This month of October is marking an unprecedented milestone in the history of Atlantic meteorology: For the first time, we have three active hurricanes at the same time in the Atlantic basin. Kirk, Leslie and Milton share the spotlight in an event that meteorologists say is totally unexpected for this time of year.
This situation has put various regions on alert, since the three hurricanes follow particular trajectories. that could affect both North America and EuropeHurricane Kirk, although weakening, remains a cause for concern for European coasts, while Milton has become one of the strongest recorded in recent years in the Atlantic. Leslie, meanwhile, although less dangerous, continues to be monitored for its potential impact.
Milton: A record-breaking hurricane
Hurricane Milton has surprised everyone by rapidly intensifying to Category 5 in less than 24 hours, something extremely rare according to experts. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton went from Category 1 to Category 5 in record time. Such is its strength that it has reached winds of up to 282 km/h, making it the most powerful hurricane in the last five years in the Atlantic.
Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico, an area that typically experiences severe hurricanes, but Milton's rapid intensification has baffled meteorologists. Never before has a hurricane evolved so explosively in such a short period of time in this area. They compare it to Wilma in 2005 and Felix in 2007, two hurricanes that also intensified rapidly.
Authorities along the US coast, especially in Florida, have issued mass evacuation orders as Milton is expected to make landfall in the coming hours. The hurricane is expected to hit Tampa Bay, a region that has not faced a Category 5 hurricane in more than a century. Milton could bring powerful storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds, affecting millions of people.
Kirk, Leslie and Milton: Three hurricanes in action
Kirk, Leslie and Milton have set off all weather alarms on both sides of the AtlanticAlthough Kirk is not as powerful as Milton, it is still moving towards Europe, where it is expected to become a tropical storm or extratropical cyclone. The Galician and Cantabrian coasts are preparing for heavy rain and winds that could reach hurricane-force gusts in high areas.
Leslie, which is located further north, is moving slowly and does not currently pose a direct threat to large populations, although specialists are closely monitoring its development.
A season that surprises experts
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been anything but predictable. After a quiet start to the season, where hardly any storms formed, hurricane activity has increased dramatically in recent weeks. Milton, Kirk and Leslie are just the latest examples of how the season has taken an unexpected turn.
Initially, meteorologists predicted a heavier-than-usual season, based on warm water temperatures and other weather factors. However, the sudden increase in activity in October has been a significant surprise, erasing any doubts about the intensity of this season.
A season with high values of Accumulated Cyclonic Energy (ACE)
One of the most widely used indicators to measure the intensity of a hurricane season is the Accumulated Cyclone Energy Index (ACE). This index measures the total energy generated by tropical cyclones throughout their life. This season, the ACE is already well above the historical average, standing at 120,5, when the normal average at this time of year is 102,4.
This increase reflects the remarkable intensity of the season, and the simultaneous presence of Kirk, Leslie, and Milton suggests that the index will continue to rise. To better understand how hurricane energy affects you, you can consult hurricane categories and their intensity.
Impact of hurricanes in Spain
Although Kirk is already beginning to lose strength, its arrival in Europe is expected on Tuesday, when it will mainly affect the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It is expected that The Galician and Cantabrian coasts will suffer most of the impact, with very strong wind gusts and persistent rain. Although Kirk will be downgraded to a tropical storm, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings to the population to remain alert and follow weather updates.
The storm expected in Galicia will also cause strong waves, with waves up to 7 meters high, and there could be a risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities have warned that the storm could affect traffic at ports and airports in the coming hours. For more details on similar phenomena, see Why hurricanes form in the Atlantic.
Finally, Milton and Kirk are not the only meteorological phenomena that have disrupted the plans of many. This hurricane season is proving that nature remains unpredictable and that its effects can be felt on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously.