Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida's Gulf Coast

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 160 mph, threatening to impact Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly the Tampa Bay area. This follows the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which was also classified as a major hurricane and resulted in significant destruction across the Southeast. Meteorologists note that the current hurricane season is marked by unusual activity, with five hurricanes forming in just over a week, highlighting a trend of back-to-back major storms that were previously uncommon. Experts warn that this pattern may represent a 'new normal' where rapid intensification and increased frequency of hurricanes challenge historical models of storm risk assessment. Communities are still recovering from Helene, with concerns that Milton's arrival will further complicate recovery efforts. As the hurricane season continues, residents are urged to prepare for potential impacts inland as well, reflecting ongoing climate change concerns.