That extra water vapour tends to fall out as extra rain, but it also provides extra energy to a storm. As the climate continues to change, storm intensity is likely to increase on average, as sea levels continue to rise. An ex-tropical cyclone like Gabrielle, moving over very warm water, can pack a devastating punch. That itself is partly related to the ongoing La Niña event in the tropical Pacific, which tends to pile up warm water (and tropical cyclones) in the west. Warmer seas load the atmosphere with water vapour.

Source: Stuff March 14, 2023 21:02 UTC