What's happened
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to a Category 4 storm, threatening the Tampa Bay area with unprecedented storm surge. Experts attribute this explosive growth to climate change and warm ocean waters, raising concerns about future hurricane patterns and impacts on coastal communities.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Andrew Freedman from Axios, Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification is largely due to climate change, stating, "Sea level rise tied to climate change makes this storm potentially more destructive today than it would have been even a few decades ago." In contrast, Jen Mills from Metro emphasizes the historical context of Typhoon Tip, noting that while it was the largest storm recorded, it was not the deadliest. This comparison underscores the evolving nature of hurricanes and their impacts. Seth Borenstein from The Independent highlights the rarity of Milton's path, stating, "The most recent comparable storm was in 1848," indicating a shift in storm patterns that could be linked to climate change. These perspectives collectively illustrate the urgent need for awareness and preparedness as hurricane threats evolve.
How we got here
Hurricane Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico, rapidly intensifying due to warm waters and favorable atmospheric conditions. This follows a trend of increasing hurricane strength linked to climate change, with recent storms like Helene also impacting Florida.
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