Hurricane Milton, approaching Florida, faces potential disruption from wind shear, affecting its intensity and size. The storm is forecasted to be dangerous and powerful, fueled by heat extracted from the ocean, released in thunderstorms around the eye. Wind shear could either disrupt the hurricane’s structure, weakening intense winds but increasing storm surge, or promote growth and intensification. Low wind shear enables hurricanes to concentrate heat and lower pressure, allowing rapid strengthening, as demonstrated by Milton’s recent intensification. Small storms like Milton can intensify quickly but are more susceptible to wind shear and size matters in hurricane intensity. Replacement cycles could cause Milton to weaken but grow larger before reaching Florida. Bigger storms, like Hurricane Helene, are more resistant to disruption. While Milton is expected to weaken before reaching the coast due to unfavorable conditions, it is likely to be a large and powerful hurricane at landfall with life-threatening hazards. Dinah Voyles Pulver, an environmental reporter, has extensive experience covering hurricanes and violent weather events.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
