By Cesar Reyes
07 Oct 2024, 10:00 AM EDT
In just a few hours, Hurricane Milton strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico and went from category 1 to 4 on the Saffir-Cimpson scalereported the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
“Milton rapidly intensifies into a major Category 4 hurricane. “Data from both Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates that Milton has strengthened and has become a Category 4 hurricane. Maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 150 mph (240 km/h),” the US agency notes.
0800 UPDATE -Milton has rapidly intensified into a Major Category 4 Hurricane. Data from both Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate maximum winds are estimated to be 150 mph with a pressure fallen to 940 mb. Changes will be reflected in the normal 10 AM CDT advisory products. pic.twitter.com/YbQAub1RQw
— National Hurricane Center (@NWSNHC) October 7, 2024
The NHC, based in Miami, specified that the storm is 1,185 kilometers southwest of Tampa, Florida, and about 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of Progreso (Mexico).
Milton could make landfall next Wednesday as a potentially destructive hurricane.
The arrival of the new tropical storm in Florida comes ten days after Helene made landfall in that state, becoming the deadliest hurricane in the US since Katrina.
For his part andThe Mexican government issued a warning for Hurricane Milton for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsulawhich continued its movement over the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the Mexican authority of the National Water Commission (Conagua), currently the center of the hurricane is located 235 km west-northwest of Celestún, and warns of the arrival of very intense rains in Campache and Yucatán, and very strong in Puebla , Veracruz, Tabasco and Quintana Roo.
Among the recommendations of the Mexican authority The general population is asked to take extreme precautions in the areas of the states mentioned due to rain, wind and waves. (including maritime navigation),
The new president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, warned yesterday Sunday that the circulation of Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico will cause very heavy rains to occasionally intense rains in the next few hours. in states in the northeast, east, south and southeast of the country, including the Yucatan Peninsula.
“Even though Category 1 Hurricane Milton remains away from the Mexican coast, intense rains are expected to occur during the next few hours in Veracruz, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, the coasts of Tamaulipas and Yucatán,” said the president. in a message on social networks.
With information from EFE.
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