Why experts are so scared of Hurricane Milton
The nation's eyes are on Florida as Hurricane Milton seems poised to strike the state this week -- nearly two weeks after experiencing the destruction of Hurricane Helene.
Residents of the Sunshine State are no strangers to hurricanes, but experts are sounding the alarm over Milton. The storm rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane Monday, only one day after it officially became a hurricane, and “is expected to grow in size and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane when it approaches the west coast of Florida on Wednesday,” according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Here's why experts are concerned about the storm.
Rapid intensification
The storm officially became a hurricane Sunday, according to the NHC, and on Monday, it had already intensified into a Category 5 hurricane. Rapid intensification, per the NHC, is when “the maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone” rise “at least 30 knots in a 24 hour period[.]” Thirty knots is equal to just below 35 miles per hour (mph).
“This is what rapid intensification looks like, going to sleep to a meh category 1 hurricane & waking up to a monster category 5 with 160 mph winds,” CNN meteorologist Elisa Raffa said in a post on the social platform X Monday that featured maps with Milton.
“Truly mind-boggling & scary,” Raffa continued in her post. “This is the trend as our oceans continue to trap heat & fuel stronger storms.”
The science nonprofit Climate Central noted Milton’s rapid intensification in a thread on X Monday, stating that oceans rising in temperature “due to human-caused climate change, are fueling stronger tropical cyclones.”
“#Milton rapidly intensified over sea surface temperatures in the Western Gulf of Mexico, which have been made hundreds of times more likely to be anomalously warm due to climate change,” Climate Central said later in the thread.
A Florida meteorologist who recently got emotional when talking about the severity of Milton said that the Gulf of Mexico, where the storm is currently located, has waters that are "so incredibly hot."
“You know what’s driving that, I don’t have to tell you … global warming, climate change leading to this and becoming an increasing threat,” John Morales said.
Risk of damage
The NHC said in a forecast discussion Monday that “Milton is expected to grow in size and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane when it approaches the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.”
"A large area of destructive storm surge will occur along parts of the west coast of Florida on Wednesday," the agency continued. "This is an extremely life-threatening situation, and residents in those areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so."
Beyond the storm surge, the NHC also said that possibly “devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of the west coast of Florida where a Hurricane Warning is in effect” and that zones “of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida today well ahead of Milton, with heavy rainfall more directly related to the system expected later on Tuesday through Wednesday night.”
“This rainfall will bring the risk of considerable flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding,” the agency continued.
Bryan Bennett, a Tampa-area meteorologist, said in a post on X Monday that Milton “COULD BE OUR KATRINA,” referencing the cataclysmic 2004 storm that caused mass destruction in New Orleans.
“Winds rotate counterclockwise around a hurricane,” Bennett said. “If the storm makes landfall in Pasco [County] or Pinellas [County], not only will it significantly flood [Clearwater] & St. Petersburg, but much of south Tampa, MacDill [Air Force Base], & downtown Tampa may go underwater.”
Bennett also said when the storm makes landfall, “winds are going to be sustained around 125, gusting to 155 mph,” adding that a wind speed at “150 mph wind is strong enough to take off a roof and damage exterior walls of a well built home.”
“I typically try to keep my message calm & low key,” Bennett said in his post. “But, the potential devastation that this storm may cause is the reason for my concern/worry for my home -Tampa Bay. That is also why I am pushing for so many people to please evacuate.”
Date: |
-
Top stories - CBS News
Why Hurricane Milton's storm surge threat is growing
As Hurricane Milton intensified on its path toward Florida's Gulf Coast, the strength of the system increased the severity of the storm surge forecast.1 hour ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Why are credit card interest rates still so high right now?
Credit card rates are sitting at a record high of nearly 23% — even as other rates are falling. Here's why.11 hours ago -
Sports - CBS Sports
Guardian Caps, helmet add-ons could reduce concussions by nearly 50%, so why isn't everybody wearing one?
The answer is complicated, perhaps unnecessarily so.13 hours ago -
Top stories - ABC News
Hurricane Milton tracker: Category 5 storm an 'extremely serious threat' to Florida
Hurricane Milton strengthened on Monday to a Category 5 storm.4 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - CBS News
Hurricane Milton strengthens in the Gulf as it heads toward Florida
Hurricane Milton is rapidly growing in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in a part of western Florida still reeling from Hurricane Helene.15 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - BBC News
Florida-bound hurricane reaches category five
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place as Florida officials warn residents that time is quickly running out.1 hour ago -
Top stories - NBC News
Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 4 storm
Hurricane and storm surge watches are in effect for Florida’s Gulf Coast as Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall Wednesday. NBC News’ Melissa Parra reports how communities already affected ...13 hours ago
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Hurricane Milton Live Wobble Tracker: Map shows real-time movements
Hurricane Milton, which reached Category 5 strength Monday, is heading right for Florida's west coast, with a potential landfall near or at Tampa Bay.1 hour ago -
Politics - The Hill
Trump to hold rally in Aurora, Colorado weeks after attacks on city, governor
Former President Trump is set to hold a rally in Aurora, Colo., weeks after he made attacks on the city and the governor of Colorado. The rally will be held in the Denver suburb this Friday, ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Trump marks anniversary of Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Former President Trump on Monday marked the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel with a pair of appearances to express solidarity with the Jewish people. Trump began the day with a ...2 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Harris pressed on changing positions, economic plan in '60 Minutes' interview
Vice President Harris was pressed on her changing policy positions and her expensive economic plan on “60 Minutes,” in what proved to be her toughest media interview since becoming the Democratic ...3 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Walz: Past misstatements unlike being 'pathological liar like Donald Trump'
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), the Democratic nominee for vice president, defended his past misstatements about his military service and his travel to China, arguing there was a difference between ...3 hours ago - Donald Trump