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Biden To Visit Germany Next Friday After Hurricane-Delayed Trip

October 13, 2024, 6:21 pm

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Germany on Friday after postponing a previous trip due to Hurricane Milton impacting the United States, according to German government sources cited by Reuters.

Spiegel magazine reported that preparations for the visit are already underway, although it will not take on the formality of a state visit. Instead, Biden’s trip will focus on ongoing joint initiatives.

Meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier are planned for next Friday, with discussions expected to revolve around the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Biden’s earlier cancellation disrupted plans for a broader gathering of the Ramstein group, which consists of countries providing arms to Ukraine. This meeting would have focused on potential new aid commitments to support Ukraine.

Hurricane Milton Causes $50 Billion In Damage; President Biden Promises Aid

October 12, 2024, 5:30 pm

Hurricane Milton has inflicted approximately $50 billion in damages, according to President Joe Biden. The Category 3 storm devastated Florida, resulting in 16 fatalities and leaving millions without power. Biden is expected to visit the affected areas on Sunday as officials evaluate the extent of the destruction.

“I want everyone in the impacted areas to know we’re going to do everything we can to help you pick back up the pieces and return to normalcy,” Biden stated on Friday.

Governor Ron DeSantis remarked that the state had avoided a “worst-case scenario,” although significant damage still occurred. The Tampa Bay region managed to evade the anticipated storm surge, which had raised alarms.

Authorities noted that the situation could have been far worse without widespread evacuations. The recent devastation from Hurricane Helene, which struck just two weeks prior, likely encouraged many residents to flee in advance of Milton’s arrival.

As of 8 PM on Wednesday, the time of Milton’s landfall, the National Weather Service confirmed 19 tornadoes in Florida, with a total of 45 reported throughout the day, mainly in central and eastern areas.

The Biden administration has assured that it is “providing all the resources needed” to support the recovery efforts. Federal officials are optimistic about managing the responses to both Hurricanes Milton and Helene but are wary of potential funding shortages if additional storms develop before the hurricane season ends in November.

Residents returning from evacuation faced slow journeys on congested highways, exhausted from their travels and the daunting cleanup tasks awaiting them but relieved to return safely.

Man Went 48 km Off Florida Coast As Hurricane Milton Strike | WATCH

October 11, 2024, 3:08 pm

As Hurricane Milton unleashed its full fury on Florida on October 10, a remarkable rescue mission was taking place 48 kilometers off the coast. Described as a “nightmare” scenario by emergency responders, the rescue involved a man clinging helplessly to an ice box in the Gulf of Mexico.

Distress Call Amidst the Storm

The unidentified man managed to contact the Coast Guard station in St. Petersburg before communication was lost. His fishing vessel had malfunctioned near Madeira Beach just before the storm hit, leaving him stranded at sea. Fortunately, rescuers located him the following day, clutching an open cooler chest. A video of the dramatic rescue has since gone viral, captivating viewers online.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

#Breaking An @USCG Air Station Miami 65 helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to a cooler approximately 30 mi. off Longboat Key.

The man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care.

Sector St. Pete lost communications w/ the man at approx. 6:45 p.m., Wed. #SAR pic.twitter.com/64wSHuRAeH

— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 10, 2024

“This man survived in a nightmare scenario for even the most experienced mariner,” said Coast Guard official Dana Grady. Following his rescue, the man was transported to Tampa General Hospital for medical attention.

Hurricane Milton’s Destructive Path

On land, Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across Florida, resulting in widespread chaos and destruction. The powerful storm has been linked to at least 16 fatalities, including six in St. Lucie County along the Atlantic coast. As the storm continued to batter the state, over 11 million residents faced risks of flash floods and river flooding.

By 11:50 AM ET on Thursday, more than 3.4 million people were reported to be experiencing power outages across various counties. The rainfall from Milton was unprecedented, with estimates suggesting it delivered a 1-in-1,000-year downpour, severely impacting the Tampa Bay area.

Economic Impact and Recovery Challenges

The financial toll of Hurricane Milton is projected to be staggering, with Fitch Ratings estimating insured losses for Florida property owners could reach up to $50 billion. This would mark the largest insured loss since Hurricane Ian struck in 2022. The combination of Hurricane Milton and the earlier Hurricane Helene will likely push the total insured losses for the state beyond $100 billion for the fifth consecutive year, according to Fitch analysts.

As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on the lives lost and the extensive damage left in the wake of Hurricane Milton, a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.

