How hurricanes like Milton spawn tornadoes

Hurricane Milton Sparks Tornadoes as it Approaches Florida Coast

Hurricane Milton has spawned at least two large tornadoes ahead of making landfall on Florida’s west coast later tonight, and a tornado watch has been issued for much of the southern part of the state.

According to research, tornadoes are observed in more than 80 per cent of hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast. However, the visibility of these tornadoes before the hurricane’s arrival is unusual, as noted by William Gallus from Iowa State University. “There have been a surprisingly large number already and they look like Great Plains tornadoes,” he says. “They’re wide.”

The formation of tornadoes in hurricanes requires two main factors: instability due to heat and humidity, and wind shear caused by differences in wind speed and direction at various altitudes. As hurricanes move over water, low wind shear is typically present. However, when the storm reaches land, friction with the ground alters wind patterns and can lead to tornado formation.

Bands of wind preceding Hurricane Milton have reached the coast, creating wind shear and giving rise to tornadoes, Gallus explains.

Aside from tornadoes, hurricanes pose other risks such as storm surge and heavy rainfall. Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes can result in significant damage, with their destructive paths often visible through debris patterns. Studies indicate that a percentage of tropical-storm related deaths in the US are attributed to tornadoes generated by these storms.

Climate change may also contribute to an increase in tornado frequency as rising temperatures create more unstable atmospheric conditions. Research suggests that with warming expected by mid-century, the number of tornadoes spawned by hurricanes could rise substantially.

“Even if you only end up with half as much, it would be a very noticeable increase in the number of tornadoes,” Gallus concludes.