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Hurricane Milton

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Hurricane Milton
Milton as a Category 5 hurricane in the Bay of Campeche on October 7
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 5, 2024
Category 5 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds180 mph (285 km/h)
Lowest pressure905 mbar (hPa); 26.72 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedGulf Coast of Mexico, Yucatán Peninsula
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Milton is an explosively intensifying and extremely powerful tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico currently impacting the Yucatán Peninsula. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton formed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance which originated in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5. The storm is expected to impact Florida less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated its Big Bend region.[1] Milton is the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Wilma in 2005.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) first outlined an area for possible development in the western Caribbean Sea on September 26.[2] As gradual development ensued, a broad area of low pressure then formed in the western Caribbean which produced disorganized showers and thunderstorms,[3] before degenerating into an open trough two days later.[4] The disturbance then interacted with the remnants of Tropical Depression Eleven-E in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and a stationary front,[5] and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche. By October 4,[6] it showed more signs of development, thus becoming designated as an invest. The next day, as associated showers and thunderstorms organized further,[7] it was upgraded by the NHC into Tropical Depression Fourteen.[8] The depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Milton less than three hours later as satellite wind data indicated the storm was producing gale-force winds.[9]

Further development occurred, and during the afternoon of the next day, Hurricane Hunters found that the storm had rapidly intensified and began producing hurricane-force winds, causing the NHC to upgrade it into a hurricane.[10] This rate of development persisted, and as Milton developed a small ragged eye, it was upgraded into a Category 2 hurricane on October 7.[11] Data from a hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that the hurricane had intensified rapidly since then, prompting its upgrade into a major hurricane a few hours later.[12] Rapid intensification continued, with a Hurricane Hunters flight finding that Milton had intensified into a high-end Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 150 mph (241 km/h) with a minimum central pressure of 940 millibars by 13:05 UTC on October 7.[13]

By 15:00 UTC, Milton had sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h), its winds having increased by 80 knots within 24 hours, and a minimum central pressure of 933 millibars.[14] Within an hour, at 15:55 UTC, Milton intensified into a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 925 millibars.[15] Milton's intensification, now deemed explosive, continued, reaching winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 911 millibars by 18:00 UTC,[16] and 180 mph (285 km/h) and a pressure of 905 millibars three hours later. [17]

Preparations

Most intense Atlantic hurricanes
Rank Hurricane Season Pressure
hPa inHg
1 Wilma 2005 882 26.05
2 Gilbert 1988 888 26.23
3 "Labor Day" 1935 892 26.34
4 Rita 2005 895 26.43
5 Allen 1980 899 26.55
6 Camille 1969 900 26.58
7 Katrina 2005 902 26.64
8 Mitch 1998 905 26.73
Dean 2007
Milton 2024
Source: HURDAT[18]

Mexico

A tropical storm watch was issued by the Mexican government on October 6 for the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, from Celestún to Cancún.[19][20] It was later upgraded to tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches the same day.[21][22] The next day, they evolved into hurricane warnings.[23][24] Voluntary evacuations occurred on Holbox, with Governor Mara Lezama aiding in the evacuations on the island.[25] The Comisión Federal de Electricidad mobilized hundreds of works and pieces of equipment to be placed in Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo in preparation for Milton.[26] The Secretariat of the Navy announced that the Navy would be distributed around affected regions for distribution of resources.[26]

Non-essential activities were suspended in parts of the Yucatán as the storm rapidly intensified on October 7. This included the suspension of public transportation.[27]

Florida

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were declared for the Florida West Coast on October 7.[28] On October 5, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency.[29] President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state two days later.[30] The governor requested for the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to aid in the coordination of resources.[31] Governor DeSantis suspended tolls on many roads in Western Florida, including the turnpike. DeSantis also issued an executive order on October 5 requiring debris management sites and landfills located within all counties impacted by Hurricane Helene to remain open 24/7 until conditions deteriorate in order to help facilitate the quick removal of debris in anticipation of Milton making landfall in the state. The order also increased the number of Florida National Guardsmen working on debris removal from 800 to 4,000 to try and prevent the debris becoming a hazard ahead of Milton's anticipated landfall.[32][33] Sandbagging sites opened across Florida.[34] Schools across the state closed in anticipation for Milton.[35]

Many airports throughout the state, particularly in Central and Southwest Florida, have indicated they will close. Thousands of flights intending to arrive or depart from Florida are expected to be canceled.[36] Along Florida's Gulf Coast, seaports are anticipated to close or remain open with restricted access. The launch of the Europa Clipper was delayed due to Hurricane Milton;[37] the October 7 launch of Hera went as planned.[38]

An estimated six million Floridians were ordered to evacuate, marking one of the largest evacuation orders in state history. The evacuation orders were primarily situated in Hillsborough and surrounding counties.[39] United Airlines issued a travel advisory for five airports in the state.[40] Almost 15 million people across Florida were under flood watches ahead of Milton's arrival.[30] Throughout the Tampa Bay area, comfort stations, locations to do basic utilities, opened due to Helene were closed due to Milton.[41] In Longboat Key, officials stated that residents should evacuate from the town.[42]

