Hurricanes Helene and Milton Devastate Florida
In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2024, and they were right. So far, thirteen named hurricanes have smashed the Gulf of Mexico and affected states from Florida up to the Ohio Valley region. However, the most recent back-to-back occurrences of Hurricanes Helene and Milton may amount to unparalleled levels of destruction. Hurricane Helene was a category 4 hurricane that raged through the southwestern US from September 23rd through the 28th. In total, around 230 people died as a result of the storm, and thousands more were injured or displaced because of it. Additionally, the storm caused untold billions of dollars in property damage. Although Hurricane Helene was bad, Hurricane Milton is aiming to be historic. Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a category 5 and is predicted to have double the storm surge of Hurricane Helene. Tampa Bay is likely to be damaged particularly badly by the storm, as it is a major metropolitan area, and a hurricane has not hit it in nearly a century. According to St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch, “This could be the most devastating storm we’ve faced”.
The situation in Florida is especially dangerous now as the state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, and the cleanup will not even be near completion when Milton is predicted to land. Milton is not only expected to be a bad storm, but it could also be a contender for breaking Florida’s hurricane records. On October 7th, the storm underwent an explosive transformation, from a Depression 14 storm, to a Category 5 hurricane in less than three days. Many national aid organizations and local businesses have banded together to provide aid for Hurricane Helene. Still, with Hurricane Milton on the very near horizon, much of the state and surrounding area is put on an evacuation notice as they prepare for the storm to reach the shore. According to Phil Klotzbach, a Meteorologist at Colorado State University, “Its low-pressure readings — the lower the number, the more potent the storm — are among the 10 lowest on record, and its wind speeds are the highest recorded for an Atlantic storm this late in a season… Milton is the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by either wind or pressure since Hurricane Rita in 2005.” Hurricane Rita was the most destructive Florida has ever seen.
Source: WISH-TV, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, NBC News, AP News, Axios Tampa Bay, City of St. Cloud – Florida, The Guardian
Appleton North begins “Noctiluca Livewire” radio station project.
On September 20th, Appleton North and Noctiluca News began their journey to a new media format, never before seen in the history of the Appleton Area School District — radio. Noctiluca Livewire is Appleton North’s official radio station and an offshoot of the Noctiluca, similar to Spark Shorts. Tune in on our website, and you’ll be treated to 24/7 music from local bands exclusive to the Fox Valley and Greater Wisconsin region, Livewire plays music from a vast array of genres, so, almost everyone will be able to find something they like, and the previously somewhat underground music scene in the Fox Valley region is put on proper display on our station. Additionally, every other Friday, there are live broadcasts from our presenter, DJ Cathode, on news and events from the school and local area, and a feature, which usually involves a 30 – 45 minute long interview with a community figurehead or someone whose story needs sharing. Noctiluca Livewire is also a partner of the Wisconsin Broadcaster’s Association, a union dedicated to for-profit and non-profit radio stations in the area, so be sure to look out for one of our stands or representatives at WBA events! Tune into Noctiluca Livewire at northnoct.com.
Additionally, Noctiluca Livewire is always looking for talent, musicians, bands, etc. If you are interested in pursuing a music career, or if you are in a band or know someone who is, or just want to contribute, and you want more publicity, feel free to email [email protected] for more information, and your music might make it onto the airwaves!
Source: Appleton North Noctiluca Livewire, DJ Cathode (presenter of Livewire), Wisconsin Broadcaster’s Association (WBA)
