Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Moment Florida meteorologist breaks down live on air while reporting on Hurricane Milton

‘I apologize – this is just horrific,’ NBC affiliate WTVJ’s John Morales choked

Madeline Sherratt
Tuesday 08 October 2024 12:05 BST
Comments
Watch: Meteorologist fights back tears as he gives updates on ‘life threatening’ Hurricane Milton

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A veteran news meteorologist visibly broke down live on air over Hurricane Milton, as the monster Category 4 storm charts a potentially deadly path towards Florida.

John Morales was reporting on the hurricane on NBC affiliate WTVJ on Monday, breaking down the magnitude of the storm which has come off the back of Hurricane Helene just two weeks earlier.

Looking at satellite imagery of the hurricane’s path, Morales choked up, telling viewers: “I apologize – this is just horrific.”

”It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane. It has dropped...,” he said, becoming emotional.

“It has dropped 50 millibars in ten hours.”

He added: “I apologize, this is just horrific.”

Meteorologist John Morales breaks down live on air over ‘life-threatening’ Hurricane Milton
Meteorologist John Morales breaks down live on air over ‘life-threatening’ Hurricane Milton (NBC News)

The hurricane specialist explained to viewers that when sustained wind speeds begin to exceed 160mph, unimaginable things can start to occur – a frightening situation which he said was undoubtedly caused by global warming and climate change.

Speaking on the threat of Milton to the Yucatan peninsula, Morales said that “the dirty side of the hurricane folks, is on the dirty side of its progress”.

He added that many communities in the Yucatan area “have just the very basics” stressing that the days ahead are “going to be very tough” for people living in the storm’s path.

As of Tuesday morning, Milton has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane and is forecast to break records as one of the strongest storms of all time, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Family boards up home in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday in Port Richey, Florida
Family boards up home in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday in Port Richey, Florida (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The NHC warned that residents in Progreso, Mexico, and Tampa face a “life-threatening situation” as the hurricane is expected to bring devastating flooding when it makes landfall on Wednesday evening.

People living in the affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and advice from local officials.

The Sunshine State is already grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene – a storm that left at least 227 dead across the US.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in