Shattered windows, mud-filled streets, and a desperate search for the missing – these are the devastating aftermaths of Hurricane Otis, one of the most catastrophic storms to hit Acapulco in decades. The unprecedented fury and rapid strengthening of Otis have left forecasters and hurricane experts stunned.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Otis witnessed an astonishing increase in wind speeds of 115 mph in just a single day. This rapid intensification, the second-fastest recorded in modern times, took forecasters by surprise. The Center referred to the disaster as a "nightmare scenario."

A recent study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on the phenomenon of rapid intensification, which is becoming more common in certain regions. Lead researcher, Dr. Andra J. Garner, explains that the analysis indicates an increased likelihood of storms intensifying quickly in the tropical eastern Atlantic, regions along the U.S. East Coast, and the southern Caribbean Sea.

The study attributes the strengthening storms to a warming planet. In 2023, the ocean experienced abnormally high surface temperatures, providing the perfect conditions for Otis to gather strength. Passing through 88-degree surface waters before striking Mexico, Otis exemplified the influence of warm ocean temperatures. Hurricane Idalia followed a similar path, rapidly intensifying from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 4 storm before hitting the Florida coast in August.

Meteorologist Richard Knabb, formerly the director of the National Hurricane Center, emphasizes the pivotal role of warming oceans in fueling hurricanes. "We would not see as strong of hurricanes if we didn't have the warm ocean and Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico," Knabb states. "That is the fuel."

To better predict conditions that could cause rapid intensification, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has deployed drones in the air, on the water, and below the ocean's surface. These advanced tools allow NOAA to gather crucial data and improve forecasting accuracy. Additionally, researchers at NOAA are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the data quickly and make more informed human forecasts.

The devastated community of Acapulco is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Otis. Even two days after landfall, thousands are without power or communication, making it challenging for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage. As the Atlantic hurricane season continues until November 30, meteorologists are closely monitoring the ocean for any potential developments.

The ferocious nature of Hurricane Otis has served as a stark reminder of the growing threat of rapidly intensifying storms in the face of a warming planet. With advancements in technology and research, experts aim to enhance preparedness and response measures, striving to minimize the impact of future hurricanes on vulnerable communities.