Hurricane-Milton-Triggered Tornado Outbreak Causes Unprecedented Destruction In Florida

Hurricane Milton Leaves Trail of Destruction, Unprecedented Tornado Activity in Florida As Hurricane Milton continued its approach to landfall, meteorologists began to notice signs of an atmosphere coming unhinged hundreds of miles away from the storm's projected path. The unusual phenomenon resulted in over 100 tornadoes ripping through Florida on October 9, with three rare EF3 tornadoes causing significant damage.

According to experts, tornadoes are not unusual in hurricanes, and there is little evidence linking human-caused climate change to the formation of hurricane-spawned tornadoes or their increased intensity. However, a recent study did suggest that warmer temperatures could lead to more tornadoes in tropical cyclones. Officials have confirmed a total of 39 tornadoes statewide, with 19 confirmed in the counties overseen by the Melbourne office of the National Weather Service... 15 confirmed by the Miami office, and seven confirmed by the Tampa Bay office.

The unprecedented event was marked by 126 tornado warnings issued on October 9, more than doubling the previous record of 69 warnings issued during Hurricane Irma in 2017. The unique approach of Hurricane Milton from the west to southwest put much of South Florida and the Treasure Coast in its dangerous right front quadrant, where the forward motion of the hurricane combined with its twisting winds can create a volatile environment.

USA TODAY reported that Bill Bunting... deputy director of NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, described the event as "substantial and significant... a tornado event anywhere in the country." However, "he noted that many factors contributed to the unusual outcome." The National Weather Service has three months to report its findings, but experts are already praising the meteorologists who worked tirelessly to track the storms and issue timely warnings.

As the full extent of the damage becomes clearer, "it is clear that Hurricane Milton's impact will be felt for months to come."

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With Hurricane Milton still hours from landfall, signs of an atmosphere coming unhinged were already showing more than 100 miles away, outside the cone of error in some cases, but not out of reach. An estimated 40 Milton-spurred tornadoes ripped through Florida on Oct. 9, including three incredibly rare EF3s with 140- to 155-mph peak winds.