Meteorologist John Morales, a key figure in the Latino community and in the United States, experienced an emotional moment during the live broadcast of Noticias Telemundo while reporting on the intensification of Hurricane Milton, which has become a powerful and dangerous Category 5 cyclone, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Morales, known for his usual calmness and professionalism in the face of extreme weather events, could not hold back tears while delivering the news, as seen in a video shared on Instagram by the television station UniVista TV.
Hurricane Milton, which quickly intensified from a Category 4 to a Category 5, poses a serious threat to coastal areas, particularly in Florida and the Yucatán Peninsula.
"It's something we didn't want to see, but here we are... Milton has reached category 5," Morales remarked, visibly affected, emphasizing the danger of the phenomenon and the concern among experts.
The confusion and seriousness of the situation, along with the potential impact on the most vulnerable communities, led the renowned meteorologist to exhibit an unusual emotional response in his typical professional style, noted UniVista TV.
With sustained winds of 250 km/h, Milton has caused significant alarm among meteorologists and authorities, who have issued evacuation warnings for the most vulnerable areas.
Morales, who has been a trusted voice during natural disasters, has emphasized the importance of following local authorities' recommendations and evacuating if necessary.
This touching moment has resonated deeply with Morales' audience, who has devoted decades to keeping the public informed during emergencies.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt also shared an alarming statement on Facebook: "Milton is now the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico in nearly 20 years (Hurricane Rita - 2005)."
"Take this storm seriously. If you're told to evacuate, do it," warned the expert, noting that Milton is now recording sustained winds of 180 mph, which is approximately 290 km/h.
Devitt warned that a significant rise in sea level is expected, with forecasts indicating an increase of between 6 and 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) in Charlotte and Lee counties, and between 4 and 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters) in Collier County. He alerted residents in these areas about the serious risk of flooding and urged them to take immediate precautions.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported in its latest bulletin that hurricane-force winds and a dangerous storm surge with destructive waves are expected in parts of the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula until tonight.
Authorities have urged residents of the affected areas to follow the instructions of local officials to avoid serious risks.
The advisory specifies that Hurricane Milton is expected to grow in size and remain extremely dangerous as it approaches the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.
A destructive storm surge is also forecasted in several areas of this region on Wednesday, posing a direct threat to life.
Additionally, devastating hurricane-strength winds are expected along Florida's west coast, where a hurricane warning has already been issued.
Milton will maintain its intensity as it crosses the Florida Peninsula, and hurricane-force winds, particularly in gusts, are expected to spread inland, the NHC noted.
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