Weather & Science
Hurricane Milton’s Perilous Track Driven by Hot Gulf Water
- Warm water fuels Milton’s strength on its way to Florida
- Gulf’s warmth extends deep, overcoming even Helene’s power
Flood waters on the main street after Hurricane Helene passed, in Parpon Springs, Florida.
Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Hurricane Milton’s surge to Category 5 strength comes from high-temperature Gulf of Mexico waters that also intensified the deadly Helene less than two weeks ago, contributing to the new storm’s odd west-to-east track that threatens Tampa, Florida.
“There is really no historical precedent for a track like this,” said Ryan Truchelut, president of commercial forecaster WeatherTiger.