Hurricane Milton Heads Towards Florida; Catastrophic Winds, Storm Surge, Heavy Rainfall Threatened Miami, Florida- Possible Catastrophic Winds, Storm Surge, Heavy Rainfall Threatened Forecasts came with severe warnings of the potential disastrous impacts that the storm would unleash on the Tampa Bay region. This was an area that just weeks before had endured the devastating forces of Hurricane Helene.
Current Situation:
Hurricane Milton is a ninth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season; the storm becomes stronger, and meteorologists are monitoring it closely. The residents living in those areas affected should prepare themselves for rough weather that may include flooding as well as interruption of power supply.
What Are Hurricanes? Hurricanes are referred to as cyclones or typhoons in other parts of the world. Hurricanes are high powerful tropical storms with so high wind speeds and rainfall that causes storm surges, in fact, these storms form over warm ocean waters and cause heavy loss upon making landfall.
Formation of Hurricanes Hurricanes form from atmospheric disturbances such as tropical waves or low-pressure areas. As warm, moist air rises up out of the surface of the ocean, it leaves regions of low pressure closer to the earth and generates winds that begin to turn or rotate because of earth’s rotation. The ocean should be at least 27°C, almost 81°F, and wind shear- variations of wind speed with height- should be minimal for a hurricane to form.
The Effects of Climate Change on Hurricanes:
Despite an increase in “active” years overall, it’s not contributing to an increased frequency in the overall number of tropical cyclones over the past century. Instead, research indicates that more now fall into category three or greater. According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these have included such phenomena as increased average and peak rainfall rates associated with tropical cyclones and a concerning increase in “rapid intensification events.”
How Climate Change Adds to Hurricanes:
Hiked up the sea surface temperatures; this goes down to the increased energies in the storms with more speed in terms of winds and more intensification.
Increased atmospheric moisture; because a warm atmosphere can hold a much higher level of moisture hence more intensified rainfall
The sea levels are rising, the melting of glaciers along with thermal expansion increase the rises in storm surges and flooding.Future Predictions:
The IPCC projects that total numbers of tropical cyclones may not necessarily increase, but that the intensity and related rainfall from these storms will most likely increase with increasing global temperatures. It is possible that many more storms will reach the fourth and fifth categories, which means storm surges will more likely and seriously threaten coastal communities.
The residents and the authority in Florida are warned to be on their guard and ready themselves because a hurricane named Milton is heading their way. The updates coming from the meteorological services shall guide people on safety measures during this period.