How climate change is rapidly fueling super hurricanes

An unprecedented number of storms rated Category 4 or stronger have lashed the U.S. shoreline in recent years.

As Hurricane Ian barreled toward Florida this week, it did what six other storms did over the past six years as they approached the United States: It intensified, quickly.

A few factors help account for the shift, including the warming waters — fueled by climate change — that give hurricanes more energy to release through crushing winds and pounding waves. Climate scientists suspect the slow movement of storms like Ian also stems from global warming, giving them a greater opportunity to strengthen and destroy as long as day-to-day conditions remain ripe.

More From The Washington Post (subscription required):