How Strong Can Hurricane Milton Get? This Category 5 Storm Could Approach Maximum Intensity

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm. It is pushing the limits of what hurricanes can achieve in terms of strength. Meteorologists are now assessing its potential to reach Maximum Potential Intensity (MPI). MPI is a theoretical threshold for how strong a hurricane can become. The National Hurricane Center reports that Milton’s sustained winds have reached 180 mph. This makes it one of the most powerful storms on record.

How Strong Can Hurricane Milton Get?

The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial in determining just how intense Milton can become. The storm is currently fueled by the unusually warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which remain near record-high temperatures. These conditions, combined with favorable atmospheric conditions, could push Milton’s winds to a staggering 195 mph, with atmospheric pressure nearing 900 MB, according to Tomer Burg of the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.

Burg noted on social media that Milton is flirting with its MPI, which could make it one of the strongest hurricanes in recorded history. Already, Milton has joined the ranks of the top 10 hurricanes in terms of barometric pressure, tying for eighth place.

Feeding on Gulf Waters

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm. It is pushing the limits of what hurricanes can achieve in terms of strength.

Milton is drawing strength from a “bottomless buffet” of warm Gulf waters, which were not significantly cooled by the recent passage of Hurricane Helene. Unlike larger storms that take longer to intensify, Milton is a smaller hurricane, allowing it to rapidly spin up. It jumped from a tropical storm with 60 mph winds to a Category 5 hurricane in just 36 hours, with its winds climbing to 150 mph before reaching its current strength.

Meteorologists are comparing Milton to 2005’s Hurricane Wilma, which hit the Gulf with wind speeds of 185 mph before weakening. Milton could reach that level soon, with forecasts predicting it could max out at around 185 mph.

Can Hurricane Milton Keep Its Strength?

While Milton is incredibly powerful, there are factors that could prevent it from reaching its absolute maximum potential. Land proximity, particularly to the Yucatan Peninsula, could disrupt some of the storm’s perfect conditions. Additionally, the National Hurricane Center is watching for wind shear and an eyewall replacement cycle, both of which could temporarily weaken the storm.

According to Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami, eyewall replacement cycles occur when a hurricane develops a second, larger eye that can siphon off some of its energy. While this process can reduce a storm’s peak wind speeds, it can also expand the storm’s damaging wind field.

The Role of Climate Change

Climate change is also a significant factor in Milton’s unprecedented strength. As global temperatures rise, so does the potential for hurricanes to reach higher MPI levels. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more fuel for hurricanes, allowing them to grow stronger and intensify more rapidly.

Researchers, including Jake Carstens from the University of North Dakota, agree that the warming oceans are “raising the ceiling” for hurricane strength. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) supports this, noting that while the number of hurricanes may decrease in the future, the storms that do form are likely to be more powerful, with more frequent instances of rapid intensification.

What’s Next for Hurricane Milton?

As Milton approaches land, it’s expected to weaken slightly due to wind shear and the Yucatan’s proximity. However, it remains a highly dangerous storm, and residents along the Gulf Coast are urged to prepare for significant impacts. Even with a reduction in intensity, Milton’s small size allows it to remain highly destructive.

For now, all eyes are on the Gulf of Mexico, where Milton continues to test the limits of hurricane strength.

Hurricane Milton’s Impact and Preparations in Florida

New York Post

Hurricane Milton is now 175 mph Cat. 5 monster – as it threatens biggest hit on Tampa in 100+ years

Today