Updated October 6, 2024 at 9:00 p.m.
Hurricane Milton is heading straight for Tampa. The metropolitan region of 3.1 million inhabitants would be hit hard by a major hurricane for the first time in 74 years. Details.
Milton picks up speed
Saturday morning, NOAA announced the formation of a tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico. In just a few hours, it became a tropical storm. Milton thus became the thirteenth named storm of the season.
Experts predict rapid and intense intensification. Milton quickly obtained hurricane status on Sunday shortly before 2 p.m. According to models, Milton would become a major hurricane on Monday and should continue its course towards western Florida to hit the Tampa area head-on.
The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide favorable conditions for the rapid development of tropical systems. In places, water temperatures can reach up to 30°C at this time of year.
A first since 1950
Milton poses a real threat: it is expected to hit the Tampa area as a major hurricane with sustained winds of more than 200 km/h. Storm surges could cause widespread damage. Heavy rains could also cause flooding and flash flooding. What’s more, Milton is expected to cross the Florida peninsula as a hurricane.
Good to know: Milton, the ninth hurricane of the season, could become the fourth major hurricane of the year. On average, there are seven hurricanes annually, including three major ones. In addition, the number of tropical storms is ahead of normal.
The region has not seen a major hurricane in 74 years: Category 3 Hurricane Easy made landfall at Cedar Key in 1950, about 100 miles north of Tampa. According to NOAA, Milton poses a potentially life-threatening hazard. The situation is being monitored very closely by the authorities. Remember that Tampa is the 17th largest metropolitan area in the United States, with just over 3.1 million inhabitants.
As of this writing, a tropical storm warning is issued for the northern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
SEE ALSO: Typhoon Krathon: 400mm of rain!
Related News :