Hurricane Milton

It started as some rain, then it became a tropical storm, and finally, it became the Category 5 hurricane known as Hurricane Milton. 

“It shows us that nature is capable of a lot,” says science teacher Mr. Fuehrer.

Hurricane Milton was one of the most devastating and intense Atlantic hurricanes we have ever seen. It unexpectedly arrived and destroyed many people’s homes and it killed 24 people when it made landfall. 

As Polina from 7th grade said, “I think that it’s really unfortunate. It’s an awful natural disaster and displaces a lot of people and it also destroys houses.”

Hurricane Milton was caused by many things. The Gulf of Mexico had warm temperatures, which allowed the hurricane to intensify and become more destructive. Also, Hurricane Milton was able to develop very high winds because it isolated itself from other thunderstorms. 

According to apnews.com, “Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, where it knocked out power to more than 3 million customers and whipped up 150 tornado warnings”.

It had many stages. It started off as a tropical depression, which is a cyclone with wind speeds with up to 39 miles per hour. On October 5, it became a tropical storm with winds up to 40 miles per hour. The storm became a hurricane and progressed through the categories of a hurricane. Eventually, it became a Category 5 hurricane, with winds up to 180 miles per hour. When it made landfall, or finally touched land, on October 9, it had weakened to a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 miles per hour. As it moved through Florida, it weakened into a Category 1 hurricane. Finally, on October 12, it ended, but not without serious damage.

In response to Hurricane Milton, FEMA approved $252 million in housing and other types of assistance. Additionally, FEMA has approved $631 million for debris removal. 

“I feel very bad for the families in Florida and I pray that they’re all ok,” says math teacher Ms.Bermas. 

Hurricane Milton shows us to not underestimate Mother Nature and anything can happen at any time.