Hurricane Milton has shocked meteorologists worldwide, rapidly strengthening into a Category 5 hurricane in record time. With sustained winds reaching 280 km/h (175 mph) and gusts up to 330 km/h, Milton is now one of the most intense storms ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued urgent warnings for both the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and the western coast of Florida, as the storm threatens with destructive winds, storm surges, and widespread flooding.
Is there a Category 6 hurricane?
As Milton continues to intensify, Google searches have spiked with people wondering whether a “Category 6” exists on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. This scale, which currently tops out at Category 5, measures storms based on wind speeds, with anything over 252 km/h classified as Category 5.
However, given the growing frequency of mega-storms like Milton, there has been increasing discussion among climate experts about the need for a Category 6, which could more accurately represent the growing intensity of hurricanes fueled by climate change.
The question has become especially relevant as Milton shows characteristics previously unseen in storms. Meteorologist John Morales, during a live broadcast, struggled to contain his emotions as he described Milton’s explosive development: “It’s unbelievable… the pressure dropped 50 millibars in just 10 hours. This storm is a clear sign of what global warming is leading to.”
➡️ NOW: An emotional hurricane #Milton update from @JohnMoralesTV as the storm hits Cat. 5 status.
Take this seriously.
We have you covered here on @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/QEe3E25JGX
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) October 7, 2024
Yucatán and Florida brace for impact
Communities across Yucatán and Campeche are already feeling the outer bands of Milton, which are delivering heavy rains and strong winds. Mexican authorities have begun evacuating coastal areas, as the NHC warns of life-threatening storm surges and potential flash floods. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, urging residents in 51 counties to evacuate as the storm moves towards the Gulf of Mexico, expected to make landfall by Wednesday.
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Florida residents, still recovering from Hurricane Helene just weeks ago, are now facing the harsh reality of back-to-back hurricanes. Milton’s path mirrors that of its predecessor, making the situation even more precarious for millions of people along the state’s west coast.
Is Disney closing for Hurricane Milton? Theme parks remain on alert
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, another popular Google search has surfaced: “What happens to Florida’s theme parks?” Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND have all issued statements that they are monitoring the storm closely. While all parks are currently operating normally, they are prepared for closures and evacuation orders should the storm’s track shift closer to the Orlando area.
Disney and Universal’s emergency preparedness teams have been activated, ensuring that safety protocols are in place for guests and employees. While Milton’s current trajectory points toward the Gulf Coast, the unpredictability of hurricanes means that theme parks remain on high alert.
The growing threat of mega-storms
Milton’s swift escalation has sparked renewed discussions about the impact of climate change on hurricane behavior. Warmer ocean temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions are believed to be contributing to the rapid intensification of storms. Experts like John Morales are sounding the alarm, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and preparedness as storms like Milton become more frequent and severe.
