Hurricane Milton’s aftermath shows peak storm surge levels in Southwest Florida that exceed those of Hurricane Helene but fall short of Hurricane Ian’s record. Additionally, a record number of tornado warnings were issued, surpassing previous counts during prior hurricanes. Collier and Lee counties recorded significant flood stages, indicating the storm’s widespread influence.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the Florida Climate Center provided significant insights pertaining to the storm’s impact, particularly in Southwest Florida. Assistant State Climatologist Emily Powell reported that the region experienced peak surge levels higher than those recorded during Hurricane Helene, although they did not reach the catastrophic figures seen during Hurricane Ian. The coastal tide gauge stations in Collier and Lee counties indicated noteworthy flood conditions: Naples recorded a surge of 5.08 feet, surpassed Helene’s peak of 4.02 feet, while Fort Myers peaked at 5.26 feet, exceeding Helene’s 5.12 feet. It is important to note that the highest surge on record for Fort Myers, 7.26 feet, occurred during Hurricane Ian in 2022. “This implies that if Milton’s surge level is validated, the top three storm surge events in Fort Myers occurred within a two-year span, encompassing Milton, Helene, and Ian,” Powell observed. Additionally, significant water levels were measured in southern Collier County, with Marco Island registering a peak of 28.52 feet and the North Naples Bay river gauge reaching major flood stage at 5.08 feet. Hurricane Milton also resulted in an unprecedented number of tornado warnings statewide. Powell indicated, “There were a record number of tornado warnings issued yesterday across the state. Collier and Lee Counties had a few tornado warnings – four that I can see.” Overall, Florida issued 126 tornado warnings, exceeding the previous state record of 114 set during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and trailing only a single-day record in Alabama. Powell concluded that the final assessment of tornado impacts would await the completion of damage surveys to ascertain the precise number and strength of tornadoes confirmed during the storm.
Hurricane Milton has garnered attention not just for its storm surge but also for the significant number of tornado warnings issued across Florida. The Florida Climate Center has been tracking climate and weather patterns for years, providing critical data that helps to assess storm impacts in terms of flooding and tornado occurrences. By comparing current storm data with previous hurricanes like Helene and Ian, experts can understand trends and prepare for future weather-related emergencies.
In summary, Hurricane Milton has resulted in notable storm surge levels surpassing those of Hurricane Helene, with significant impacts recorded in both Collier and Lee counties. The unprecedented number of tornado warnings issued highlights the storm’s severity and has set new records for the state. As the community awaits comprehensive damage assessments, the data collected will provide valuable insight into the challenges posed by such severe weather events.
Original Source: www.news-press.com
