Big hurricanes often cause significant destruction, leading to widespread devastation. Understanding this reality, a Florida meteorologist with decades of experience is struggling to discuss the monstrous storm expected to make landfall in his state this week.
John Morales of WTVJ, an NBC News affiliate, became emotional while reporting on Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification. “I apologize. This is just horrific,” he stated. “It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane.”
While trying to provide details about Milton, he became slightly choked up. “It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours,” Morales said, describing the storm’s dramatic drop in air pressure. “Um … I apologize. This is just horrific.”
Milton, which has “explosively” intensified into a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 175 mph, is currently making its way toward Florida, where it is predicted to make landfall late Wednesday. However, by that time, the storm is expected to be downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane. Despite this downgrade, it remains powerful enough to create life-threatening conditions and cause catastrophic damage.
Morales noted, “Even though it is expected to weaken on approach, it is so incredibly strong right now that you’re going to find it very difficult for it to be nothing less than a major hurricane when it makes landfall in Florida.”
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Morales is not the only one stressing the seriousness of this storm; Tampa’s mayor also issued a blunt but alarming warning to residents. She stated, “I can tell you right now they might have done that in others, there’s never been one like this. And Helene was a wakeup call; this is literally catastrophic. And I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die.”
The White House reported that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden spoke on Monday night about the hurricane.
“Tonight, @POTUS spoke with @GovRonDeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to get a report on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene and preparations for Hurricane Milton. He asked both to call him directly if anything can be done to further support response and recovery efforts,” said Senior Assistant White House Press Secretary Emilie Simons in a post on X. The governor expressed gratitude to Biden for approving all necessary assistance so far, adding that if additional help is needed, he “will not hesitate” to reach out.