Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, now classified as a Category 5 hurricane with the potential for catastrophic damage. This powerful storm is tracking eastward and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the current forecast indicating a likely landfall near the Tampa Bay area. The state’s west coast residents are already under mandatory evacuation orders as Florida braces for another major hurricane in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s recent destruction.
Florida Prepares for Impact
As many as 15 million people are currently under flood watches across Florida, while approximately 11 million are at risk for tropical tornadoes through Wednesday. Meteorologists expect Hurricane Milton to reach its peak intensity early tomorrow before weakening to a strong Category 3 as it approaches land. The storm’s projected path will bring severe winds and torrential rain across central and eastern Florida, impacting major areas like Orlando and Cape Canaveral as it moves inland.
NASA Delays Europa Clipper Launch Amid Storm Threat
NASA has postponed the launch of the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter’s moon due to the storm’s threat. Originally scheduled for Thursday from the Kennedy Space Center, the mission is delayed until after Hurricane Milton passes. NASA emphasized that the safety of personnel and the spacecraft is a top priority. A new launch date will be set after recovery teams assess the launch site for any potential damage. The agency has launch windows available until November 6.
Climate Change and Rapid Storm Intensification
Hurricane Milton’s rapid escalation from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane within just over a day exemplifies a growing trend in rapidly intensifying storms. These shifts, which occur when a hurricane’s wind speeds increase by at least 35 mph in a 24-hour period, are increasingly common due to climate change. Warm ocean waters and high atmospheric moisture levels are fueling this rapid intensification.
In the past 25 hours, Milton’s maximum sustained wind speed has surged by 90 mph. The nonprofit Climate Central notes that the storm’s “extreme rapid intensification” far exceeds the National Hurricane Center’s criteria, highlighting the influence of climate conditions on hurricane behavior.
Political Tensions Amid Recovery Efforts
As Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, tensions remain high. Governor Ron DeSantis has reportedly not responded to Vice President Kamala Harris’s attempts to discuss storm recovery, citing concerns that the calls are politically motivated. According to an aide, DeSantis has also not spoken directly with President Joe Biden since the last storm, underscoring the strained communication between state and federal leaders.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
With Hurricane Milton on the horizon and the Tampa Bay area expected to bear the brunt of the landfall, residents are urged to stay informed through reliable news sources and heed all evacuation orders. The next few days will be critical as Florida prepares for what could be a devastating impact on the Gulf Coast and beyond.
For more live updates and in-depth coverage, keep following CCN Weather.