Hurricane Milton | What to Expect, Impacts, and Comparison with Other Hurricane

09/10/2024 - 21:25

Hurricane Milton, which was a Category 5 storm on Tuesday (/2024/10/08), has been downgraded to Category 3. Still, it has made the list of the most extreme weather events ever recorded in the Atlantic. Its rapid intensification, with winds reaching 165 mph (265 km/h) in just a few hours, reinforces the changing pattern of storms, a major global climate concern.

The challenge is even greater because the region is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which occurred just two weeks ago. Helene was another hurricane that hit the southeastern United States in late September, leading to over 200 deaths and $38 billion in damages.

Comparison

Hurricane Milton is comparable to some of the most destructive and rapidly intensifying storms of the past, including:

• Hurricane Wilma (2005): Considered the most rapidly intensifying hurricane in the Atlantic, Wilma increased its wind speed by 110 mph (177 km/h) in just 24 hours.

• Hurricane Felix (2007): Recorded a 100 mph (160 km/h) increase in winds in one day, causing devastation in Central America.

• Hurricane Michael (2018): Strengthened from a Category 2 to a Category 5 hurricane in less than two days, hitting Florida with surprising force.

• Hurricane Helene (2024): Caused more than 200 deaths and $38 billion in damages.

What to Expect from Hurricane Milton

Wind gusts are still reaching 125 mph (201 km/h) and could bring up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rainfall in some parts of Florida, such as Tampa, causing catastrophic flooding and structural damage. Evacuation orders have already affected 5.5 million people due to this event, which will be known as "the storm of the century."

Electric vehicle users should take precautions, as EVs can catch fire if exposed to salt water. According to coverage of Hurricane Milton by olhardigital.com.br, warnings should be heeded, as during Hurricane Ian, 5,000 cars were affected, causing 36 fires due to lithium-ion battery short circuits.

Before understanding global impacts, it’s essential to grasp what hurricanes are and their intensities.

For a storm to be classified as a hurricane, it must originate from tropical winds and have speeds exceeding 74 mph (119 km/h). Hurricanes are divided into intensity levels based on the Saffir-Simpson scale, ranging from one to five:

• Category Five: 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher

• Category Four: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)

• Category Three: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)

• Category Two: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)

• Category One: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)

Impacts

Around 5.5 million people in Florida are being forced to evacuate their homes due to the approach of Hurricane Milton, marking one of the largest evacuations in the state’s history. The evacuation order affects 30 counties, including densely populated areas like Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. The state has set up shelters in schools and other secure locations, as well as mega-shelters capable of housing thousands of people. Roads are crowded with vehicles leaving the area, and tolls have been suspended to facilitate the evacuation.

Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification raises serious concerns about the role of climate change in creating increasingly powerful and unpredictable storms. According to researchers, warming Atlantic waters and shifting weather patterns contribute to more intense phenomena, like Milton.

The impact of hurricanes of this magnitude is not only local. They affect the global economy, from rising oil prices (due to production disruptions in the Gulf of Mexico) to the destruction of infrastructure that requires significant reconstruction investments.

If you know someone in Hurricane Milton’s path or who has family and friends in Florida, share this information immediately! This hurricane has already forced millions to evacuate, and the situation can change rapidly. The more people are aware of the risks and guidelines, the more lives can be saved. #HurricaneMilton