Hurricane Milton has recently garnered attention due to its rapid intensification and the significant impact it has had on Florida, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene. The dual onslaught of these storms has raised concerns about the resilience of local infrastructure and the economic stability of small businesses in the region. As Milton approached the Yucatán Peninsula, it threatened critical facilities, including a Daytona Beach site responsible for a substantial portion of the nation’s IV medical solutions, already strained by previous storm damage.
Milton is the thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, and fourth major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed from a long-lived tropical wave and intensified rapidly, with record ocean warming contributing to its escalation from Category 2 to Category 3. The storm has caused widespread flooding, wind damage, and power outages across Florida, resulting in multiple fatalities and prompting federal officials to urge continued applications for disaster relief loans. As recovery efforts begin, the long-term implications of these storms on both local communities and the broader economy remain a pressing concern.