Tropical Storm Milton is rapidly gaining strength and is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday night as it makes its way towards the Gulf Coast and Florida Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center has warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding in the affected areas. Residents in Jacksonville should prepare for tropical storm-force conditions starting Wednesday, with expected rainfall of 5 to 10 inches. Weather experts are closely monitoring the storm's path and intensity to provide more accurate projections for potential impacts in the area.
Tropical Storm Milton Threatens Florida, Strengthening into Hurricane
Tropical Storm Milton has rapidly intensified in recent hours, prompting warnings from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of potential hurricane conditions along the Gulf Coast and Florida Peninsula. The storm is expected to make landfall by Sunday night, bringing with it heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding.
Background on Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones, which include hurricanes and tropical storms, are powerful rotating storms that form over warm ocean waters. Hurricanes are classified as Category 1 through 5, with Category 5 being the most intense. Tropical storms are less intense than hurricanes but still capable of causing significant damage.
Impacts of Milton
According to the NHC, Jacksonville is expected to experience tropical storm-force conditions starting Wednesday, with rainfall of 5 to 10 inches. Other coastal areas along the Gulf Coast and Florida Peninsula are also at risk of flooding, storm surge, and high winds.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?
2. How can I prepare for a tropical cyclone?
3. What should I do if I am in the path of a tropical cyclone?
4. What is the history of tropical cyclones in Florida?
5. How can I track the path of Tropical Storm Milton?
Conclusion
Tropical Storm Milton poses a significant threat to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Residents in affected areas should prepare now and follow instructions from local authorities. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, communities can mitigate the impacts of this storm and ensure the safety of their residents.
NASA has released stunning new images of two nearby star clusters that resemble a wreath and a Christmas tree. These clusters, known as NGC 602 and NGC 2264, are located in the Small Magellanic Cloud and are made up of young stars. The images were created by combining data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope. As we celebrate the winter solstice, take a moment to marvel at these cosmic Christmas decorations.
Vladimir Putin's announcement about the development of a cancer vaccine in Russia has stirred up a wave of hope among patients and experts alike, with its promised release for general use as early as 2025. As the world grapples with the devastating effects of cancer, the Russian vaccine, developed with the help of AI technology, could potentially revolutionize the way we understand and treat the disease. However, with other countries also racing to develop their own versions of cancer vaccines, the competition is stiff, and the details of Putin's claim are yet to be revealed. If successful, this could mean the end of the world's biggest killer.
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Barry Wilmore have been stuck at the International Space Station for six months due to a malfunctioning spacecraft. Their rescue mission has been further delayed as NASA announced a delay in the return flight on SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon capsule. They are now expected to spend close to ten months in space, raising concerns about their health as astronauts require twice as many calories in space due to changes in their metabolism. NASA's Commercial Crew Programme Manager has commended the SpaceX team for their efforts in preparing a new spacecraft for the mission.
Russian scientists have developed a vaccine that may be able to treat cancer, offering hope to patients who previously had no guaranteed cure. The vaccine is currently in testing and is expected to be available in early 2025. While there is still more testing to be done, pre-clinical trials have shown promising results in slowing the growth and spread of cancer. It will be available for free in Russia, but there is no information yet on which types of cancer it will treat or what the name of the vaccine will be. Similar treatments are also being developed in other countries, such as the UK.
Towana Looney, who had been on dialysis for eight years, became the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at New York University Hospital. The transplant was a success, with the kidney immediately turning a healthy color and functioning properly. This groundbreaking procedure is expected to become a lifesaving technology for many patients suffering from organ failure.
With the Gaganyaan mission quickly approaching, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has made significant progress in its preparations. All propulsion systems for the launch vehicle are ready, the crew escape system has been tested, and the crew and service modules are in the process of integration. According to the reply by Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh, the first uncrewed mission is targeted for the end of 2024, with a series of further missions set for 2025 and 2026. With all the ground infrastructure and support systems in place, India is gearing up for a historic first crewed mission in 2026.
Mid-December marks the peak of the annual Geminid meteor shower, where the skies come alive with bright and abundant shooting stars. Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids are caused by debris from an asteroid, and can appear in multiple colors like white, yellow, green, red, and blue. You won't need any special equipment to witness this spectacular event, so mark your calendars for December 13-14 to catch a glimpse of the dazzling Geminids.
The US Department of Agriculture has announced new measures to monitor the spread of bird flu among dairy cows, following concerns over its impact on poultry and dairy herds. With over 400 dairy herds affected, the virus was found in cows earlier this year, sparking concerns of its spread through the milk supply. The USDA's decision includes testing lactating cows and restricting their interstate movement, as well as ongoing measures to ensure the safety of pasteurized milk for human consumption.
According to a recent study by scientists at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, the high consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as potato chips and ready-made meals, may be causing chronic inflammation, suppressing the immune system and fueling the growth of colon cancer tumors. The study found a significantly higher number of lipids in these tumors, which are produced by the breakdown of processed foods and promote inflammation. The research also suggests that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources, such as avocados and olive oil, may offer new potential for treatments to combat colon cancer. However, the transition away from processed foods will not be an easy one as they are often laden with unhealthy ingredients like sugar, saturated fats and seed oils.
The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and AROGYA Expo, attended by delegates from 54 countries, highlighted the potential of Ayurveda to revolutionize global healthcare systems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a new blueprint to promote Ayurveda globally, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the event's role in combining Ayurveda and Yoga. Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasized the surge in AYUSH production and global outreach, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern technology.