Assessment of Agricultural Losses Resulting from Hurricane Milton
Summary
The tropical system that would eventually become Milton originated in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5, 2024. Gradual intensification occurred as it slowly moved eastward, becoming a hurricane early on October 7. Later that day, Milton underwent explosive intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 180 mph (285 km/h). Increasing wind shear caused the hurricane to weaken as it turned northeast towards Florida, falling to Category 3 status before making landfall near Siesta Key late on October 9, making it the second major hurricane to impact Florida in only a few short weeks (Hurricane Helene). Afterwards, Milton rapidly weakened as it moved across the state into the Atlantic Ocean.
Data are being collected via the Assessment of Losses and Damages to Florida Agriculture from Hazard/Disaster Events tool, which has been used to assess several events in the recent past, including Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Idalia, and Debby.
To learn more about the Damage and Loss Assessment process, how survey responses are used, and why this information matters for Florida agriculture now and in the future, visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page.
Link to English Survey: https://go.ufl.edu/MiltonAgImpacts
Downloads:
Media inquiries can be directed to:
- Meredith Bauer, Public Relations Specialist, (352) 294-3303 / meredithbauer@ufl.edu