Hurricane Milton is on track to make landfall in the U.S. as a powerful Category 4 storm, just days after the devastating Hurricane Helene left over 200 dead and caused widespread destruction across several states.
Residents are preparing for Hurricane Milton. Credit: Spencer Platt/Get
The storm could bring catastrophic winds, flooding, and debris from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which may be hurled as projectiles in Milton’s intense winds.
Emergency services have issued stark warnings to those in its path.
“If you remain there, you could die,” the fire service cautioned.
John Morales, a veteran meteorologist, appeared visibly choked up during an NBC affiliate WTVJ telecast on Monday, October 7, as he provided updates on the rapidly intensifying storm.
“Incredible, incredible hurricane,” Morales began, before pausing briefly.
“It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours,” he continued, with tears welling up in his eyes.
“I apologize — this is just horrific,” Morales said, his voice filled with emotion.
The Hurricane is category 5. Credit: Anadolu/Getty
The broadcast continued with Morales delivering updates off-camera while the weather map took center stage, though the emotion in his voice remained audible throughout the segment.
Following the broadcast, Morales shared his thoughts on the experience via X (formerly Twitter), where he posted a link to his coverage of climate change and extreme weather.
“I debated whether to share this. I did apologize on the air,” he wrote. “I invite you to read my introspection on how extreme weather… driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be shaken too.”
As of Tuesday, Hurricane Milton is moving toward the U.S. mainland at 12 mph (19 kph), drawing energy from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
When it reaches the Tampa Bay area on Florida’s west coast Wednesday, it is expected to pack sustained winds of up to 129 mph. At its peak, the storm had winds of 180 mph (285 kph).
Tampa Bay, home to over three million people, has not seen a major hurricane make direct landfall in over a century.
Meanwhile, more than a million people in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula have already been ordered to evacuate as the storm threatens the region.
Fortunately, scientists predict Hurricane Milton will weaken slightly before reaching Florida, per the BBC.
Its current path is expected to bypass states hit hardest by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.
Many residents have been urged to evacuate. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty
“If you remain there, you could die, and my men and women could die trying to rescue you,” Hillsborough Fire Rescue Chief Jason Dougherty warned.
At a news conference, Governor Ron DeSantis outlined the state’s preparedness efforts, noting that 1.2 million gallons of fuel have been stockpiled and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and wastewater treatment plants have flood protections in place.
“We’ve never had this many resources prior to a storm,” DeSantis said.
“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said during a press briefing. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
