Record-breaking: Milton is the fifth hurricane with the lowest pressure recorded in the Western Hemisphere.

Hurricane Milton, which reached category 5 with sustained winds of 180 miles per hour, has recorded a barometric pressure of 897 millibars (mb), making it the fifth hurricane with the lowest pressure recorded in the western hemisphere.

This figure places it among the most powerful hurricanes in history, approaching the theoretical intensity limit of these phenomena, according to a study by MIT. According to Telemundo Chicago, Milton is "almost at the limit of what the Earth's atmosphere can produce."

According to The Weather Channel, Milton is now the fifth strongest hurricane observed in the Atlantic basin, behind Wilma (2005, with 882 mb), Gilbert (1988, with 888 mb), Labor Day (1935, with 892 mb), and Rita (2005, with 895 mb).

The meteorologist Noah Bergren acknowledged on his social media his astonishment at the magnitude of Milton. “This is nothing short of astronomical. I have no words to describe meteorologically the small eye of the storm and its intensity,” he said on X.

"Pressure of 897 mb with maximum sustained winds of 180 MPH and gusts of over 200 MPH. This is now the fifth strongest hurricane ever recorded by pressure on this side of the world. The eye is small, nearly 3.8 miles wide. This hurricane is approaching the mathematical limit of what Earth's atmosphere can produce," he added.

Milton's threat to Florida has prompted evacuations and mass preparations for potential storm surges and severe flooding.

A potentially catastrophic hurricane

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Milton is a "potentially catastrophic" hurricane. Fluctuations in intensity are expected before it makes landfall, but it will remain extremely dangerous.

Hurricane-force winds could affect areas up to 30 miles from the center of the storm, while tropical storm-force winds could reach 80 miles from its center.

A storm surge of up to 15 feet is also forecasted along the coast of Florida, especially in Tampa Bay. Additionally, Milton is expected to bring between 5 and 10 inches of rain to central Florida, with localized accumulations of up to 15 inches, potentially causing severe flooding in some areas.

The effects of the hurricane could begin to be felt in Florida on Wednesday afternoon. Milton is expected to make landfall by night, impacting millions of people in its path.

The evolution of a "monster"

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified in recent days, reaching category 5 on Monday, with sustained winds of up to 250 km/h.

According to data from the National Hurricane Center, Milton became a dangerous category 5 hurricane as it moved toward Florida's west coast, raising great concern among authorities and residents. Its trajectory placed it near the Yucatan Peninsula, with the possibility of making landfall in Florida in the coming days.

This Tuesday, meteorologist John Morales, known for his calmness in extreme situations, could not contain his excitement while reporting live on the intensification of Milton.

Her tears reflected the seriousness of the situation, with winds already reaching 250 km/h, and evacuation warnings activated in the most vulnerable areas of Florida. Authorities emphasized the importance of following evacuation instructions and taking the necessary measures to protect life and property.

The hurricane maintains its winds of up to 250 km/h, posing a serious threat to Florida, where storm surges, torrential rains, and destructive winds are expected. Warnings from the National Hurricane Center urge the population to complete their preparations before the arrival of the hurricane, which could cause significant damage.