Hurricane Milton was categorized as a Category 1 storm in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday afternoon, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is currently generating sustained winds of 80 miles per hour.
Flash flooding is anticipated well inland and away from the hurricane’s center, with even weaker storms posing a risk of excessive rainfall that may inundate low-lying regions.
Satellite imagery plays a crucial role in assessing the storm’s strength, size, and structure. Generally, a well-defined eye indicates that the storm is strengthening and not facing conditions that would weaken it.
Milton marks the 13th named storm in the Atlantic for the year 2024. In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projected a range of 17 to 25 named storms for the year, indicating a higher than average storm season.
This year follows a notably active previous season with 20 named storms, one of which was informally named “Unnamed.” It also marked the eighth consecutive year exceeding the average of 14 named storms. Notably, only one hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the United States.
Typically, the El Niño pattern observed last year would have suppressed hurricane activity, reducing the number of storms. However, the unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic have mitigated El Niño’s typical effects on storm formation.
The warmer ocean temperatures that contributed to last year’s storm season have persisted and even increased at the beginning of this season, leading to higher confidence among forecasters regarding the potential for more storms. Elevated sea surface temperatures may also accelerate the strengthening of storms.
Adding to the situation, the diminishing El Niño pattern from last year is likely to foster a more favorable environment for storm formation and intensification. Hurricanes require a stable environment to develop, and a strong El Niño usually increases wind shear in the Atlantic, which can hinder storm consolidation. Without El Niño’s influence this year, conditions are more conducive for clouds to reach the necessary heights to support severe cyclones.