Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification from a Category 2 to a Category 5 hurricane in just a few hours has sparked speculation on whether it could be considered a Category 6. After forming in the Gulf of Mexico on October 7, 2024, the storm surged from a 60mph tropical storm to a 180mph Category 5 hurricane in 36 hours. The storm's barometric pressure has decreased to 897 millibars.
Residents of Florida have taken the required measures to stay safe. Walt Disney World Resort announced the initial closures in anticipation of Milton's approach toward Florida. According to a statement from WDW, certain attractions may remain closed for several days following the storm.
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Though Category 6 doesn't exist, Milton's strength could reignite discussions among experts about revising the current hurricane classification system, which caps at Category 5. The hurricane has already exceeded 156mph winds to qualify as a Category 5 hurricane.
Nonetheless, if Milton reaches 192mph, it will join an exclusive group of only five hurricanes and typhoons that have hit this mark since 1980, according to climate scientists Michael Wehner of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Jim Kossin of the First Street Foundation.
As per USA Today, the two researchers examined whether these extreme storms could warrant a Category 6 classification. Notably, all five storms occurred within the last decade. Scientists attribute the intensification of some of these powerful cyclones to record-high ocean temperatures, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and regions of Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
Hotel operations in Florida will reportedly continue in limited capacity due to Milton
Deadline noted that states of emergency have been declared in several counties throughout the state as residents and visitors begin evacuating. Sporting events have been postponed. Donald Trump's planned town hall with Univision has also been postponed.
In Winter Haven, Florida, just north of Orlando, Peppa Pig Theme Park will stay closed till October 10, 2024. Hotel operations would continue at a limited capacity. The park previously closed during Hurricane Helene. The Mayor of the Florida city of Tampa said,
“This is literally catastrophic and I can say without any dramatization whatsoever if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are gonna die.”
She continued:
“If this takes a job to the south, that’s gonna save us from the storm search but it stays on the track it is projected to be on right now or if it goes a bit north, would be even worse. Some of the predictions are saying that Pinellas County to the south of us, the entire County is going to be under water. So, this something that I have never seen in my life.”
It is reported that The Florida Division of Emergency Management has teamed up with Uber to offer free rides to shelters for individuals in evacuation counties ahead of Hurricane Milton. To request a ride, users can tap on "Account" in the bottom right corner of the Uber app, select "Wallet," and then enter the promo code "MILTONRELIEF."
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