Hurricane Milton is poised to make landfall in Florida, classified as a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds nearing 155 mph. A state of emergency has been declared, and evacuations are ongoing in affected areas. The storm poses a significant risk of destructive storm surges and heavy rainfall, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Milton has emerged on a collision course with Florida, following shortly after Hurricane Helene. In preparation for the storm’s landfall, the Florida governor’s office has declared a state of emergency and initiated mass evacuations in the affected regions. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that “Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.” The storm is classified as a powerful category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds approaching 155 mph (250 km/h) and expectations of remaining highly dangerous as it approaches landfall. Milton has exhibited rapid intensification, a phenomenon increasingly observed in recent hurricanes, ranking as the third most intense such event in the Atlantic. This intensification is attributed to exceptionally warm ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, providing vital energy for the storm. With hurricane-force winds extending up to 30 miles (45 km) from its center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out to 80 miles (130 km), Milton’s size is anticipated to increase as it approaches the coastline. A significant storm surge poses a life-threatening risk, particularly along Florida’s west coast, where levels may reach up to 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in the Tampa Bay area. Additionally, in Mexico, areas along the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula may experience surges raising water levels by 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). The expected rainfall suggests accumulations of 5 to 10 inches (12.7 to 25.4 cm), with localized areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches, thereby heightening the risk for urban and flash flooding, alongside moderate to major river flooding. Hurricane Milton’s landfall will occur near Fort Myers, a location reminiscent of Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact in 2022. Following landfall, Milton is projected to traverse the state before exiting into the Atlantic Ocean. At present, the Atlantic hosts three hurricanes: Milton, Leslie, and Kirk, an unusual occurrence for October. Kirk is currently a category 1 hurricane and is expected to lose strength as it advances toward Europe, particularly impacting France, where dangerous winds and heavy rainfall are anticipated.
The increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes in recent years highlight concerning trends associated with climate change. The warm ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico serve as a significant catalyst for hurricane intensification, a factor that experts are closely monitoring as global temperatures rise. This situation is further exemplified by hurricanes like Milton and Helene, which have prompted states of emergency and evacuation measures in populous regions. The warnings issued by the National Hurricane Center are critical, as they seek to prepare communities for the imminent dangers associated with severe weather events. Emphasis on storm surges and flooding underscores the necessity for public awareness and emergency preparedness.
In summary, Hurricane Milton represents a significant threat to Florida, with its potential for destructive impacts underscored by rapid intensification and warm ocean conditions. The state’s proactive measures, including a state of emergency and evacuations, illustrate the seriousness of the situation. This storm, alongside its predecessor Helene and other Atlantic hurricanes, emphasizes the increasing severity of such weather events, prompting attention to preparedness and resilience against future storms.
Original Source: wmo.int