Hurricane Milton Leaves 3 Million Without Power In Florida, Claims Four Lives

October 11, 2024, 12:02 am

Hurricane Milton moved into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after causing widespread devastation across Florida, leaving more than 3 million without power and resulting in four deaths. The storm, which spawned 150 tornadoes, spared Tampa from a direct hit but made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the storm as significant but acknowledged it wasn’t the “worst-case scenario.” Despite heavy rain and damage in certain areas, particularly in Sarasota County, Tampa avoided the catastrophic storm surge initially feared.

The flooding in Plant City, just inland from Tampa, was described as “absolutely staggering” by City Manager Bill McDaniel, with emergency teams rescuing 35 people overnight. In Matlacha, a barrier island off Fort Myers, a tornado combined with a storm surge caused significant damage, tearing apart homes and tossing vehicles.

Power outages stretched across the state, with over 3.4 million residents affected. In St. Petersburg, the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was shredded by fierce winds, though no injuries were reported. Authorities were conducting door-to-door rescues, with Col. Mark Thieme emphasizing that search-and-rescue efforts were the top priority.

Milton’s impact came just two weeks after Hurricane Helene ravaged western Florida, and officials worked quickly to clear debris to prevent further damage. Many areas in Florida remained under storm-surge and tropical storm warnings as the hurricane moved northward, continuing to pose a threat.

Hurricane Milton’s Landfall: NOAA Captures Electrifying Storm From Space

October 10, 2024, 5:49 pm

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released striking satellite footage of Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida, vividly illustrating the storm’s intensity from space. The footage, shared on Thursday, showcases the hurricane’s massive spiraling structure as it hit Florida’s west coast, accompanied by vivid lightning bursts illuminating the storm’s center.

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, its eye surrounded by dense cloud bands stretching hundreds of miles. The satellite imagery highlights the hurricane’s significant impact across Florida and neighboring states. NOAA’s GOES-East satellite provided visible cloud images every 30 seconds, capturing the storm’s approach and revealing frequent lightning detected by the satellite’s Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument.

One of the most striking features of the footage is the intense lightning activity in southern Florida, where the storm triggered multiple tornadoes. The electrifying visuals emphasize the severe weather conditions on the ground as the storm tore through the region.

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A post shared by NOAA Satellites (@noaasatellites)

As Milton moved across central Florida on Thursday, it left widespread destruction in its wake, with winds reaching 120 mph at landfall. The hurricane uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and knocked out power to nearly 2 million residents.

Meteorologists and emergency officials are closely monitoring satellite data to track the hurricane’s progress and ensure timely alerts for public safety. Although Milton has since weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, it continues to pose significant risks as it moves inland.

Hurricane Milton Slams Florida: Power Outages And Tornadoes Wreak Havoc

October 10, 2024, 5:28 pm

Storm Leaves 3 Million in the Dark; Flash Flood Warnings Issued

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening, bringing fierce winds, dangerous storm surges, and flooding rains. Striking near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, Milton pounded the west coast of Florida, already reeling from Hurricane Helene just weeks earlier. Winds exceeded 100 mph (160 kph), triggering a series of tornadoes across central and southern Florida, though Tampa was spared a direct hit.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed the storm made landfall with winds of 120 mph (205 kph) around 8:30 pm EDT. Siesta Key, a popular beach area home to 5,500 residents, faced the brunt of the hurricane. Numerous tornadoes were also reported across the state, according to The Weather Channel.

Homes Destroyed, Airports Closed

Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reported nearly 125 homes were destroyed before the storm hit, with many of them located in senior communities. Just before landfall, Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to shelter in place, stating it was too late to evacuate safely. Airports in Tampa and Sarasota were shut down due to the storm.

Videos circulated online showed the intensity of Hurricane Milton. The Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field suffered severe damage as the stadium’s fabric roof was torn apart by strong winds. Cranes also collapsed, and residents in St. Petersburg faced a water main break, leaving many without water.

Wow! My cousin sent this to me by a neighbor of his of the tornado that struck Wellington, FL from earlier today. Incredible speed & power that tornado possessed. #HurricaneMilton #flwx pic.twitter.com/QnF8hRQTQo

— Thee ?ornadorologist (@tornadorology) October 9, 2024

It’s astonishing that #Hurricane #Milton tore the roof off Tropicana Field.

Fortunately, the stadium was not filled with people at the time, but unfortunately, this means one major shelter is now out of commission.

