Hurricane Milton (2024): Orígenes, Intensification, and Coastal Forecasting Challenges

Última actualización: Agosto 17, 2026

Hurricane Milton (2024): Orígenes, Intensification, and Coastal Forecasting Challenges

Hurricane Milton of 2024

Hurricane Milton was a remarkably powerful Atlantic hurricane, becoming the second-most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm made landfall in Florida, just under two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the state’s Big Bend area. Milton, the thirteenth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, was also the ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 storm of the season. Además, it became the strongest tropical cyclone globally in 2024.

Milton developed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance that first appeared in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5, 2024. Over the next two days, the storm underwent explosive intensification, reaching Category 5 status on October 7, with winds of 180 mph (285 km/h). Its peak intensity was marked by a central pressure of 897 millibars (26.49 inHg), making it the fifth most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. After undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle, Milton briefly weakened to a Category 4 storm before reintensifying into a Category 5 hurricane. Sin embargo, increasing wind shear led to a decrease in strength as Milton turned northeastward toward Florida. By the time it made landfall near Siesta Key on the evening of October 9, 2024, it had weakened to a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h).

In response to Milton’s approach, Florida declared a state of emergency, prompting the evacuation of many coastal residents. Preparations were also undertaken in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The hurricane triggered a tornado outbreak in Florida and caused widespread flooding. As of October 10, 2024, El huracán Milton se había cobrado al menos 11 vidas: 10 en los Estados Unidos y 1 en mexico.

Historia Meteorológica

El Centro Nacional de Huracanes (CNH) señaló por primera vez el potencial de desarrollo en el Mar Caribe occidental en septiembre 26, 2024. Se formó una amplia zona de baja presión., produciendo aguaceros y tormentas desorganizadas, pero se disipó brevemente en un canal abierto. Esta perturbación luego interactuó con los restos de la Depresión Tropical Once-E del Pacífico Oriental y un frente estacionario., eventualmente consolidándose en la Bahía de Campeche. Para octubre 4, el sistema se organizó mejor y fue designado como Invest 92L. Al día siguiente, el NHC lo actualizó a Depresión Tropical Catorce, y rápidamente se intensificó hasta convertirse en la tormenta tropical Milton en unas pocas horas., mientras los datos satelitales revelaron vientos huracanados.

Mientras Milton se movía erráticamente en la Bahía de Campeche, Las débiles corrientes de dirección frenaron su progreso.. Una vaguada en desarrollo en el nivel medio sobre el centro de EE.UU.. Finalmente condujo a Milton hacia el este a través del Golfo de México.. El radio de vientos máximos de Milton era relativamente pequeño, de apenas 30 millas náuticas (56 kilómetros), pero las bandas en espiral y los frecuentes estallidos de convección continuaron durante todo octubre. 6.

Por la tarde de octubre 6, Los vuelos de reconocimiento descubrieron que Milton se había intensificado hasta convertirse en un huracán., y se observó formación intermitente de ojos.. Condiciones favorables, incluyendo temperaturas muy cálidas en la superficie del mar de 31°C (88°F), humedad media alta, y baja cizalladura del viento, facilitó la rápida intensificación de Milton. un pequeño “agujero de alfiler” ojo formado dentro de convección profunda, y Milton rápidamente se fortaleció hasta convertirse en un gran huracán.. Para octubre 7, alcanzó la categoría 5 estado, becoming the second storm of the season to reach this intensity.

At its peak, on October 8, Milton’s maximum sustained winds reached 180 mph (285 km/h), with a minimum central pressure of 897 millibars (26.49 inHg), the lowest since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. This rapid intensification, with a pressure drop of 84 millibars (2.48 inHg) y un 90 mph (145 km/h) increase in winds over 24 horas, was one of the fastest-ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico.

Following its peak, Milton underwent an eyewall replacement cycle, which temporarily weakened the storm to Category 4. Sin embargo, it reintensified back to Category 5 before strong wind shear caused further weakening as the storm approached Florida.

Landfall and Impact

Milton made landfall at 00:30 UTC on October 10, 2024 (8:30 p.m. local time on October 9), near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph (195 km/h). As it moved inland, the storm rapidly weakened, dropping to Category 2 status by 10 p.m. local time and further weakening to a Category 1 storm by early the next morning. Frictional effects from the land helped dissipate the storm quickly.

Ahead of Milton’s landfall, Florida’s state of emergency declarations resulted in widespread evacuations from coastal areas at risk of dangerous storm surges and flooding. In addition to the United States, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula prepared for potential impacts, though Milton’s direct effects there were limited.

The storm caused widespread destruction in Florida, including a significant tornado outbreak and extensive flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. The loss of life totaled 11 gente, con 10 fatalities reported in the U.S. and one in Mexico. Damage assessments were still underway as of October 10, but early estimates suggested significant economic losses due to flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to the local power grid.

Summary of Milton’s Intensity

Milton was among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, reaching the fifth-lowest pressure ever in the basin. Below is a list of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes based on pressure:

Rango	Hurricane	Season	Pressure (hPa)	Pressure (inHg)
1	Wilma	2005	882	26.05
2	Gilberto	1988	888	26.23
3	“Labor Day”	1935	892	26.34
4	Rita	2005	895	26.43
5	Milton	2024	897	26.49
6	allen	1980	899	26.55
7	camilla	1969	900	26.58
8	Katrina	2005	902	26.64
9	Mitch	1998	905	26.73

Milton’s rapid intensification and its brief re-strengthening to Category 5 after undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle showcased the storm’s volatile nature. Despite weakening before landfall, Milton was a deadly and destructive storm, contributing to one of the most notable Atlantic hurricane seasons in recent history.