USF researchers: Rivers can supercharge Gulf hurricanes

USF researchers: Rivers can supercharge Gulf hurricanes

Hurricane Idalia intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm in less than 24 hours as it barreled toward Florida’s Big Bend in August 2023.  The phenomenon has become increasingly common – Hurricanes Helene and Milton also suddenly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico before making devastating landfalls. A recent study led by researchers at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus found that freshwater from nearby rivers can…