John Morales, a highly respected and experienced meteorologist at WTVJ/NBC6 in Miami, delivered a deeply emotional weather report on Monday that resonated with many viewers. The split-screen broadcast prominently featured alarming images of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm making its way toward Florida's west coast. This development comes as the region is still grappling with the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck just a couple of weeks ago on September 26.
Adding to the urgency, NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick shared breathtaking images and videos of Hurricane Milton from space, showcasing the massive storm's approach. As Morales described the storm's rapid intensification, his voice broke, and he visibly struggled to maintain his composure. "It's just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane," he said, closing his eyes in disbelief at the severity of the situation. He paused to collect himself, noting, "It has dropped... 50 millibars in 10 hours." After another emotional moment, he added, "I apologize. This is just horrific."
Morales has long been known for his clear and rational forecasts, often warning about hurricanes and their potential impacts. He had previously issued warnings regarding Hurricane Helene but faced criticism from some who accused him of exaggerating the storm's potential dangers. Following his heartfelt broadcast about Hurricane Milton, he shared a clip on X (formerly Twitter), which quickly garnered over 1.7 million views. In subsequent discussions, Morales explained the reasons behind his tearful reaction, emphasizing the shock of the storm's rapid intensification. He expressed his frustration over society's failure to effectively address climate change and shared his deep empathy for those who find themselves in the storm's path. "It claims lives. It also wrecks lives. You have to feel sorry for the folks that are in this hurricane's path," Morales stated with a heavy heart.
Throughout his impressive 40-year career, Morales has prided himself on being a calm and rational voice in the often chaotic world of weather reporting. However, he has increasingly noted that rising global temperatures have led to greater unpredictability in storm behavior, diminishing his confidence in forecasting storm intensity. "As the temperature of the planet increases, my confidence in forecasting storm intensity is decreasing," he expressed in a recent essay.
Despite warnings about Hurricane Helene's potential for catastrophic impact, some critics labeled him a "climate militant," suggesting he was overstating the threats. Morales addressed these criticisms head-on, stating, "It wasn't an exaggeration." He acknowledged that those who have come to know him as a no-nonsense, fact-based meteorologist might struggle with his more urgent warnings in light of current climate realities.
Many South Floridians, particularly those now evacuating the Tampa Bay area, have expressed their gratitude for Morales' straightforward approach to weather forecasting. He is part of a growing number of Florida meteorologists, including names like Jeff Berardelli and Steve MacLaughlin, who openly discuss the pressing realities of climate change in their broadcasts. Morales emphasizes the critical importance of this issue, stating, "The climate crisis is here. It's not a future problem; it's a today problem, and it merits all of our attention."
Hurricane Milton, which initially intensified to a Category 5 storm over the Gulf of Mexico, is projected to make landfall on Florida's west coast by Wednesday evening. The National Hurricane Center has issued dire warnings that the Tampa and Sarasota areas could experience life-threatening storm surges ranging from 10 to 15 feet. As a precaution, officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for large portions of the state's west coast. Many Florida residents have already evacuated the Tampa Bay region, heeding these urgent warnings.
While Hurricane Milton was downgraded to a Category 4 storm early Tuesday, it regained strength by the afternoon and was upgraded back to a Category 5 hurricane, according to reports from The Associated Press. The unpredictability of the storm has heightened concerns among officials and residents alike.
In response to the escalating situation, President Joe Biden, along with local officials, has urged residents to take the storm seriously and follow evacuation orders without delay. "If you're under an evacuation order, you should evacuate now. Now, now, now. You should have already evacuated. It's a matter of life and death," Biden stated emphatically, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, veteran meteorologist John Morales remains a trusted voice, providing vital updates and heartfelt warnings. His emotional broadcast has not only highlighted the immediate dangers posed by the hurricane but has also drawn attention to the broader issues of climate change, compelling viewers to consider the impact of these storms on communities and lives.
