Space Views Show Hurricane Milton Approaching Florida Coast October 2024

Astronauts on the ISS filmed Hurricane Milton from space. The Category 5 storm had winds up to 120 mph near Florida in October 2024.
By Newsroom | Space, Weather |

A tense situation developed over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico as powerful storms, Tropical Storm Erin and Hurricane Milton, took shape and moved toward land. From the vantage point of space, astronauts and satellites captured striking images and video, showcasing the immense scale and ferocity of these weather systems. These observations provided a unique perspective on the storms' evolution and their potential impact on populated areas, highlighting the importance of space-based monitoring in understanding and preparing for severe weather events.

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Storms Emerge Over Atlantic and Gulf

During August 2025 and October 2024, the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico became the stages for significant tropical cyclone activity.

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  • Tropical Storm Erin was first observed taking shape over the Atlantic Ocean in August 2025.

  • Satellites were instrumental in tracking its development.

  • Forecasters issued warnings that Erin could intensify into a major hurricane.

  • Hurricane Milton became a major concern in October 2024, particularly as it approached Florida.

  • The storm reached Category 5 status, signifying extreme winds and the potential for catastrophic damage.

  • It was forecast to make landfall on Florida's Central Gulf coast.

Space-Based Observation Capabilities

The ability to monitor these storms from space has been crucial for understanding their development and providing vital information.

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  • Satellites continuously track the formation and strengthening of tropical systems like Erin.

  • They offer a broad view of the storm's structure and movement.

  • The International Space Station (ISS) provided a unique and close-up perspective.

  • Astronauts aboard the ISS captured timelapse videos and images of Hurricane Milton.

  • These visuals offered an unprecedented perspective on the storm's sheer size and visual appearance.

  • Cameras on the ISS operate at extremely high speeds, with the station itself orbiting the Earth at approximately 17,500 mph.

Hurricane Milton: A Visual Record from Orbit

Hurricane Milton’s approach to Florida was documented extensively from the ISS, offering a stark visual representation of its power.

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  • Visual Documentation: Stunning footage and images of Milton were shared by NASA astronauts.

  • Matthew Dominick, a NASA astronaut, shared a timelapse video of the hurricane.

  • These visuals showcased the storm's massive scale as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Storm Intensity: Milton fluctuated between Category 4 and 5 status while over the Gulf.

  • On October 9, 2024, it was a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph when nearing landfall.

  • The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale defines Category 5 as winds of 157 mph or higher, capable of causing catastrophic damage.

  • Landfall Predictions: Milton was expected to make landfall on Wednesday night, likely as a Category 3 storm.

  • Specific predictions placed landfall near Sarasota, Florida.

  • After landfall, the storm was expected to weaken rapidly over land but maintain hurricane status initially.

Tropical Storm Erin: Early Development from Space

Tropical Storm Erin, observed in August 2025, also benefited from space-based monitoring during its formative stages.

  • Tracking Formation: Satellites were employed to observe Erin as it steadily gathered strength over the Atlantic.

  • Video Evidence: A video documented the storm's emergence from space, offering views of its developing structure.

  • Potential for Intensification: Forecasters noted the possibility of Erin strengthening into the season's first major hurricane within days of its initial tracking.

  • Hurricane Hunter Collaboration: Incredible views of Erin were also captured by satellites and the United States Air Force's Hurricane Hunters, offering complementary data.

The Significance of Space-Based Hurricane Imagery

The images and videos captured from space offer more than just visual records; they are critical tools for scientific understanding and public awareness.

  • Scale and Power: The visuals from space emphatically demonstrate the immense scale and power of hurricanes.

  • Hurricane Milton, in particular, was described as looking like something from a "dystopian film" due to its size.

  • Forecasting Support: Continuous observation from satellites aids meteorologists in tracking storm movement and intensity, crucial for evacuation orders and preparedness.

  • Public Awareness: Dramatic footage can underscore the severity of approaching storms, prompting necessary action from residents in affected areas.

  • Millions of people were compelled to evacuate Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.

Expert Perspectives and Data

While direct quotes from specific experts on these particular storms were not extensively detailed in the provided summaries, the context implies the reliance on established meteorological and astronautical bodies.

  • NASA's Role: NASA astronauts and cameras aboard the ISS were central to documenting Hurricane Milton.

  • Forecasting Agencies: Agencies like the National Hurricane Center (implied by the nature of the warnings) provide the analysis of storm intensity and trajectory.

  • Satellite Technology: The ongoing development and deployment of advanced satellites are foundational to the observation of weather systems globally.

Conclusion and Implications

The events surrounding Tropical Storm Erin and Hurricane Milton underscore the vital role of space-based observation in tracking and understanding severe weather. The ability of satellites and astronauts on the ISS to capture detailed imagery and data provides invaluable insights into the formation, intensification, and movement of hurricanes.

  • Enhanced Monitoring: The comprehensive visual records of these storms offer a clear testament to the capabilities of modern space technology in weather science.

  • Preparation and Response: Such observations directly inform disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely warnings and evacuations that can save lives and mitigate damage.

  • Future Research: The data collected from these events will likely contribute to ongoing research aimed at improving hurricane prediction models and understanding the complex dynamics of these powerful storms. The contrast in timing between Erin (August 2025) and Milton (October 2024) also highlights the cyclical nature of hurricane seasons and the persistent need for vigilant monitoring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did astronauts see of Hurricane Milton from space in October 2024?
Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) captured stunning videos and pictures of Hurricane Milton. They saw the huge size and power of the storm as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida in October 2024.
Q: How strong was Hurricane Milton when it was seen from the ISS in October 2024?
Hurricane Milton reached Category 5 status, the highest level. When it was nearing Florida on October 9, 2024, it had winds of 120 mph and was a Category 3 storm.
Q: Why are space views of hurricanes like Milton important?
Views from space help people understand how big and powerful storms are. This helps scientists track the storm's path and speed, which is important for warnings and getting people to safety.
Q: What happened after Hurricane Milton was seen from space?
Hurricane Milton was expected to make landfall near Sarasota, Florida, on Wednesday night in October 2024, likely as a Category 3 storm. Millions of people in Florida were told to evacuate before it hit.
Q: Was Tropical Storm Erin also seen from space in 2025?
Yes, satellites watched Tropical Storm Erin form over the Atlantic Ocean in August 2025. Videos showed the storm growing stronger, and forecasters thought it might become a major hurricane.