Although Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida early Thursday morning, October 10, a pair of alarming tornadoes were recorded on Wednesday, October 9, triggering warnings along the U.S. Atlantic coast.
So far, Florida authorities have not reported any serious damage from the tornadoes, but more are expected.
In images circulating online, the tornado’s funnel can be seen moving at high speed after crossing Alligator Alley highway. The phenomenon is also accompanied by intense storms and strong gusts of wind. So why does this happen?
Milton’s Case: Can a Hurricane and Tornado Appear at the Same Time?
The answer is yes. Tornadoes that are stronger than usual can form during hurricanes due to the storm’s interaction with the jet stream. This occurs when the intense air currents and atmospheric instability within the hurricane environment trigger severe storms.
Unlike hurricanes over water, when a hurricane makes landfall, the high-altitude winds encounter friction from the ground, buildings, and trees, causing extreme winds and rotation patterns. These patterns can create small storm systems within the hurricane, which in turn may produce tornadoes.
❗️🌪🇺🇲 – A massive tornado was spotted in Broward County near Weston this morning as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida.
The tornado crossed I-75 along Alligator Alley around 10 a.m., approximately five miles west-northwest of the highway and the Miccosukee Service Plaza.… pic.twitter.com/kEzkD7YvYu
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) October 9, 2024
These massive storms can sometimes be as large as entire states, bringing destructive winds, storm surges, torrential rain, and flooding. The additional spin and energy from the jet stream make these storms even more intense.
While tornado watches are common in these risk areas, it’s important to remember that tornadoes associated with hurricanes develop quickly, and warnings are not always issued in time.
Hurricane Milton Hits The U.S
The development of the hurricane has triggered warnings across the Gulf of Mexico. Authorities stressed that Milton remains extremely powerful.
“This is it, folks,” said Cathie Perkins, emergency management director in Pinellas County, which sits on the peninsula that forms Tampa Bay. “Those of you who were punched during Hurricane Helene, this is going to be a knockout. You need to get out, and you need to get out now.”
According to Associated Press, Milton was centered about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west-southwest of Sarasota early Wednesday evening and had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph), the hurricane center reported. It was moving northeast at 17 mph (29 kph). Then, heavy rain and tornadoes lashed parts of southern Florida starting Wednesday morning, with conditions deteriorating throughout the day. Six to 12 inches (15 to 31 centimeters) of rain, with up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) in some places, was expected well inland, bringing the risk of catastrophic flooding.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Perla Vallejo for Ecoosfera
