Hurricane Milton threatens Florida with historic devastation

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is approaching the coast of the Gulf 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 that Milton will soon join the ranks of the most destructive hurricanes in history.

Recognized as a Category 5 hurricane, Milton reached wind speeds of up to 290 km/h (180 mph), 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 strike on Wednesday, October 9th.

According to forecasts, the hurricane may weaken slightly before making landfall, but 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 2.4 to 3.4 metres (8 to 11 feet) in Tampa Bay, and Florida will experience 13 to 38 centimetres (5 to 15 inches) of rainfall. Due to the threats posed by Milton, authorities have declared a state of emergency here.

"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 October 8th.

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when the surface temperature reaches at least 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm, moist air rises, creating a low-pressure centre that draws in more 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 119 km/h (74 mph), 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 (119–153 km/h) - Hurricanes of this category can cause moderate damage, mainly in the form of damage to unreinforced roofs, tree damage, and power line damage.
• Category 2 (154–177 km/h) - Winds of this strength can cause more serious damage, including damage to roofs, doors, and windows and severe tree damage. There may also be localized power outages.
• Category 3 (178–208 km/h) – Major Hurricane - Hurricanes in this category are considered "major," capable of destroying wooden structures, causing extensive damage to buildings, and prolonged power and water outages.
• Category 4 (209–251 km/h) - 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 (252 km/h and above) - The most destructive hurricanes. They can completely destroy many buildings, cause massive infrastructure damage, and affected areas may be uninhabitable for a long time. 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 United States not long ago. It is also worth recalling that the most powerful hurricane in history was recorded in this part of the world. It is considered to be Hurricane Wilma, a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. This hurricane was characterized by wind speeds of approximately 295 km/h (183 mph), a pressure centre not exceeding 882 hPa (mbar), and a front spanning 750 km (466 miles).