Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, with wind speeds reaching 160 mph. This rapid intensification has been remarkable, with the storm gaining 70 mph in wind speed since 1 a.m. CT Monday and a staggering 95 mph in the last 24 hours.
Milton now stands as the second Category 5 hurricane of the season, following Hurricane Beryl. Beryl made history as the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record when it formed in the Caribbean Sea in early July.
Category 5 hurricanes are a rare occurrence in the Atlantic basin, with only 40 such storms recorded in history according to NOAA data. Prior to this season, only two Category 5 hurricanes had formed in the 2020s: Ian in 2022 and Lee in 2023.
The intensification of Hurricane Milton serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of these natural phenomena. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow all safety protocols issued by local authorities to ensure their well-being during this dangerous weather event.
