TV meteorologist John Morales emphasized that climate change is fueling the severe conditions surrounding Hurricane Milton as he detailed the storm’s development. During a segment on NBC on October 7, Morales became visibly emotional while discussing the hurricane’s progress.

He stated, “This is an incredible hurricane, having dropped 50 millibars in just 10 hours. I apologize; this is just horrific,” as he struggled to hold back tears.

Morales added, “With maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, it is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, where the waters are exceptionally hot. This unprecedented heat is a result of global warming and climate change, posing an increasing threat to the Yucatán, including areas like Mérida and Progreso.”

Despite his emotional state, Morales composed himself and pointed out that while the hurricane is predicted to weaken as it approaches Florida, it will still be significantly impactful. He remarked, “Let’s shift our focus to Florida. Even though it is anticipated to weaken, it remains incredibly strong, and it will likely be a major hurricane upon landfall.”

He stressed the importance of the landfall location, noting that areas south of the impact site could experience a storm surge as high as 12 feet.

Government officials have echoed the seriousness of the storm and urged residents to heed evacuation orders. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor conveyed this urgency during a CNN interview, stating that those in evacuation zones would be making a grave mistake by trying to ride out the storm.

Castor remarked, “While people may have survived previous storms, this one is different. Helene was a wake-up call, and this storm is literally catastrophic. I can say this without any exaggeration: if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are putting your life at risk.”

As of the latest reports, Hurricane Milton has reached the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with Category Five storms having winds of 157 mph or higher and causing catastrophic damage.