Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm as of October 7, posing severe risks to Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The hurricane, described as "extremely dangerous" and "potentially catastrophic," is expected to make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday or early Thursday, having traveled along Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula earlier this week.
With destructive winds reaching up to 285 kilometers per hour, Milton is forecasted to generate "devastating waves" in the affected Mexican province, prompting local workers to secure buildings and fishermen to return their boats to port. Authorities have closed schools and non-essential activities, while Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, warned of potential "torrential rains".
The NHC reported that the hurricane rapidly intensified from Category 3 to Category 5 in a matter of hours. Weather services in Tampa, Florida, noted that this could be the worst storm to hit the region in over a century. Evacuations are underway, with officials urging residents to leave dangerous areas.
As climate change continues to warm ocean waters, the likelihood of rapid storm intensification and stronger hurricanes increases, raising concerns for the upcoming hurricane season.