Hurricane Milton Approaching Florida
Hurricane Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico thirty-six hours ago, and is according to the National Hurricane Center already a Category 5 storm. The eye of the storm is currently tracking towards the Tampa Bay region, and is expected to weaken to Category 3 status before landfall. However, this is still a significant storm and on the heels of Hurricane Helene it is expected to bring widespread problems to an already rain saturated Florida.
What defines the different categories a hurricane can be?
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale gives five categories of named storms, as outlined below:
Category 1: Sustained winds of 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h). This category can cause significant damage to trees, power lines, and structures.
Category 2: Sustained winds of 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h). This category can cause more extensive damage to structures, including roof damage and flooding.
Category 3: Sustained winds of 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h). This category is considered a major hurricane and can cause severe damage to structures, including widespread power outages and coastal flooding.
Category 4: Sustained winds of 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h). This category is also a major hurricane and can cause catastrophic damage to structures, including complete roof failure and widespread flooding.
Category 5: Sustained winds of 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher. This category is the most powerful hurricane and can cause devastating damage, including complete destruction of structures and widespread flooding.
Hurricane Milton is the 13th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, and one of the most rapidly developed hurricanes tracked by the NHC.
What is causing hurricanes to intensify so rapidly?
Four factors are generally thought to contribute to this trend:
Low Wind Shear: Wind shear is a change in wind speed or direction with height. Low wind shear allows a hurricane's structure to remain organized, enabling it to intensify more efficiently.
Moist Air: Hurricanes need moist air to fuel their storms. If there's plenty of moisture available in the atmosphere, the hurricane can intensify more quickly.
Pre-existing Disturbances: Sometimes, a pre-existing disturbance, such as a tropical wave or low-pressure system, can provide a foundation for a hurricane to form and intensify rapidly.
Warm Ocean Waters: Hurricanes draw energy from warm ocean waters. The warmer the water, the more energy the hurricane can absorb, leading to rapid intensification.
How can you prepare your commercial roof for an inbound storm?
The primary things to watch out for with your industrial roof before a hurricane are that the roof is free and clear of debris, objects, and that anything that could have the ability to be carried away by wind is either securely tied town or removed from the roofing structure. It is also a good idea to verify all roof drains are functioning properly. TeamCraft’s Sheltercare inspection and preventive maintenance program is a great way to ensure you are always hurricane ready. Give us a call if you’d like to discuss how we can help you prepare for the storm.