Also, Lieutenant Dan is still alive and riding out the storm. pic.twitter.com/virTnE7S2w

— Thomas MORE (@ThomaMore) October 10, 2024

Power Outages, Storm Downgraded

Milton’s arrival knocked out power to nearly 3 million Floridians, according to poweroutage.us, with Sarasota County and neighboring areas hardest hit. Outages are expected to increase as the storm progresses.

Milton was downgraded to a Category 2 storm 90 minutes after landfall, and later to Category 1 early Thursday. However, flash flood emergencies remain in effect as heavy rain continues to inundate central Florida.

Third Major Hurricane in 2024

Milton is the third major hurricane to hit Florida this year, after Francine and Helene. This marks the first time since 2005 that the state has experienced three hurricanes in a single season. Experts say warming ocean temperatures may be fueling stronger and more frequent storms.

Watch: Harris Faces Backlash For Relying On Staff During Hurricane Milton Briefing

October 10, 2024, 2:16 pm

US Vice President Kamala Harris is under renewed scrutiny following her recent briefing on Hurricane Milton with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During the session, Harris appeared to cover her mouth and inform staff, “It’s a live broadcast,” nearly 20 minutes after struggling with her speech aimed at Floridians.

In her address, she urged residents, especially those in the Tampa region, to take the storm seriously. “This is a storm that is expected to be of historic proportions,” she stated. “I know many of you are tough and have weathered hurricanes before, but this one’s going to be different.”

HOLY SMOKES. Kamala had her staffers giving her questions to ask during the hurricane briefing and she covered her mouth to let them know “It’s a live broadcast.”

Little did she know her mic was still on…

Total incompetence on full display. pic.twitter.com/pmTPmoecBx

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 9, 2024

Critics from the MAGA camp swiftly condemned the Vice President’s performance, with comments like “total incompetence on full display” and suggestions that she looked like she was attempting to communicate through an earpiece.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris participated in the FEMA briefing focused on life-saving preparedness measures for Hurricane Milton. Both leaders received updates on forecasts and expected impacts for Florida, as reported by Fox News. Throughout the meeting, Harris frequently glanced down, seemingly referencing notes or scripts, while Biden attended from the White House, and Harris joined virtually.

Hurricane Milton has intensified to Category 5 strength several times in the past two days, ultimately making landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night in the Siesta Key area of Tampa, Florida.

Taylor Swift Donates $5 Million For Hurricane Milton Victims

October 10, 2024, 2:05 pm

Taylor Swift has pledged $5 million (£3.8 million) to aid those impacted by Hurricane Milton, which struck the Florida coast on Wednesday. The pop superstar, recognized as the world’s richest female musician with a net worth of $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion), directed her donation to the non-profit organization Feeding America as part of a broader effort by celebrities to assist communities affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Feeding America’s CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, expressed gratitude on the organization’s X account, stating, “Thank you, Taylor, for standing with us in the movement to end hunger and helping communities in need.”

Hurricane Milton threatens extensive damage across Florida, particularly in areas recently affected by Hurricane Helene. Swift, 34, is scheduled to perform in Miami next week as she embarks on the final leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour. Known for her charitable contributions, Swift previously donated to 1,400 Trussell food banks in cities like Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff, and London, coinciding with her summer performances.

Recently, she also donated $100,000 (£79,400) to support the family of a victim of a mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebrations, where she attended to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

In addition to Swift’s efforts, country artists Keith Urban, Luke Combs, and Eric Church have announced a benefit concert, “Concert for Carolina,” set to take place later this month in Charlotte, North Carolina, for those affected by the two storms. Country star Morgan Wallen has also contributed by collecting supplies and posing for photos with fans at a food drive in Knoxville, Tennessee, after donating $500,000 (£382,000) to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

Additionally, Dolly Parton has donated $1 million (£764,000) from her personal funds to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a Tennessee non-profit assisting Hurricane Helene flood victims, with her businesses matching that amount.

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, generating fierce winds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph) and triggering tornadoes across the state. The National Hurricane Center recorded maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (205 kph) as it struck near Siesta Key around 8:30 PM local time. More than two million households lost power, according to the PowerOutages website, as forecasts warned of a potentially deadly storm surge and heavy rainfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tragically, two fatalities were reported in St. Lucie County on Florida’s Atlantic coast, where tornadoes had touched down.

