Publication Date September 15, 2005 | USA Today

Experts say global warming is causing stronger hurricanes

United States
On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas. Photo: NOAA
On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas. Photo: NOAA

The number of hurricanes in the most powerful categories — like Katrina and Andrew — has increased sharply over the past few decades, according to a new analysis sure to stir debate over whether global warming is worsening these deadly storms...Co-author Greg Holland of the National Center for Atmospheric Research said the researchers can't say rising sea-surface temperatures caused Hurricane Katrina. But their study shows the potential for more Katrina-like events to occur, he said.