Hurricane Milton, a rapidly intensifying storm with winds up to 155 mph, is headed for Florida, prompting a state of emergency and mass evacuations. Expected storm surges could cause severe flooding along the coast, and heavy rainfall is forecasted. Milton could become one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit west-central Florida, following Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Milton is currently following a path toward Florida, prompting the state’s governor’s office to declare a state of emergency as large-scale evacuations commence. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton has the potential to become one of the most destructive hurricanes recorded in west-central Florida. Terms such as “historic,” “catastrophic,” and “unprecedented” have been attributed to both Milton and the previous hurricane, Helene, reflecting a growing trend of extreme weather events worldwide. As of the latest NHC update, Hurricane Milton maintains maximum sustained winds of approximately 155 mph (250 km/h), categorizing it as a powerful category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, having previously reached the category 5 status. This hurricane has intensified rapidly, marking one of the most explosive developments in the Atlantic, comparable to Hurricane Beryl’s July intensification, noted as the third most rapid in the region’s history. The Gulf of Mexico’s warm ocean temperatures are proving critical in Milton’s intensification; higher sea surface temperatures provide the necessary energy for hurricane development. Milton’s hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 80 miles (130 km) outward as the storm is expected to grow in size. On Wednesday, a severe storm surge will impact the west coast of Florida, creating an extremely perilous situation, with water levels projected to reach 10-15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in the Tampa Bay area. Along the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, storm surges will elevate water levels by 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). The combination of this dangerous surge and high tides will lead to severe flooding in normally dry areas along the coast. Rainfall forecasts predict 5 to 10 inches (12.7 to 25.4 cm), with localized amounts up to 15 inches, across portions of the Florida Peninsula through Thursday, increasing the risk of significant flash flooding and river flooding. Milton is anticipated to land in Florida where Hurricane Helene made landfall ten days earlier, specifically near Fort Myers, an area previously affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022, which was also a category 5 storm. Following its landfall, Milton is projected to traverse Florida and subsequently exit into the Atlantic Ocean. It is noteworthy that, at present, three hurricanes—Milton, Leslie, and Kirk—are active in the Atlantic, which is quite rare for the month of October. Kirk, categorized as a category 1 hurricane, is expected to deteriorate and transition into an ex-tropical cyclone upon reaching Europe, where significant impacts are anticipated in France, including wind gusts of up to 110 km/h and heavy rainfall across various regions.
The article discusses Hurricane Milton, which poses a significant threat to Florida following its trajectory after Hurricane Helene. The state’s government has enacted emergency measures due to the overwhelming risk posed by Milton, which displays characteristics of potentially catastrophic hurricanes. The discussion includes the hurricane’s wind speeds, the implications of rising ocean temperatures on its intensity, anticipated storm surges, and flooding as well as the context of other hurricanes in the Atlantic during the same period.
In summary, Hurricane Milton is a powerful and rapidly intensifying storm threatening Florida with the potential for significant destruction. The state’s emergency preparations reflect the storm’s dangerous characteristics, including high wind speeds, severe storm surges, and extensive rainfall. As Milton approaches its landfall, it follows in the wake of Helene and serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events globally. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for safety and preparedness among residents in affected areas.
Original Source: wmo.int
