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Hurricane Milton

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Hurricane Milton
Milton near peak intensity northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula on October 7
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 5, 2024
Category 5 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds180 mph (285 km/h)
Lowest pressure897 mbar (hPa); 26.49 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities1 total
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedGulf Coast of Mexico, Yucatán Peninsula
[1]
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Milton is an extremely powerful tropical cyclone active 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 then underwent explosive intensification into a Category 5 hurricane on October 7. Milton is expected to impact Florida less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated its Big Bend region.[2] At peak intensity, the hurricane was the fifth-most intense in the Atlantic on record.[3]

Ahead of the hurricane, the state of Florida declared a state of emergency, and residents were ordered to evacuate, leading to one of Florida's largest evacuation procedures on record. Despite not being projected to strike the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the close approach of the powerful hurricane prompted citizens close to the coast to take preparations before the storm approached.

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.[4] As gradual development ensued, a broad area of low pressure then formed in the western Caribbean which produced disorganized showers and thunderstorms,[5] before degenerating into an open trough two days later.[6] The disturbance then interacted with the remnants of Tropical Depression Eleven-E in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and a stationary front,[7] and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche. By October 4,[8] it showed more signs of development, becoming designated as Invest 92L. The next day, as associated showers and thunderstorms organized further,[9] it was upgraded by the NHC into Tropical Depression Fourteen.[10] 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.[11] The name Milton was new in the 2024 season, replacing Michael after Hurricane Michael was retired after causing 45 deaths in the United States when making a devastating landfall in Florida in 2018.[12] Gradual strengthening took place as the system moved erratically in the Bay of Campeche due to weak steering currents. A developing mid-level trough over the Central United States helped to eventually steer Milton eastward across the Gulf of Mexico. A small storm, Milton's radius of maximum winds (RMW) was only 30 nautical miles (56 km) in radius.[13] Spiral banding and consistent bursts of convection continued through the early morning of October 6.[14]

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 Milton 2024 897 26.49
6 Allen 1980 899 26.55
7 Camille 1969 900 26.58
8 Katrina 2005 902 26.64
9 Mitch 1998 905 26.73
Dean 2007
Source: HURDAT[15]

By the afternoon of October 6, Hurricane Hunters had found that Milton had intensified into a hurricane, with an intermittent eye feature appearing.[16] Overnight, Milton began to undergo a remarkable period of explosive intensification, enabled by highly favorable environmental conditions consisting of very warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) near 31 °C (88 °F), high mid-level relative humidity values and low wind shear. As it did so, a pinhole eye measuring 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) soon developed within very deep convection of around −80 °C (−112 °F),[17] becoming a major hurricane and soon after a Category 5 hurricane, by 11:00 UTC and 16:00 UTC respectively on October 7,[18][19] making it the second Category 5 hurricane of the season. Milton eventually reached its peak intensity at 00:00 UTC on October 8 with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 897 mbar (26.49 inHg) – the most intense since Wilma in 2005 and making Milton the fifth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record.[20][3][21]

Hurricane Milton at peak intensity and shortly after starting an eyewall replacement cycle, weakening.

In the 24-hour period from 00:00 UTC October 7 to 00:00 UTC October 8, the pressure fell from 981 mb (28.97 inHg) to 897 mbar (26.49 inHg), a drop of 84 mb (2.48 inHg), while the winds increased by 90 mph (145 km/h). This was also the third-fastest period of rapid intensification in the Atlantic after Wilma and Hurricane Felix, and the fastest in the Gulf of Mexico.[22] Afterwards, further strengthening was halted by an eyewall replacement cycle, causing the storm to weaken, falling to high-end Category 4 intensity later that night.[23][24]

Preparations

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.[25][26] It was later upgraded to tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches the same day.[27][28] The next day, they evolved into hurricane warnings.[29][30] Voluntary evacuations occurred on Holbox, with Governor Mara Lezama aiding in the evacuations on the island.[31] 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.[32] The Secretariat of the Navy announced that the Navy would be distributed around affected regions for distribution of resources.[32]

Panic buying was observed in Mérida ahead of the storm.[33] Non-essential government services were suspended in parts of the Yucatán as Milton rapidly intensified on October 7. This included the suspension of public transportation.[34] All schools were ordered to close in Yucatán along with all ports by Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena.[35]

United States

Florida

Emergency shoulder use (left shoulder only) on eastbound Interstate 4 near Lakeland on October 7

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were declared for the Florida West Coast on October 7.[36] Almost 15 million people across Florida were under flood watches ahead of Milton's arrival.[37] On October 5, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency.[38] President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state two days later.[37] The governor requested for the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to aid in the coordination of resources.[39] 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.[40][41] Sandbagging sites opened across Florida.[42] Schools across the state closed in anticipation for Milton.[43] Marion County opened up numerous schools as emergency shelters.[44] There were many school systems across the state that cancelled classes or were closed, including the University of Central Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University.[45][46] Rollins College evacuated campus.[47]

