Hurricane Milton: Surge Levels Exceed Helene but Fall Short of Ian’s Record in Southwest Florida
Hurricane Milton’s aftermath shows its peak storm surge exceeded Helene’s in Southwest Florida but did not surpass Ian’s record. A total of 126 tornado warnings were issued statewide, marking a new record, as authorities await further assessments to confirm tornado occurrences and their impacts on the region.
Following Hurricane Milton, the aftermath reveals significant data regarding the storm’s impact on Southwest Florida. The Florida Climate Center in Tallahassee provided insights into the storm’s peak surge levels, which notably exceeded those registered during Hurricane Helene but did not surpass the record set by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Assistant State Climatologist Emily Powell elucidated that the coastal tide gauges recorded a peak surge of 5.08 feet at Naples, exceeding Helene’s peak of 4.02 feet. Similarly, Fort Myers experienced a surge of 5.26 feet, surpassing Helene’s 5.12 feet but remaining below the record of 7.3 feet established by Ian. Further assessment indicated remarkable water levels, particularly near Marco Island, which reached 28.52 feet, and North Naples Bay, which peaked at 5.08 feet, both records surpassing Helene’s impact. Powell highlighted the occurrence of a record number of tornado warnings issued across the state, particularly in Collier and Lee Counties, with four warnings noted in those regions. Across Florida, a total of 126 tornado warnings were recorded, significantly exceeding the previous record of 126 set during Hurricane Irma in 2017, positioning it as the second-highest number of tornado warnings issued in a single day in any state, following a 2011 outbreak in Alabama. As authorities await further damage surveys to confirm the occurrence and strength of the tornadoes, analysts continue to gather additional weather data, including wind gust and rainfall metrics from the National Weather Service in Tampa.
The article discusses the impact of Hurricane Milton on Southwest Florida, focusing on the storm’s surge levels and the unprecedented tornado warnings issued during and after the storm. The analysis draws comparisons with past hurricanes, particularly Helene and Ian, to provide context to Milton’s impact on local communities, weather phenomena, and the resultant emergency alerts.
In conclusion, Hurricane Milton brought significant flooding and severe weather to Southwest Florida, with surge levels surpassing those of Helene but falling short of Ian’s record. An unprecedented issuance of tornado warnings highlights the storm’s intensity, and as assessments continue, more detailed storm-related data will be available. The insights provided by the Florida Climate Center underline the ongoing challenges states face regarding storm preparedness and response in an era of increasing weather volatility.
Original Source: www.news-press.com
