Hurricane Milton made landfall first on Florida’s west-central coast on Oct. 9, 2024, initially stirring up intense concern as it developed into a powerful Category 5 storm while it was over the Gulf of Mexico. The favorable conditions to account for such rapid intensification of Milton to wind speeds as high as 180 mph include unusually warm sea temperatures before it weakened slightly. As it crossed the state of Florida, Milton had already weakened to a Category 3 storm, packing 120-mph sustained winds. Nevertheless, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and dangerous winds reached the coastal areas, unleashing heavy damage to houses and infrastructures. Wikipedia, NASA Earth Observatory

At the same time, residents in cities around Tampa were advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Many did so, but it left those people who weren’t able to open themselves to exposure from the storm resulting in flash flooding and strong winds breaking down buildings and uprooting trees. There have also been reports of tornadoes across the state, further creating hazards and ramping up the destruction. By the time it passed over Florida over to the Atlantic, Milton had weakened but still left a strong mark in the state. Initial reports cited at least 16 casualties and estimated millions in property damage. (CBS News, National Weather Service)

This hurricane season has been so active; Milton is one of the several majors that have made landfall along the Gulf Coast. The frequency and heaviness of storms like Milton have raised concern about how climate change will affect hurricane patterns-the warmer ocean waters helped in the rapid intensification of storms this year. Residents and officials are now concentrating on recovery, assisted by federal disaster assistance, rebuilding community support networks, and restoring normal life to the areas affected. Al Jazeera. NASA Earth Observatory.