A Florida meteorologist became emotional while reporting on Hurricane Milton, which rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico.
The powerful storm is expected to hit the Tampa Bay area by Wednesday, just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the Southeast.
Meteorologist John Morales expressed his dismay during a Monday broadcast on NBC’s WTVJ, highlighting a drastic drop in barometric pressure that indicates strengthening storms. “It’s just an incredible hurricane,” Morales said, adding that “maximum sustained winds are 160 miles per hour” and that the storm was gaining strength.
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Morales emphasized how “incredibly hot” Gulf waters contribute to the formation of such powerful hurricanes and noted that climate change is exacerbating the hurricane season. “Global warming is a significant threat,” he asserted.
He warned that although Milton might weaken as it moves eastward, it would likely still arrive in Florida as a major hurricane. A clip of Morales’ heartfelt moment was shared on social media by WTVJ anchor Chris Hush, and Morales later voiced his concerns regarding climate-driven extreme weather on his own account, urging action on climate change.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Milton’s central pressure had plunged below 900 millibars, marking one of the lowest pressure readings for an Atlantic hurricane. Winds were recorded at up to 180 mph, with gusts reaching 220 mph.
Mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for over a dozen Florida counties, with potential storm surges of up to 12 feet anticipated in Tampa Bay.
President Biden has issued an emergency declaration for Florida, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced her plans to coordinate federal disaster response in the state.
A FEMA statement urged residents within the storm’s path to prioritize their safety and prepare for potentially lethal impacts. Recovery efforts are also ongoing in areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in at least 230 fatalities last week. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has opened landfills to manage storm debris as Milton approaches, noting the potential hazards posed by the wreckage.