Amtrak suspended its Silver Service between Jacksonville and Miami from October 7-11 and cancelled the Auto Train from October 8-10.[48] Many airports throughout the state, particularly in Central and Southwest Florida, were closed as a result of Milton, including Tampa International Airport, Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport, St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, and Orlando International Airport.[49][50][51][52] Thousands of flights intending to arrive or depart from Florida are expected to be canceled.[53] Additionally, all Allegiant Air flights on October 9 and 10 in the state were cancelled.[54] The launch of the Europa Clipper was delayed due to Hurricane Milton;[55] the October 7 launch of Hera went as planned.[56] SpaceX Crew-8's return date was postponed to October 13.[57] Brightline operations were suspended between West Palm Beach and Orlando stations beginning on October 8.[58] Several attractions were to close at Walt Disney World; Legoland Florida closed as well.[59] Starting on October 8, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was to close for three days.[60]

An estimated six million Floridians were ordered to evacuate, marking one of the largest evacuation orders in state history since Hurricane Irma in 2017. The evacuation orders were primarily situated in Hillsborough and surrounding counties.[61] Volusia and Marion counties also issued evacuation orders for homes at risk.[62][44] United Airlines issued a travel advisory for five airports in the state.[63] Throughout the Tampa Bay area, comfort stations and locations to do basic utilities that were opened due to Helene were closed due to Milton.[64] In Longboat Key, officials stated that residents should evacuate from the town.[65] In coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Uber offered free rides to and from state shelters.[66]

The National Hockey League cancelled the preseason finale for the Tampa Bay Lightning, which was initially postponed from Helene. All University of Central Florida sporting events scheduled for October 9 and 10 were cancelled as well.[67]

The Bahamas

In-person schools on Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, and Grand Cay were closed.[68] Bahamian students in Florida were ordered to evacuate; Bahamasair made two flights on October 7 and 8 to Orlando.[69]

