Threatening cyclone is heading for Florida

A huge weather phenomenon is brewing off the west coast of Florida: Hurricane “Milton” has developed into a storm of the highest category 5 and reaches wind speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour. An impact on the Florida coast is expected in the middle of the week, putting residents and authorities alike on alert. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued urgent warnings and is urging the population to follow evacuation instructions. In direct response, President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Florida to allow for rapid federal relief. The hurricane center’s warnings should be taken seriously because of the threat of life-threatening storm surges and destructive winds. Hurricane Helene recently passed through northwest Florida, leaving destruction and flooding in its wake. More than 200 people lost their lives in several states. Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia were particularly affected. Hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to the end of November, poses an increasing risk of strong storms due to global warming and associated warmer oceans. Naming the hurricanes alphabetically this year brings us to “Milton,” a name that has already been used should now leave lasting impressions.