Hurricane Milton has left a dramatic mark on Florida's coastal landscape, transforming iconic beaches and altering the shoreline significantly.
According to NY Post, the powerful storm notably affected areas around Sanibel and Captiva islands, where it reshaped coastlines, moved sand, and formed new channels — changes that experts suggest could be long-lasting.
The hurricane, which swept ashore with immense power, has visibly changed the coastal regions around Cape Coral. Sanibel and Captiva islands bore the brunt of these changes, as intense water movement shifted sand and sediment.
Satellite images highlight the transformation, capturing plumes of brown and white along Sanibel’s coastline. This visual cue points to significant sand and sediment redistribution.
Cody Braud, a meteorologist at Fox Forecast Center, remarked on the storm process, noting that severe weather pushes sand and water inland, only for them to retreat and push back out again. This cyclical movement highlights the complexity of coastal changes during and after storms.
The impact of Hurricane Milton has compounded the effects of previous storms, including those from Hurricane Helene. These consecutive weather events have reportedly contributed to a net increase in sand along certain parts of the coastline.
Braud further explained that, despite the overwash caused by these storms, the increased sand constitutes an enhancement rather than mere erosion along shorelines. This phenomenon was observed more prominently in regions like Sanibel, which have faced continuous storm activities.
The redistribution of sand sometimes results in the formation of new channels, as water desperately seeks paths to flow back to the sea. This was evident in some beaches now visibly split as the water receded.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) categorized Milton's impact as causing the "most severe level of coastal change."
The survey predicts that approximately 95% of Florida's beaches will continue experiencing water inundation as a result of this storm. The erosion and overwash are expected to be widespread, affecting every beach across the state.
The vulnerabilities of these coastal communities were heightened due to previous erosion from Hurricane Helene. With storms like Milton, past damage amplifies current challenges, particularly in areas already worn down by nature's force.
Florida's coastline has not been a stranger to storms. Hurricanes Ian, Irma, Matthew, and Michael have historically reshaped its geography before Milton's arrival added another chapter to this narrative.
Observations by experts indicate that a pattern is emerging, where storm-induced sand movement is now becoming more common. This movement enhances some shorelines but poses significant threats through potential erosion and overwash.
Braud shared insights on the mechanics of these changes, viewing the process as a natural reaction to high storm surges. He concluded that although erosion is less apparent, the reshaping of these shorelines is an unavoidable consequence.