Impact

Mexico

Heavy rainfall from Milton caused flooding in Campeche City.[43]

See also

References

  1. ^ Chinchar, Allison (October 5, 2024). "Less than 10 days after Helene made landfall in Florida, the state is bracing for another hurricane". CNN. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  2. ^ Zelinsky, David; Bookbinder, Paula (September 26, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  3. ^ Blake, Eric; Mahoney, Aiden (September 29, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  4. ^ Papin, Philippe; Mora, Cassie (October 1, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  5. ^ Masters, Jeff (October 4, 2024). "Watching the Gulf of Mexico for tropical storm formation". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  6. ^ Cangialosi, John; Bucci, Lisa (October 4, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  7. ^ Kelly; Bucci, Lisa (October 5, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  8. ^ Brown, Daniel (October 5, 2024). Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  9. ^ Brown, Daniel; Kelly (October 5, 2024). Tropical Storm Milton Update Statement (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  10. ^ Blake, Eric (October 6, 2024). Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 5A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  11. ^ Beven, Jack (October 7, 2024). Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  12. ^ Brown, Daniel; Blake, Eric (October 7, 2024). Hurricane Milton Update Statement (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  13. ^ Brown, Daniel; Blake, Eric (October 7, 2024). Milton rapidly intensifies into a Category 4 hurricane (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  14. ^ Blake, Eric (October 7, 2024). Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 10 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  15. ^ Blake, Eric; Brown, Daniel (October 7, 2024). Milton rapidly intensifies into a Category 5 hurricane (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  16. ^ Blake, Eric (October 7, 2024). Milton explosively intensifies with 175-mph winds (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  17. ^ https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.011.shtml?
  18. ^ "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  19. ^ Tabachnick, Cara; Tanyos, Faris (October 5, 2024). "Tropical Storm Milton forecast to strengthen into hurricane, on path toward Florida". CBS News. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  20. ^ Cangialosi, John (October 6, 2024). "Tropical Storm Milton Forecast Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  21. ^ Blake, Eric (October 6, 2024). "Tropical Storm Milton Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  22. ^ Blake, Eric (October 6, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  23. ^ Andone, Dakin; Chinchar, Allison; Faheid, Dalia (October 6, 2024). "'Here we go again': Hurricane Milton strengthens to Category 3 and aims at Helene-weary Florida". CNN. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  24. ^ Beven, Jack (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 8". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  25. ^ "Quintana Roo island evacuations begin as Milton intensifies into a category 5 with 330 km/h gusts". Riviera Maya News. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  26. ^ a b "Huracán Milton: Alerta Verde en 4 municipios de Campeche". Por Esto! (in Spanish). October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  27. ^ "Declaran de ÚLTIMO MOMENTO suspensión de actividades en Yucatán por Huracán Milton". Azteca Yucatán (in Spanish). October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  28. ^ Tribou, Richard (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton a 'ferocious' Category 5 storm with 180 mph winds, forecast to turn toward Florida". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  29. ^ Petro, Allison (October 5, 2024). "Gov. DeSantis issues executive order ahead of Tropical Storm Milton's landfall in Florida". WESH. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Biden approves emergency declaration for Florida". NBC News. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  31. ^ "Tropical Storm Milton could hit Florida as a major hurricane midweek". Loop Caribbean News. October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  32. ^ Gonzalez, Regina (October 6, 2024). "Tampa looking for help in cleaning up debris from Helene ahead of Milton". WTVT. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  33. ^ "EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-214" (PDF). Governor Ron DeSantis's Office. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  34. ^ Sudhir, Leah (October 5, 2024). "Central Florida opens sandbag locations ahead of potential tropical weather". WESH. Archived from the original on October 5, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  35. ^ "Storm Information". Florida Department of Education. October 5, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  36. ^ "Hurricane Milton is causing flight cancellations. Here's how Florida airports are impacted by the storm". CBS News. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  37. ^ Harwood, William (October 6, 2024). "FAA clears European asteroid probe for launch, but stormy weather threatens delay". CBS News. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  38. ^ Davenport, Justin (October 7, 2024). "ESA's Hera mission has launched to asteroid binary as Falcon 9 returns to flight". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  39. ^ Speck, Emilee (October 6, 2024). "As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida prepares for largest evacuation since 2017's Hurricane Irma". Fox Weather. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  40. ^ Kelleher, Suzanne Rowan. "Milton: Airlines Begin Issuing Alerts As Storm Aims For Florida". Forbes. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  41. ^ Henkles, Patrick (October 5, 2024). "Hurricane Helene comfort stations closing across Tampa Bay as Milton nears Florida". WTSP. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  42. ^ Modrick, Mike (October 6, 2024). "Fire Chief Paul Dezzi urges Longboat Key residents to "leave as soon as you can"". ABC 7. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  43. ^ "Lluvias generadas por Milton inundan calles en la capital Campechana". Tribuna Campeche (in Mexican Spanish). October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
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