Everything we know about Hurricane Milton as of today, October 8.

Hurricane Milton, which began as a tropical storm, has quickly become one of the most powerful cyclones of the 2024 hurricane season. Impressive images of the phenomenon have been captured from the International Space Station, which has already reached category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. With sustained winds of up to 250 km/h, Milton has been classified as one of the most dangerous hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and its threat is imminent for both Florida and Cuba. On Tuesday, October 8, Milton was downgraded to category 4, although it remains a serious threat to the coasts of Florida. U.S. meteorological authorities have warned of strong winds, torrential rains, and flooding as Milton continues its advance toward the west coast of Florida.

Impact in Cuba

In Cuba, the impact of Milton has already been felt, especially in Surgidero de Batabanó, where the first coastal flooding has already caused damage. The Island's Meteorological Institute has warned of dangerous conditions in the western areas of Pinar del Río and the Isle of Youth. Strong swells are expected along the western coasts, while alerts remain in effect across the region. Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant and follow instructions to avoid risks.

Preparations in Florida

On the west coast of Florida, authorities are preparing for what could be one of the largest evacuations in years. Milton has brought heavy rains to the Miami area and has already begun to cause flooding in some parts of Hialeah. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned residents about the seriousness of the situation and urged immediate evacuations in vulnerable areas. Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday night, with potential storm surges of up to 20 feet.

Cyclone season 2024

The hurricane season in 2024 has been one of the most active in recent years, with several cyclones affecting both Cuba and Florida. At the end of September, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the Malecón in Havana, where strong waves and flooding affected various infrastructures. The rains and winds from Helene also caused severe flooding in Surgidero de Batabanó, in the province of Mayabeque, an area that is now also under threat from Milton.

This year has also been complicated in Florida, where, before the arrival of Milton, residents were still recovering from the devastating effects of Helene, which left numerous casualties and severe flooding along the coast.