The tornado outbreak caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida was a leading cause of death and damage from the storm, with one of the strongest tornadoes in South Florida’s history hitting the area. The increase in intense tornadoes linked to hurricanes this year is thought to be connected to tropical cyclones producing more tornadoes in a warmer world. Hurricane Milton brought chaos to the region earlier than expected, with supercell thunderstorms producing tornadoes. The resulting twisters led to 126 tornado warnings and 45 preliminary reports of tornadoes. The tornado outbreak has emerged as a leading cause of death and damage in Florida following Hurricane Milton.
The tornado outbreak included one of the strongest tornadoes in South Florida’s history, hitting 140 mph in Palm Beach Gardens. The U.S. has seen an abnormally high number of strong tornadoes linked to hurricanes this year, which is unusual as most tornadoes associated with landfalling tropical systems are weaker. Early research suggests that tropical cyclones could produce more tornadoes in a warmer world, with instability driving storm activity. Climate change may have played a role in the unusually unstable conditions in South Florida during Hurricane Milton.
Experts believe that the tornadoes produced by Hurricane Milton were concentrated in a small area due to the storm’s short path across the Florida peninsula. More research is needed on how climate change can influence tornadoes produced by hurricanes, but its impact on extreme rain is clearer. Reports indicate that rainfall and wind speeds during hurricanes like Milton and Helene are likely stronger due to climate change. Ultimately, the tornado outbreak caused by Hurricane Milton highlights the potential for more intense tornado activity during hurricanes in a warming world.
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