Something odd atmospherically happened during the hurricane, but I'm not sure what.
Disclaimer: This is a complex question and I am NOT a radio communications expert.
The very short version is yes, atmospheric conditions, in general, and major storms, in particular, can greatly affect radio reception.
Example: This is quoted from various sources on the Internet...therefore it must be true 😁.
The Earth's atmosphere can affect radio frequencies in a number of ways, including:
Radio window
The atmosphere acts as a barrier to most of the electromagnetic spectrum, but some frequencies can pass through. The radio window is the range of frequencies that can pass through, from about 5 MHz to 30 GHz.
Microwave frequencies
Atmospheric gases absorb radio waves at microwave frequencies, which can reduce the range of radio communication systems. Below 20 GHz, water vapor is the main cause of atmospheric attenuation.
FM radio
Rain and high humidity can affect FM radio signals. Water droplets in the air can scatter and absorb radio waves, which can weaken the signal and lead to static. High pressure can also affect FM radio signals, and some recommend waiting for the weather to change.
HF radio
HF radio can be affected by a number of atmospheric conditions, including:
- Earth's magnetic field: Protons guided by the Earth's magnetic field can collide with the upper atmosphere near the poles, creating an enhanced D-layer that can block HF radio communication.
- Auroral displays: Electrons during auroral displays can enhance other layers of the ionosphere, which can disrupt radio communication. This is most likely to happen at night in the polar regions.
- Solar output: Changes in solar output can affect the maximum usable frequency, which is the highest frequency that can be used for communication. Software tools can help users account for solar cycle events and allocate the best frequencies for different times of day.
- Thunderstorms: Atmospheric noise from thunderstorms can interfere with HF radio.
AM radio frequencies (medium wave (MW) band) are affected by atmospheric conditions, including humidity, temperature, pressure, wind, clouds, and precipitation:
Humidity
Can cause signal loss, reduced strength, refraction, and changes in air density. Higher humidity levels can reduce the distance AM signals can travel.
Ionosphere
The ionosphere's ionized layers can interact with AM radio signals' long wavelengths, causing significant changes in propagation from day to night. The ionosphere can also reflect signals back into space, limiting the low-frequency end of the radio window.
Water vapor and carbon dioxide
These atmospheric components can absorb radio waves, limiting the upper limit of the radio window.
Wind
Can affect the refractivity index, which can lead to changes in radio signal propagation.
Clouds and precipitation
Can reflect, scatter, absorb, refract, and diffract radio waves.
