As Florida braces for the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Milton, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) is already monitoring the possibility of another storm on the horizon, this one potentially named Nadine.
Coming on the heels of Milton, a Category 5 hurricane, the potential for a second storm so soon is raising concerns for the already vulnerable state.
Gale-Force Winds Near the Bahamas
Currently, a non-tropical low-pressure system is producing gale-force winds northeast of the Bahamas, moving at about 15 miles per hour.
While not yet a full-fledged storm, there’s a 20 percent chance that this weather disturbance could develop into Tropical Storm Nadine.
Should the storm escalate, it could become a more severe hurricane by Wednesday night, just as Hurricane Milton strikes Florida.
Milton: A Catastrophic Threat to Florida
NHC officials are sounding the alarm over Hurricane Milton, which is being described as “potentially catastrophic” for Florida’s western coastline.
The devastation expected from this storm alone is significant, and the arrival of another storm so soon would only compound the damage.
As Milton barrels toward Florida, the threat of flooding, storm surges, and heavy rainfall is causing widespread panic and preparations across the state.
Hurricane Development and Weather Predictions
According to NHC hurricane specialist Andrew Hagen, there is hope that upper-level winds by Wednesday night will reduce the likelihood of this developing storm turning into Hurricane Nadine.
In his Tuesday advisory, Hagen expressed cautious optimism that the wind conditions will shift, halting further development of the system near the Bahamas.
Hurricanes typically develop when tropical waves interact with warm ocean waters, creating a low-pressure system.
Thunderstorms and other atmospheric conditions then help fuel the storm as it gains strength.
A hurricane is officially defined when sustained wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour, with tropical cyclones categorized by lower wind speeds between 39 and 73 miles per hour.
Milton’s Path Through Florida
Hurricane Milton is set to wreak havoc on Florida’s western coastline, with current forecasts predicting it will veer northeast before making a sharp turn toward Tampa.
The Tampa Bay region is preparing for storm surges as high as 15 feet, which could result in severe inland flooding. With roads congested and over one million residents ordered to evacuate, the state is on high alert.
Rainfall from Milton is expected to range between five and 10 inches in most areas, with some regions facing up to 15 inches.
The World Meteorological Organization has warned of flash flooding, overwhelmed drainage systems, and river flooding as the storm progresses.
Milton’s Rapid Evolution
Forecasters are stunned by the rapid development of Hurricane Milton, which intensified from a tropical depression with wind speeds under 38 miles per hour to a deadly Category 5 hurricane in just three days.
The worst of the storm is expected to continue through Thursday morning, with the storm’s eye passing over central Florida and moving toward the eastern coastline by 5 a.m. Eastern time.
Evacuations and Emergency Assistance
With over one million Floridians ordered to evacuate, this marks the largest evacuation since 2017’s Hurricane Irma, which prompted seven million people to flee.
Residents needing assistance can contact the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557 or the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 as they prepare for the impact of Hurricane Milton.
What Comes Next?
While Hurricane Milton continues its destructive path, all eyes are on the weather system near the Bahamas.
Should it develop into Hurricane Nadine, Florida could face an unprecedented one-two punch of storms, adding to the state’s already dire situation.
Experts are hopeful that changing wind conditions will prevent further development, but for now, Florida remains on edge as it deals with one major storm and the possibility of another.
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