John Morales, a prominent meteorologist known within the Latin community and across the United States, experienced an emotional moment during a live broadcast on Noticias Telemundo. He reported that Hurricane Milton had intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Known for his calm demeanor and professionalism during severe weather events, Morales was visibly moved to tears while delivering the news, as captured in a video shared by UniVista TV on Instagram.
Hurricane Milton, which rapidly escalated from a Category 4 to a Category 5, poses a significant threat to coastal regions, especially in Florida and the Yucatán Peninsula. "This is something we hoped wouldn't happen, but here we are... Milton has reached Category 5," Morales said, clearly shaken, emphasizing the storm's danger and the concern among meteorologists.
Unprecedented Emotional Reaction from Renowned Meteorologist
The gravity of the situation, coupled with the potential impact on vulnerable communities, led Morales to display an unusual level of emotion for his typically professional style, as noted by UniVista TV. With sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h), Milton has caused significant alarm among meteorologists and authorities, prompting evacuation warnings for the most vulnerable areas.
Morales, a trusted voice during natural disasters, stressed the importance of heeding local authorities' advice and evacuating if necessary. This emotional moment resonated deeply with Morales’ audience, many of whom have relied on his expertise during emergencies over the decades.
Warnings and Preparations Ahead of Milton's Approach
Fellow meteorologist Matt Devitt also issued a grave warning on Facebook: "Milton is now the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico in nearly 20 years (since Hurricane Rita in 2005)." He urged, "Take this storm seriously. If you're told to evacuate, do it," highlighting Milton's sustained winds of 180 mph (approximately 290 km/h).
Devitt warned of a significant storm surge, predicting water levels to rise between 6 and 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) in Charlotte and Lee counties, and 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters) in Collier County. Residents were advised to prepare for severe flooding risks and take immediate precautions.
National Hurricane Center Issues Urgent Alerts
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced in its latest advisory that hurricane-force winds and a dangerous storm surge, accompanied by destructive waves, are expected along parts of the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula by tonight. Authorities urge residents in affected areas to follow local officials' instructions to mitigate severe risks.
The advisory indicates that Hurricane Milton is expected to grow in size and remain extremely hazardous as it approaches Florida's west coast by Wednesday. A destructive storm surge is anticipated in multiple areas of this region, posing a direct threat to life.
Moreover, devastating hurricane-force winds are forecasted along Florida's west coast, where a hurricane warning has already been issued. Milton is expected to maintain its intensity while traversing the Florida Peninsula, with hurricane-force gusts projected to extend inland, the NHC reported.