Hurricane Milton – A case study of a tropical storm in a developed country

The Birth of a Monster Storm

Imagine a small storm forming over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Within just 48 hours, this storm grew into a raging beast—Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching an incredible 180 mph!

Hurricane Milton started as a tropical depression in early October 2024. As it moved over the Gulf’s exceptionally warm waters, it gained power at an alarming rate. The storm first brushed past the northern Yucatan Peninsula before racing towards Florida. By October 9th, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Milton crashed into Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing 120 mph winds and widespread destruction. After cutting across central Florida, the storm continued into the Atlantic Ocean.

What Made Milton So Powerful?

Hurricanes feed on warm ocean water and moist air, and the Gulf of Mexico was unusually warm in 2024. This meant Milton had all the energy it needed to grow from a small storm to a monster hurricane in record time. Scientists believe climate change played a role, as rising global temperatures have made ocean waters warmer than ever before.

Did you know? Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification, which jumped from a tropical depression to a Category 5 storm in just two days, made it one of the fastest-growing hurricanes in Atlantic history. Record-breaking sea temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico fueled this.

The Destruction Left Behind

Hurricane Milton left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Primary Effects:

• Extreme Winds: With gusts reaching up to 165 mph (270 km/h), Milton tore roofs off buildings, toppled trees, and downed power lines, leaving millions without electricity.
• Flooding and Storm Surges: Coastal areas experienced powerful storm surges up to 10 feet high, resulting in flooding that damaged homes and businesses. In some places, over 13 inches (33 cm) of rain fell, leading to severe inland flooding.
• Loss of Life: Tragically, 30 people lost their lives, three in Mexico and 27 in the USA, with seven more missing in Mexico.
• Massive Damage: The hurricane caused an estimated $50 billion in destruction, wrecking more than 150 homes, knocking out power for 3.3 million people, and even toppling a 500-foot construction crane.

Secondary Effects:

• No Power, No Water, No Food! Many people lost their homes, and communities struggled with shortages of clean water and food due to damaged stores and supply chains.
• Health Risks: Floodwaters carried bacteria and chemicals, increasing the risk of disease.
• Tornado Chaos: More than 140 tornado warnings were issued across Florida, and several tornadoes struck, including one that hit a retirement home, causing five deaths.
• Fuel Shortages: 73% of petrol stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg ran out of fuel, making it difficult for people to evacuate or return home.

How Did People Respond?

Immediate responses:

• Before the storm hit, authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders, saving thousands of lives.
• Emergency alerts were sent via TV, radio, and text messages to warn residents.
• After the hurricane, rescue efforts were launched immediately. Urban Search and Rescue Teams, along with the Florida National Guard, worked around the clock.
• Over 1,000 people and 105 animals were rescued! Large vehicles, boats, and helicopters were used to reach those trapped by flooding.
• To help struggling communities, Florida set up free petrol distribution sites in major areas.
• Shelters provided food, water, and medical care to those in need, ensuring survivors could begin rebuilding their lives.
• Singer Taylor Swift donated $5 million to aid in the recovery process.
• Power was restored quickly, and roads were cleared of debris.

The Bigger Picture

Hurricane Milton was a powerful reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather. Scientists warn that as the planet warms, hurricanes may become more intense and destructive. Understanding these storms is key to preparing for the future and protecting communities from their devastating impacts.