Watch: Troopers Rescue Dog Abandoned In Floodwaters Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

October 10, 2024, 12:39 pm

In a dramatic rescue on Wednesday morning, October 9, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers saved a helpless dog that had been left tied to a fence in rising floodwaters near Tampa as Hurricane Milton approached. Discovered by troopers near Interstate 75, the distressed dog was barking for help, standing in stomach-deep water after its owners had abandoned it.

Upon noticing the animal in distress, the troopers parked their vehicles and trekked across a soggy field to reach the dog and free it from the fence. FHP Tampa shared a video of the rescue on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where they wrote, “FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please.”

FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please… pic.twitter.com/8cZJOfkJL2

— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) October 9, 2024

Later in an update, the highway patrol confirmed the dog was safe and had been taken to a vet for examination, where it received a clean bill of health. “The dog rescued by @FHPTampa is safe and receiving care,” they added. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared the video, condemning the act and thanking the officers for their quick response. “It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm. FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable,” DeSantis stated.

The video sparked outrage online, with users calling for the arrest of the dog’s owners. Comments poured in, expressing gratitude to the officers and demanding justice for the mistreatment of the dog. “Thank you @FHPTampa for helping this dog. I hope you find its (prior) owners and arrest them,” one user commented. Others echoed the sentiment, describing the act as “cruel and criminal,” and many expressed relief that the dog had been rescued in time.

The incident has highlighted concerns about pet abandonment during natural disasters, and authorities have vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for such acts. The rescued dog is now receiving care, and efforts are underway to find it a loving home.

Hurricane Milton Sparks Tornadoes As Florida Braces For Impact

October 10, 2024, 5:47 am

Highways were clogged, gas stations ran out of fuel, and stores were emptied of essential supplies as Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, leaving residents with only a few hours to evacuate.

Described as a “catastrophic” storm, Milton was on course to hit one of the state’s most densely populated regions.

With millions of Floridians either ordered or urged to evacuate, the window for action was rapidly closing.

According to a USA Today report, the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. ET update revealed that the Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of 145 mph, was expected to cross the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday. “Historic, catastrophic, life-threatening – all those words summarize the situation,” USA Today quoted Austen Flannery, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Tampa, as saying.

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The report added that tornadic supercells—dangerous, rotating thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes—were already sweeping across the Florida peninsula. Over 12 million people were under tornado warnings, with the National Weather Service in Miami confirming “up to 4 visually confirmed tornadoes today,” and additional unofficial reports of more.

Hurricane Milton was expected to maintain its hurricane status as it moved across Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.

This storm arrives less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall on Florida’s Big Bend coast as a Category 4 storm, leaving much of the state damaged and vulnerable before wreaking havoc in the Carolinas.

On Tuesday night, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with leaders in Clearwater and Pinellas County, the White House said on Wednesday. Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were scheduled to be briefed on the storm at noon ET, with Biden set to make remarks later in the afternoon.

Officials, including Biden and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, warned residents in evacuation zones to leave or face dire consequences. “There is high confidence that this hurricane is going to pack a major, major punch and do an awful lot of damage,” Reuters quoted Governor Ron DeSantis as saying during a morning briefing.

DeSantis, however, assured that the state was prepared.

He noted that hundreds of search and rescue personnel, along with 180 high-water vehicles, were stationed in areas expected to be hit hardest by the storm. Over 6,000 members of the state National Guard and 3,000 from other states were on standby, in addition to 50,000 linemen ready to restore power once the storm passed.

Tampa, home to over 3 million people in its metropolitan area, has not experienced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century. Storm surge from Hurricane Milton could elevate water levels up to 12 feet above ground, according to the National Hurricane Center, as quoted by USA Today.

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Hurricane Milton Sparks Fuel Panic In Florida As Gas Stations Run Dry

October 9, 2024, 3:13 pm

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, panic-buying has led to a significant number of gas stations running out of fuel. The storm, downgraded to a Category 4, is expected to make landfall on Wednesday after passing through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Over 1 million residents have been ordered to evacuate, with parts of Florida still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which struck at the end of September.

By Tuesday evening, approximately 7,912 gas stations in Florida—about 17.4% of the total—had reported fuel shortages, a stark increase from virtually no outages just a day earlier, according to data from GasBuddy. Patrick De Haan, an analyst at the company, noted that demand for gasoline has surged as residents rush to evacuate. “These numbers will continue to rise very fast,” he warned.

Florida, the third-largest gasoline consumer in the United States, relies on waterborne imports for fuel, as it lacks local refineries. Each year, more than 17 million tons of petroleum and natural gas products are transported through Tampa Bay, according to the Energy Information Administration. However, the US Coast Guard has reported that Tampa and most other Florida ports were closed to vessel traffic on Tuesday.

