Almost two weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Helen, the nation's attention is on Florida as Hurricane Milton threatens to hit the state this week.
Sunshine State residents are used to hurricanes, but experts are sounding the alarm about Milton. The storm rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Monday, just one day after it officially became a hurricane, and will become an “intensified and extremely dangerous hurricane as it approaches Florida's west coast on Wednesday,” the newspaper said. It is expected that it will remain the same.” National Hurricane Center (NHC).
This is why experts are concerned about this storm.
rapid reinforcement
Arashi is officially hurricane The NHC said it had already strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday and Monday. rapid intensification, every NHC refers to when the “maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone” increase “at least 30 knots in a 24-hour period.”[.]30 knots corresponds to a speed just under 35 miles per hour (mph).
“This is what rapid development looks like: You go to bed and it's a so-so Category 1 hurricane, and you wake up in the morning to a monster Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 miles per hour,” said CNN meteorologist Elisa Raffa. Posting to social platforms X Monday featuring Milton's maps.
“This is truly mind-boggling and terrifying,” Rafa continued in the post. “This is the trend as our oceans continue to trap heat and create more powerful storms.”
The science nonprofit Climate Central noted Milton's rapid changes. escalation in the thread of “Anthropogenic climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise and create more powerful tropical cyclones,” X Monday said.
“Sea surface temperatures in the western Gulf of Mexico rose rapidly due to Milton, but climate change is making them hundreds of times more likely to become abnormally warm,” Climate Central said later in the thread.
A Florida meteorologist recently got emotional about Milton's intensity, saying the waters in the Gulf of Mexico, where the storm is currently brewing, are “incredibly hot.”
“You know what's causing it. I don't need to tell you…global warming, climate change is leading to this and the threat is increasing,” John Morales said.
Risk of damage
NHC mentioned in the prediction discussion On Monday, “Milton is expected to increase in size and remain a very dangerous hurricane as it approaches the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.”
“Widespread and destructive storm surge will occur along portions of Florida's west coast on Wednesday,” the agency continued. “This is an extremely life-threatening situation and residents in these areas should follow the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if instructed to do so.”
In addition to the storm surge, the NHC also said that likely “devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of Florida's west coast where hurricane warnings are in effect,” and that a zone of heavy rain is expected to extend “well into Florida well into today.” “It will affect some parts of the world,” he said. Heavy rain is expected in Milton late Tuesday into Wednesday night. ”
“This rainfall event will result in significant flash flooding, urban flooding, and regional flooding risk, with the potential for moderate to major river flooding,” the agency continued.
Brian Bennett, a meteorologist in the Tampa area. Mentioned in the X Monday post “It could be our Katrina,” Milton said, referring to the devastating 2004 storm that caused mass destruction in New Orleans.
“The winds rotate counterclockwise around a hurricane,” Bennett said. “If a storm makes landfall in Pasco, [County] or pinellas [County]as well as being significantly flooded; [Clearwater] St. Petersburg, but most of south Tampa, MacDill [Air Force Base]And downtown Tampa could be underwater. ”
Bennett also said that when the storm makes landfall, “winds will be sustained near 125 mph and gust to 155 mph.” It’s strong enough to cause damage,” he added. built a house ”
“I generally try to keep my messages calm and unobtrusive,” Bennett said in the post. “However, the devastating damage this storm could cause is the reason for my concern for my hometown of Tampa Bay. That's why I'm asking so many people to evacuate.”
