PORTLAND, Maine — Hurricane Milton did not form, strengthen, or move like many Atlantic Basin hurricanes due to its fairly unique track. It originated in the Gulf of Mexico and is now moving eastward.
Often, hurricanes form off the west coast of Africa and strengthen in the Caribbean, often impacting the east coast of Florida or the Gulf Coast.
However, it is quite rare for a hurricane to develop in the Gulf and then shift east, although it's worth noting it has happened a few times in the past.
The eastward path is quite irregular and makes Hurricane Milton particularly concerning for the west coast of Florida, setting it apart from more typical storms.
Favorable conditions in the Gulf of Mexico allowed the storm to intensify from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than a day.
Despite its unusual formation, Milton is a powerful storm. and the numbers prove that.
Current data shows its barometric pressure ranks among the strongest hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic Basin.
Following a brief drop in pressure on Monday evening, Milton now stands as the fifth strongest hurricane observed in the Atlantic.
Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall Wednesday night as a Category 4 hurricane.
