A Florida meteorologist fought back tears as he delivered the "horrific" forecast for Hurricane Milton, which is rapidly approaching the state. The storm, currently categorized as one of the most powerful hurricanes, quickly intensified to Category 5 status, leaving many residents racing to prepare as it barrels toward the Tampa Bay area.
Just weeks after being battered by the effects of Hurricane Helene, Floridians are now facing the oncoming danger of Milton, anticipated to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9. Meteorologist John Morales, during his emotional report on NBC's WTVJ, described the hurricane's alarming strength, warning viewers of its devastating potential.
"It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane," Morales said, visibly shaken. "It has dropped... it has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. I apologize, this is just horrific. Maximum sustained winds are 160 miles per hour, and it is just gaining strength as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico." His emotions echoed the severity of the storm as he relayed the devastating facts about its rapid intensification.
Morales pointed out the dangerously high temperatures of the Gulf waters—hotter than usual due to climate change—which contribute to the increasing intensity of hurricanes like Milton. He made it clear to viewers what is at stake as these conditions manifest. "You know what’s driving it; I don’t need to tell you: global warming, climate change leading to this and becoming an increasing threat for the Yucatan [in Mexico]. Many folks there have just the very basics... it’s going to be very tough," he explained.
Milton is expected to slightly decrease its intensity as it heads eastward, but meteorologists have warned it will still pack powerful winds and could cause significant damage upon landfall. Morales called for individuals to take urgent preparations and emphasized how serious the situation is. He urged his followers, "Frankly, YOU should be shaken too, and demand #ClimateActionNow," pushing for awareness about the role of climate change.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Monday night the hurricane's central pressure had fallen to below 900 millibars, marking it among the lowest ever recorded for hurricanes. Sustained winds have reached up to 180 mph, with gusts up to 220 mph. Many counties across Florida have issued mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, as the storm poses risks of catastrophic storm surges, potentially reaching 12 feet.
Following President Joe Biden's emergency declaration for the state, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell announced plans to coordinate with Florida on disaster response efforts. She expressed the urgency of the matter, reminding those within the storm's path, "Protect yourselves and take care of others because time is running out to prepare for the hurricane's potentially deadly impacts."
Hurricane Helene left devastation just days prior, claiming more than 230 lives and causing widespread destruction from Florida's Big Bend to North Carolina. Cleanup and recovery efforts are still underway, adding to the complexity faced by citizens and authorities reacting to Hurricane Milton's impending threat.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also taken action, issuing executive orders to allow storm debris from Helene to be received at landfills, addressing the potential dangers posed by previous wreckage. "This was something we recognized as danger which could exacerbate the impacts of the storm," he remarked, highlighting the additional challenges presented to recovery efforts.
With the dual pressures from these hurricanes, emergency services are on high alert, and residents are reminded to follow the guidance of local authorities and meteorologists. Morales’ heartfelt pleas for awareness about hurricane preparedness resonate as the state braces for what might be another catastrophic event.
