Understanding Cape Verde Storms and Their Impact on the U.S.
Cape Verde hurricanes are the longest and most powerful storms that typically form in the Atlantic Ocean. These storms, named after the Cape Verde islands off Africa, start over the Sahara and Gulf of Guinea, where hot dry air clashes with humid air, creating thunderstorms. They develop over warm ocean water above 80°F (27°C) and are fueled by light winds. About 85% of major hurricanes (Category 3 and higher) begin in this region. While they are the strongest due to extended development time, less than 10% of Cape Verde storms make landfall in the U.S. The National Hurricane Center monitors these storms, which usually form in August and September. Notable Cape Verde hurricanes include the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, and recent storms like Florence (2018) and Hurricane Irma (2017).