Fuel delivery operations are also facing disruptions. Kinder Morgan has shut down its Central Florida Pipeline, which transports refined products between Tampa and Orlando, and closed all fuel delivery terminals in Tampa. The company indicated that fuel deliveries may continue from Orlando until wind speeds exceed 35 miles per hour. Other companies, including CITGO Petroleum and Buckeye Partners, have also halted operations at their Tampa terminals.

Industry experts predict that Milton could pose significant challenges to Florida’s gasoline supply chain, potentially resulting in lasting issues similar to those seen after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Tom Kloza, head of energy analysis at the Oil Price Information Service, remarked, “It’s hard to anticipate any tankers or barges coming in to Tampa Bay until Sunday or Monday.”

All About Hurricane Milton As It Turned To Category 5, Trigger Mass Evacuation In Florida

October 9, 2024, 12:12 pm

Climate experts and officials are raising alarms over the increasing intensity of hurricanes, with Hurricane Milton becoming the latest to pose a significant threat. Over a million Florida residents have been ordered to evacuate as the state prepares for Milton’s arrival on its west coast. The US National Weather Service has confirmed that Milton is the third fastest-intensifying storm in Atlantic history, with experts warning that climate change is fueling stronger, more dangerous storms.

How powerful is Hurricane Milton?

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just weeks earlier, Hurricane Milton’s swift transformation into a Category 5 storm has caught many by surprise. Within 24 hours, Milton went from a tropical storm to a full-blown hurricane, with winds reaching a staggering 180mph as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. This rapid intensification—defined as an increase in wind speed of at least 35mph within 24 hours—was far exceeded by Milton, which gained 90mph during this period, according to Climate Central.

Although Milton has slightly weakened to a Category 4 hurricane, it remains one of the most powerful storms to threaten the US. Mass evacuations in areas like Tampa are already underway, with Florida-based meteorologist Noah Bergren calling Milton’s strength “astronomical” and approaching the maximum potential for hurricanes in this region.

Why has Milton strengthened so quickly?

The intensity of hurricanes is influenced by factors such as thunderstorms and wind patterns, but a primary factor in rapid intensification is the heat content of the ocean and atmosphere. Warmer air and water provide more energy to a storm, allowing it to gain strength faster and carry more moisture, leading to torrential rainfall and flooding.

The Gulf of Mexico, where Milton formed, has seen record-high temperatures this year, described as being as warm as a “bathtub.” The storm has been energized by these unusually warm waters, much like Hurricane Helene was. The ocean temperatures near Milton’s core are 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above average for this time of year, amplifying the storm’s power.

The role of climate change in stronger storms

While hurricanes are a natural occurrence, scientists are increasingly confident that global warming, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is making storms more intense. A study published last year showed that hurricanes in the Atlantic are 29% more likely to intensify rapidly now compared to past decades. This trend suggests that climate change is playing a significant role in making storms like Milton stronger and more destructive.

Milton is part of a worrying pattern of increasingly catastrophic hurricanes, joining storms like Harvey in 2017, Laura in 2020, Ida in 2021, and Ian in 2022. The number of Category 4 or 5 hurricanes hitting the US since 2017 equals the total from the previous 57 years.

What are the risks ahead?

For Florida’s west coast, the combination of Hurricane Helene’s damage and the looming impact of Hurricane Milton is expected to be devastating, with the recovery process potentially lasting months or even years. As global temperatures continue to rise, extreme weather events will likely become more common, pushing people to reconsider where they live and leaving insurers hesitant to cover properties in vulnerable areas.

When is Hurricane Milton expected to hit?

Milton is projected to make landfall on Florida’s central Gulf coast late Wednesday. Despite slight fluctuations in strength, it is expected to remain a life-threatening hurricane upon reaching the coast. As of Tuesday afternoon, the storm was about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, with winds sustained at 155mph.

President Joe Biden has postponed an overseas trip to monitor the situation, warning that Milton could be one of the worst storms to hit Florida in the last century.

Veteran TV Meteorologist Overwhelmed By The Vastness Of Hurricane Milton | Watch

October 9, 2024, 10:41 am

John Morales, one of South Florida’s most veteran meteorologists, displayed a deep emotional response while reporting on Hurricane Milton for WTVJ/NBC6 in Miami on Monday. The broadcast featured a split-screen displaying an ominous image of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, threatening Florida’s west coast, which was still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene on September 26.

