The beginning of August bringsskyrocketing hurricane risk,a new potential system off the East Coastand a reminder thatdevastating storms can quickly intensify into disaster. Historical trends show that August is often the pivot point for hurricane season, andforecasters say current conditionspoint toward an uptick in tropical activity. The beginning of the month alsobrought a new weather systemthat forecasters were watching off East Coast, but so far the danger appears low. It's too soon to know what will happen as the 2025 hurricane season progresses, but last year's season serves as a reminder of why it's important to be informed and prepare. 2024 saw brutal storm activity, includingHurricane Helenethat devastated the Southeast in late September killing248 peopleand causing $78.7 billion in damage. Throughout its path fromnorthwest of Steinhatchee, Florida, on Sept. 26 and through Tennessee and North Carolina, the storm also injured 117 others and forced the high-water rescues of more than 2,700 people, a National Hurricane Center report published in March revealed. The 2024 hurricane season also included devastating stormsBeryl,MiltonandJohn, whose names along with Helene, have been retired out of the World Meteorological Organization'srotating alphabetical basis of hurricane namesdue to their severity. As forecasters andresidents in hurricane-prone regions brace for more danger, here's a look back at the destructive power of Hurricane Helene. Contributing: Doyle Rice, Dinah Voyles Pulver and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:August hurricane forecast: Is another Helene brewing?