“Unprecedented Category 5 Hurricane Milton Captured from Space: Climate Change’s Impact on Supercharged Storms”

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm at the time of this photograph, was captured in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Oct. 8, 2024, as seen from the International Space Station orbiting 257 miles above. The image, provided by NASA via Getty Images, showcases the immense power and size of the storm as it churned over the warm waters of the Gulf.

According to a pair of studies from the World Weather Attribution (WWA), hurricanes like Milton are becoming more common and intense due to climate change. The researchers found that storms of Milton’s intensity are now 40% more common, with maximum wind speeds of similar storms about 10% stronger. Additionally, hurricanes with heavy one-day events similar to Milton are 20-30% more intense and twice as likely to occur.

The warming oceans and atmosphere, fueled by climate change, are providing ideal conditions for hurricanes to form and intensify. Bernadette Woods Placky, Chief Meteorologist at Climate Central, likened the impact of climate change on hurricanes to “steroids,” making them more powerful and destructive.

Hurricane Helene, which struck Northern Florida as a Category 4 storm before causing devastation in several states, resulted in a death toll of over 200 people, making it the deadliest hurricane in the U.S. since Katrina in 2005. The storm’s rapid intensification and the challenges faced during evacuations and recovery efforts highlighted the need for improved preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather events.

Low-income and minority communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes, facing inadequate housing and resources for evacuation and recovery. The strain on infrastructure during evacuations, including congested highways and limited fuel availability, further exacerbates the challenges faced by those in the path of these storms.

As the frequency and intensity of hurricanes continue to rise, experts emphasize the importance of adapting and preparing for these extreme events. Increased investment in preparedness and resilience measures will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of future hurricanes and protecting vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of these powerful storms.