As Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene, the Sunshine State is bracing for another potentially catastrophic hit from Hurricane Milton.
On Monday, NBC 6 South Florida meteorologist John Morales emotionally reported on the storm’s projected path, breaking down into tears over the “incredible hurricane,” which has quickly intensified from a Category 3 to 5, with wind speeds expected to peak at 185 mph.
“It has dropped 50 milibars in 10 hours,” he said before pausing and choking up. “I apologize. This is just horrific.”
“It is just gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, where you can imagine the seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot. A record hot, as you might imagine. You know what’s driving that, I don’t need to tell you — global warming, climate change, leading to this and becoming an increasing threat.”
Later on X, Morales apologized again for his emotional state, explaining “how extreme weather driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be shaken too, and demand #ClimateActionNow.”
Although Morales noted the storm is “expected to weaken upon approach” to Florida, it will still be “nothing less than a major hurricane” when it makes landfall.
As a result, states of emergency have been declared in counties across the state as residents and visitors begin to evacuate. Sporting events are being postponed and some WDW-adjacent Florida theme parks are being closed.
Milton is expected to slam into Florida near Longboat Key, between Tampa and Sarasota, around 8 p.m. Wednesday, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told the Herald-Tribune today.
