Meteorologist John Morales’ emotional reporting of Hurricane Milton’s ‘horrific’ impact goes viral

TAMPA, FLORIDA: Meteorologist John Morales detailed the potential threat Hurricane Milton could pose during its landfall in Florida as a Category 5 hurricane.

The seasoned meteorologist became emotional on Monday, October 7, and appeared to shed a tear while describing the enormity of a Category 5 hurricane's impact.

John Morales describes Hurricane Milton as 'horrific'

John Morales took a moment to pause, his emotions palpable, and his voice trembling as he said, "It's just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane. It has dropped," he stopped.

"It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. I apologize. This is just horrific," he said, as per NBC.

He went on to say, "Maximum sustained winds are 160 mph. And it is just gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico where the winds -- I mean, the seas, are just so, incredibly, incredibly hot. Record hot, as you might imagine."

"You know what's driving that. I don't need to tell you: global warming, climate change [are] leading to this and becoming an increasing threat for the Yucatan, including Merida and Progreso and other areas there," Morales added.

Morales later expressed his overwhelming feelings about Hurricane Milton on X, stating, "Extreme weather driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be shaken too, and demand #ClimateActionNow."

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies to Category 5 storm

On Monday, October 7, Hurricane Milton escalated from a Category 3 to a Category 5 in a brief period. This severe weather event may bring a storm surge of at least 12 feet and winds reaching up to 160 mph, as reported by WTVJ.

Hurricane Milton, now gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday, October 9, as a Category 5 storm.

This comes days after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in south-east US, killing at least 225 people. At least 14 of those deaths were in Florida, where 51 of 67 counties are now under emergency warnings as Milton approaches.

Internet reacts as John Morales get emotional detailing Hurricane Milton's threat

As soon as John Morales' emotional video went viral on social media, users started reacting to it.

A user said, "He should never apologize for being a human with emotions. He knows what’s coming and it’s terrifying. I live in Canada and the hurricanes rarely touch us here (Ontario) other then a bit of rain, maybe mild flooding at the worst. We might get the tail end of it."

The comment further read, "But to be hit with a second, stronger hurricane not long after Helene. And a 3rd hurricane brewing? It’s absolutely devastating. As a former member of the media, we are trained not to show emotion on-air. Report the facts, don’t have an opinion or show any emotion. This is real, his reaction is real and necessary to get the message out as to how deadly this can/will be. Thinking of everyone in the path of this hurricane, still dealing with the last one and anticipating the 3rd one to come.”

Another added, "John Morales is a treasure here in South Florida. Seeing him emotional just proves how intense and catastrophic this storm is."

The third commentator remarked, "One person caring for humanity."

"This poor man. He just knows what he is reporting is going to be so devastating and have catastrophic effects," another wrote.

A person stated, "Watching a meteorologist almost breakdown on air over this hurricane is absolutely terrifying! Praying for everyone in its path."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.