Impact

Mexico

Heavy rainfall from Milton caused flooding in Campeche City.[70] Dangerous storm surge and torrential rainfall impacted the state of Yucatán, with the seawall of Progreso being inundated due to high waves. Over 12,064 people were affected in the state.[71] Flooding from the storm surge led to evacuations being carried out during the hurricane in Celestún.[72] Strong waves caused sections of the Ciudad del Carmen-Isla Aguada federal highway to be inundated by sea waters.[73] A woman drowned in Calkiní due to waves produced by the hurricane.[1] Heavy winds from Milton caused an old house in Progreso to collapse.[74]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "MUERE AHOGADO EN ISLA ARENA, MILTON COBRA SU PRIMERA VÍCTIMA" (in Spanish). Tribuna Campeche. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b Richard J. Pasch (October 7, 2024). Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 12 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  4. ^ Zelinsky, David; Bookbinder, Paula (September 26, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  5. ^ Blake, Eric; Mahoney, Aiden (September 29, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  6. ^ Papin, Philippe; Mora, Cassie (October 1, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  7. ^ Masters, Jeff (October 4, 2024). "Watching the Gulf of Mexico for tropical storm formation". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  8. ^ Cangialosi, John; Bucci, Lisa (October 4, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  9. ^ Kelly; Bucci, Lisa (October 5, 2024). Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  10. ^ Brown, Daniel (October 5, 2024). Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  11. ^ Brown, Daniel; Kelly (October 5, 2024). Tropical Storm Milton Update Statement (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  12. ^ Florence and Michael retired by the World Meteorological Organization (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. March 19, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  13. ^ "Tropical Storm MILTON".
  14. ^ "Tropical Storm MILTON".
  15. ^ "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  16. ^ "Hurricane MILTON".
  17. ^ "Hurricane MILTON".
  18. ^ Brown, Daniel; Blake, Eric (October 7, 2024). Hurricane Milton Update Statement (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ "Hurricane MILTON".
  21. ^ https://x.com/philklotzbach/status/1843441907902623792?
  22. ^ "Here's How Fast Hurricane Milton Intensified". The New York Times. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  23. ^ "Hurricane Milton Public Advisory number 12". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  24. ^ "Hurricane MILTON". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ Cangialosi, John (October 6, 2024). "Tropical Storm Milton Forecast Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  27. ^ Blake, Eric (October 6, 2024). "Tropical Storm Milton Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  28. ^ Blake, Eric (October 6, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  29. ^ 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.
  30. ^ Beven, Jack (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 8". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  31. ^ "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.
  32. ^ a b "Huracán Milton: Alerta Verde en 4 municipios de Campeche". Por Esto! (in Spanish). October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  33. ^ "Reportan COMPRAS DE PÁNICO en supermercados de Mérida por la amenaza del Huracán Milton". Azteca Yucatán (in Spanish). October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  34. ^ "Declaran de ÚLTIMO MOMENTO suspensión de actividades en Yucatán por Huracán Milton". Azteca Yucatán (in Spanish). October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  35. ^ "Progreso, Mérida on hurricane watch as 'Milton' whips across the Gulf of Mexico". Mexico News Daily. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  36. ^ 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.
  37. ^ a b "Biden approves emergency declaration for Florida". NBC News. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  38. ^ Petro, Allison (October 5, 2024). "Gov. DeSantis issues executive order ahead of Tropical Storm Milton's landfall in Florida". WESH. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  39. ^ "Tropical Storm Milton could hit Florida as a major hurricane midweek". Loop Caribbean News. October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  40. ^ Gonzalez, Regina (October 6, 2024). "Tampa looking for help in cleaning up debris from Helene ahead of Milton". WTVT. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  41. ^ "EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-214" (PDF). Governor Ron DeSantis's Office. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  42. ^ 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.
  43. ^ "Storm Information". Florida Department of Education. October 5, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  44. ^ a b "Marion County mandatory evacuation for mobile homes and RVs, additional shelter openings". Ocala Gazette. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  45. ^ Petro, Allison (October 7, 2024). "Central Florida schools announce closures ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall". WESH. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  46. ^ "School closures in Southwest Florida due to Hurricane Milton". WBBH-TV. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  47. ^ Kluger, Paloma (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Update: College Closure and Campus Evacuation". The Sandspur. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  48. ^ "Amtrak Advisory | Modified service due to Hurricane Milton". www.amtrak.com. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  49. ^ Gilbert, Mary; Andone, Dakin; Rose, Andy; Mascarenhas, Lauren; Zerkel, Eric; Yan, Holly; VonQuednow, Cindy; Almasy, Steve; Watson, Michelle (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton could bring life-threatening surge, winds to Florida Gulf Coast". CNN. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  50. ^ Farrow, Claire (October 7, 2024). "Tampa International Airport closing ahead of Hurricane Milton". WTSP. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  51. ^ Herrera, Alexa (October 7, 2024). "LIST: Airports in the Tampa Bay area announce closures ahead of Hurricane Milton". WTSP. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  52. ^ "Hurricane Milton Update 1: Orlando International Airport to Cease Commercial Operations". October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  53. ^ "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.
  54. ^ Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (October 7, 2024). "Schools, attractions and what else is closed for Hurricane Milton". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  55. ^ Harwood, William (October 6, 2024). "FAA clears European asteroid probe for launch, but stormy weather threatens delay". CBS News. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  56. ^ 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.
  57. ^ Plucinsky, Stephanie (October 7, 2024). "Crew-8 Return No Earlier Than Oct. 13 – Commercial Crew Program". NASA Blogs. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  58. ^ Boulandier, Kevin (October 7, 2024). "Brightline closes operations between West Palm Beach and Orlando ahead of Hurricane Milton". WSVN. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  59. ^ Tapp, Tom (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Explodes To 180 MPH Cat. 5; Disney World Resort Closing Some Attractions As Florida Braces For "Monster" Storm – Update". Deadline. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  60. ^ "Hurricane Milton: Busch Gardens closes ahead of storm". WTVT. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  61. ^ 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.
  62. ^ Gardner, Sheldon. "Volusia County orders evacuations by 8 a.m. Wednesday; curfew to come". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  63. ^ Kelleher, Suzanne Rowan. "Milton: Airlines Begin Issuing Alerts As Storm Aims For Florida". Forbes. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  64. ^ Henkles, Patrick (October 5, 2024). "Hurricane Helene comfort stations closing across Tampa Bay as Milton nears Florida". WTSP. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  65. ^ 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.
  66. ^ Watkins, Tyler (October 8, 2024). "Uber offering free rides to and from shelters". WBBH-TV. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  67. ^ "Hurricane Milton forces NFL, NHL and other sporting events to adjust game plans". WSAZ. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  68. ^ "School closures announced due to Hurricane Milton". Eye Witness News. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  69. ^ Campbell, Kelie (October 7, 2024). "'Seek shelter', ministry urges". Tribune 242. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  70. ^ "Lluvias generadas por Milton inundan calles en la capital Campechana". Tribuna Campeche (in Mexican Spanish). October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  71. ^ "Huracanes: Sin tocar tierra, Milton deja estragos en costas de Yucatán como categoría cuatro" (in Mexican Spanish). El Informador. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  72. ^ "Huracán Milton: Evacúan de EMERGENCIA en Celestún por creciente del mar". Azteca Yucatán (in Spanish). October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  73. ^ "A CAUSA DE MILTON, EL MAR "INVADE" Y DESLAVA TRAMOS EN LA CARRETERA CARMEN-ISLA AGUADA - Tribuna Campeche" (in Spanish). Tribuna Campeche. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  74. ^ Puerto, Pablo (October 8, 2024). "ÚLTIMO MOMENTO: Se derrumba casa en Progreso tras fuertes vientos del Huracán Milton" (in Spanish). Azteca Yucatán. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
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