This October is marking an unprecedented milestone in the history of Atlantic meteorology: for the first time, we have three active hurricanes simultaneously in the Atlantic basin. Kirk, Leslie, and Milton are sharing the spotlight in an event that meteorologists are calling completely unexpected for this time of year.
This situation has put several regions on alert, as the three hurricanes are following distinct paths that could affect both North America and Europe . Hurricane Kirk, although weakening, remains a cause for concern for European coasts, while Milton has become one of the strongest hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic in recent years. Leslie, for its part, 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 a Category 5 storm 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 (175 mph), making it the most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic in the last five years.
Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico, an area that frequently experiences severe hurricanes, but Milton's rapid intensification has baffled meteorologists. Never before has a hurricane evolved so explosively in such a short time in this region. It has been compared 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 triggered weather alerts on both sides of the Atlantic . Although Kirk is not as powerful as Milton, it continues its path toward Europe, where it is expected to arrive as 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 higher elevations.
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, with few storms forming , cyclone 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 more intense season than usual, based on warm water temperatures and other climatic factors. However, the sudden surge in activity in October has been a significant surprise, dispelling 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 us, you can consult the hurricane categories and their intensity.
Impact of hurricanes in Spain
Although Kirk is already weakening, it is expected to reach Europe on Tuesday, primarily affecting the northern Iberian Peninsula. The Galician and Cantabrian coasts are forecast to bear the brunt of the impact , with very strong gusts of wind and persistent rain. Even though Kirk is expected to weaken to a tropical storm, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings to the public to remain alert and follow weather updates.
The storm expected in Galicia will also bring heavy swells, with waves up to 7 meters high, and could pose 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.