As tropical cyclone season reaches its peak, Hurricane Milton has intensified rapidly, now classified as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane, located in the Gulf of Mexico, is affecting the Yucatán Peninsula and the southern United States, bringing heightened alerts across the region. According to the latest reports from the National Meteorological Service (SMN) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton is situated approximately 165 kilometers northwest of Celestún and 200 kilometers west-northwest of Progreso in Yucatán.
In less than 24 hours since forming off the coasts of Veracruz and Tamaulipas on October 6, the storm escalated from a tropical storm to the highest category, signaling potentially devastating impacts. The storm’s maximum sustained winds are reported at 250 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 305 km/h. Milton is currently moving east-southeast at 15 km/h.
Government Urges Caution as Rainfall and Strong Winds Loom
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo addressed the storm in a morning press briefing, urging citizens to exercise caution as Hurricane Milton intensifies. “According to Laura Velázquez, National Coordinator of Civil Protection, it seems unlikely that Milton will directly hit the Mexican coast, but we will experience increased rainfall,” President Sheinbaum stated from the Guillermo Prieto Room of the National Palace.
Rainfall and Wind Alerts: Affected Regions in Mexico
The National Meteorological Service warns that the effects of Hurricane Milton will be most pronounced in the following areas:
- Torrential rains: Campeche and Yucatán
- Heavy rains: Puebla, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Quintana Roo
- Moderate rains: Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, and Tlaxcala
The SMN also forecasts intense winds and high waves along the coastlines impacted by the hurricane:
- Campeche and Yucatán: Wind gusts between 150-180 km/h, waves of 5-7 meters, with potential waterspouts
- Veracruz and Tabasco: Wind gusts between 80-100 km/h, waves of 3-5 meters
- Tamaulipas and Quintana Roo: Wind gusts between 70-90 km/h, waves of 2-4 meters
Civil Protection Alerts and Safety Measures
In response, the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) has activated the Tropical Cyclone Early Warning System (SIAT-CT) across 370 municipalities in six states, assigning alert levels based on danger level:
- Orange (high danger): Central, northern, northeastern, northwestern, and western regions of Yucatán
- Yellow (medium danger): Northern Campeche, northern Quintana Roo, and eastern and southern Yucatán
- Green (low danger): Central and eastern Campeche, central and western Quintana Roo
- Blue (very low danger): Southern and southwestern Campeche
Yucatán’s Governor Joaquín ‘Huacho’ Díaz has urged residents to remain calm, stay updated on official information, and follow local authority guidance. Recommended safety measures include seeking shelter, disconnecting utilities such as gas, electricity, and water, and reserving phone use for emergencies.
Impact Beyond Mexico
In addition to its effect on Mexico, Hurricane Milton poses potential risks for the southern United States. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued similar advisories, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high surf along coastal areas.
The rapid intensification of Hurricane Milton highlights the unpredictable nature of this season’s storms, which began between May and June and have recently seen a surge in activity.
As tropical cyclone season reaches its peak, Hurricane Milton has intensified rapidly, now classified as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane, located in the Gulf of Mexico, is affecting the Yucatán Peninsula and the southern United States, bringing heightened alerts across the region. According to the latest reports from the National Meteorological Service (SMN) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton is situated approximately 165 kilometers northwest of Celestún and 200 kilometers west-northwest of Progreso in Yucatán.
