surges and flooding can erode shorelines and coastal areas, leading to sediment and debris being carried into waterways, impacting water quality and habitats.
• Hurricanes can lower salinity and oxygen levels in marine ecosystems, making them less suitable for many species.
• Hurricanes can transport invasive plants and animals to new areas, disrupting local ecosystems.
• Contaminated soil and water can pose long-term health risks to communities, especially if not addressed properly.
• Exposure to contaminated floodwaters can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and gastrointestinal issues.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service are forecasting 13 to 18 named storms this season. 

Named storms are storms that reach winds of 39 mph or greater. Of those named storms, five to nine could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater. Two to five are predicted to be major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.

Climate change intensifies hurricanes by increasing their strength, rainfall, and storm surge, as well as potentially altering their paths and duration, according to experts with the Environmental Defense Fund.

Warmer ocean waters provide more energy for storms to intensify, while a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and increased flood risk. Rising sea levels also exacerbate storm surge, causing more destructive coastal flooding.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.