Hurricane Milton threatens unprecedented devastation in Florida

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is approaching the Gulf coast of Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, which has not faced such a powerful force in over a hundred years. Experts monitoring its progress do not rule out the possibility that Milton will soon join the ranks of the most destructive hurricanes in history.

Recognised as a Category 5 hurricane, Milton reached wind speeds of up to 180 miles per hour (290 kilometres per hour), making it one of the strongest hurricanes in recent years. Its rapid intensification, described by meteorologists as an "explosion" of strength, occurred in just a few hours, surprising experts. The hurricane is heading towards the western coast of Florida, where it will make landfall on Wednesday, 9th October at GMT.

According to forecasts, the hurricane may weaken slightly before making landfall. However, forecasters expect that, despite this, Milton will bring dangerous storm surges, destructive winds, as well as floods and tornadoes. Experts believe waves could reach heights of 8 to 11 feet (approximately 2.4 to 3.4 metres) in Tampa Bay, and Florida will experience 5 to 15 inches (about 13 to 38 centimetres) of rainfall. Due to the threats posed by Milton, authorities have declared a state of emergency in the area.

"Milton has the potential to become one of the most destructive hurricanes in the history of west-central Florida," stated the American National Hurricane Center (NHC) on 8th October.

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when the surface temperature reaches at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm, moist air rises, creating a low-pressure centre that draws in further warm air from the surroundings. The resulting updrafts condense moisture, forming storm clouds. The Earth's rotation gives hurricanes their spiral shape. When the system reaches wind speeds of 74 miles per hour (119 kilometres per hour), the meteorological phenomenon gains hurricane status.

The strength of hurricanes is assessed using the Saffir-Simpson scale, a tool used to classify them based on wind speed and potential damage they can cause. This scale divides hurricanes into five categories, with each higher category indicating a more destructive hurricane.

        
• Category 1 (74–95 mph) - Hurricanes of this category can cause moderate damage, mainly affecting unreinforced roofs, trees, and power lines.
• Category 2 (96–110 mph) - Winds of this strength can cause more serious damage, including to roofs, doors, and windows, as well as severe tree damage. Localised power outages may also occur.
• Category 3 (111–129 mph) – Major Hurricane - Hurricanes in this category are considered "major," capable of destroying wooden structures, causing extensive damage to buildings, and resulting in prolonged power and water outages.
• Category 4 (130–156 mph) - Winds of this category can destroy most structures, tear roofs from buildings, and topple trees. The damage is extensive, and areas may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
• Category 5 (157 mph and above) - The most destructive hurricanes. They can completely destroy buildings, cause massive infrastructure damage, and render affected areas uninhabitable for long periods. Such hurricanes are very rare but bring catastrophic consequences.

Hurricane Milton is not the only one that Florida has faced recently. Hurricane Helen also struck this part of the USA not long ago. It is also worth recalling that the most powerful hurricane in history was recorded in this region. It is considered to be Hurricane Wilma, a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. This hurricane was characterised by wind speeds of approximately 183 miles per hour (295 kilometres per hour), a pressure centre not exceeding 882 millibars (hectopascals), and a front spanning 466 miles (750 kilometres).