Hurricane Milton: What is a Category 5 storm and why is it so dangerous? | Weather News

EXPLAINER

Florida's west coast is bracing for strong winds and torrential rain weeks after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

Preparations and evacuations are underway on the west coast of Florida, where Category 5 Hurricane Milton with sustained winds of 258 km/h (160 miles per hour) is expected to make landfall in the next 24 hours.

However, Milton, which occurs two weeks after Hurricane Helene, could lose intensity as it approaches landfall, which is forecast for Wednesday night or early Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center said Milton presented an “extremely life-threatening situation” and was expected to bring damaging winds and torrential rain that would spread inland and outside the forecast cone.

Florida is still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene on September 26th. The Category 4 hurricane, with winds of about 225 km/h (140 miles per hour), also caused damage in other southeastern states.

How are hurricanes categorized?

The National Hurricane Center has used the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale since 1973, when the scale was introduced to the general public.

It was developed by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson.

The scale classifies hurricanes as categories 1 to 5, depending on their maximum sustained wind speed. This allows an estimate of the possible property damage.

Category 1: 119-153 km/h (74-95 mph). These hurricanes are considered very dangerous and are expected to cause some damage to power lines and poles.

Category 2: 154-177 km/h (96-110 miles per hour). With such wind speeds, significant damage is expected as some trees with shallow roots will break and block roads. An almost complete power outage is to be expected for several days to weeks.

Category 3: 178-208 km/h (111-129 miles per hour). Devastating damage is expected from this category. Trees can break and uproot, and power and water supplies can be interrupted for several days to weeks after the hurricane.

Category 4: 209-251 km/h (130-156 miles per hour). The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of catastrophic damage from Category 4 and 5 hurricanes. A Category 4 hurricane could cause trees and utility poles to fall, as well as power outages lasting weeks or months.

Category 5: 252 km/h and higher (157 miles per hour and higher). Roofs and walls of houses can be damaged or collapse. A permanent power outage is expected.

After Category 5 Hurricane Wilma struck Florida, Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula in 2005, the Saffir-Simpson scale was criticized. Experts, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology climatologist Kerry Emanuel, quoted by LiveScience at the time, argued that the scale only takes into account wind speed and does not take into account the precipitation and rain-related damage a hurricane can cause.

Other hurricane scales, such as integrated kinetic energy (IKE) and accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), allow for more comprehensive assessments by considering the size, duration, and total energy of the storm, rather than just wind speed like the Saffir-Simpson scale.

How to prepare for a hurricane

The NWS website lists a number of actions to take when a hurricane approaches. This includes:

• Prepare a hurricane emergency kit with items such as water, food, flashlights, first aid kits, a whistle to call for help, a dust mask to filter contaminated air, shelter materials such as plastic sheets and tape, local maps, telephone chargers or backup Batteries.
• Strengthen your home and minimize damage by trimming the trees around your home, properly protecting your windows from dust, moving loose patio furniture and items indoors, and securing all doors.
• Fill bathtubs and sinks with water if the water supply is interrupted. Make sure your vehicle's fuel tank is full.
• Familiarize yourself with your zone and your evacuation plan and be careful not to drive too far from the evacuation area. Also, share evacuation plans with someone outside the storm zone and make a plan for where your pets should go.
• Stay informed about the hurricane through media, radio and social media.
• Review your insurance policies to ensure your home and personal property are adequately covered.
• Keep your pets indoors and ensure they are comfortable.