Emotional Reporting

As Morales described the storm’s rapid intensification, his voice cracked with emotion. “It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane,” he said, closing his eyes in disbelief. He struggled to maintain his composure while reporting, stating, “It has dropped…” before pausing, “… it has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours.”

“I apologize,” he added, his voice trembling. “This is just horrific.”

Watch:

NBC6’s @JohnMoralesTV is the longest tenured TV meteorologist in south Florida. When he gets this serious, this emotional, on the air, viewers pay attention: pic.twitter.com/iiECZ8KaHx

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 7, 2024

Why Morales Shed Tears?

Morales later shared the broadcast clip on X (formerly known as Twitter), where it garnered 1.7 million views. He explained his tearful reaction stemmed from the shock of the storm’s rapid intensification, frustration over society’s inadequate response to climate change, and deep empathy for those in the storm’s path. “It claims lives,” Morales said. “It also wrecks lives. You have to feel sorry for the folks that are in this hurricane’s path.”

Changing Perspective on Weather Forecasting

Over his 40-year career, Morales has prided himself on being a calm, rational voice delivering weather updates without alarm. However, he expressed concern: “As the temperature of the planet increases, my confidence in forecasting storm intensity is decreasing.” In a 2023 essay, he admitted, “I am afraid of rapid intensification cycles happening at the drop of a hat.”

Despite his warnings about Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic potential, critics labeled him a “climate militant.” Morales responded, “But it wasn’t an exaggeration. Perhaps those who have known me as the just-the-facts non-alarmist meteorologist can’t get used to the new me.”

Many South Floridians evacuating the Tampa Bay region expressed gratitude for Morales’s straightforward weather forecasting approach. He is part of a growing number of Florida meteorologists, including Jeff Berardelli and Steve MacLaughlin, who openly address the reality of climate change. Morales emphasizes, “The climate crisis is here. It’s not a future problem; it’s a today problem, and it merits all of our attention.”

Hurricane Milton Intensifies To Category 5, Targets Florida Coast

October 8, 2024, 2:51 am

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm in the southern Gulf of Mexico, skirting the northern Yucatan peninsula and heading toward Florida. With maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, the storm is expected to bring life-threatening conditions, including a significant storm surge, to Florida’s Gulf Coast this week.

Yucatan Braces for Impact

As Hurricane Milton moves eastward at 9 mph, the Mexican city of Merida and nearby ports are preparing for up to 6 feet of storm surge, dangerous winds, and torrential rain. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Milton is currently 105 miles west of Progreso and is expected to turn northeast by late Tuesday.

Florida Prepares for Landfall

Floridians, particularly in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, are rushing to prepare as the hurricane is expected to make landfall by Wednesday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, urging residents to take all necessary precautions. “This has the potential to cause significant damage,” DeSantis warned.

Federal Emergency Declared

President Joe Biden also declared a federal emergency for Florida, enabling disaster relief operations to be initiated in advance of the storm’s arrival. This marks the second time in two weeks that Florida’s Gulf Coast has been under threat from a major hurricane.

A Devastating Hurricane Season

Hurricane Milton is the second Category 5 storm this season, following Beryl in July. With a supercharged Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters are increasingly concerned about the potential devastation from future storms. The U.S. Southeast is still recovering from the deadly impacts of Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 200 lives across six states.

Potential Damage and Timeline

Milton is forecast to bring blistering winds, storm surges, and torrential rain to Florida starting midweek. The storm is expected to move quickly across the state, reaching the Atlantic by Thursday.

Is Florida Ready? Hurricane Milton Set to Intensify Before Midweek Landfall

October 7, 2024, 10:38 am

Hurricane Milton is forecasted to rapidly strengthen before making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast midweek. On Sunday, residents were cautioned to prepare for a significant hurricane, with Governor Ron DeSantis advising individuals in high-risk areas to brace for severe impacts.

Projected Path and Impact

The storm is anticipated to hit near the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. It may maintain its strength as it traverses central Florida and heads toward the Atlantic Ocean. This warning arrives as Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which inflicted substantial damage last week and resulted in 230 fatalities across the southeastern United States.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to cover 51 counties on Sunday. He urged residents in evacuation zones, particularly on the west coast and barrier islands, to prepare to evacuate. “I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have major impacts at this point,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of having enough food, water, and essential supplies for at least a week.

Preparations in Affected Areas

The Tampa Bay area, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, is gearing up for additional damage. The region reported twelve deaths due to Helene, prompting DeSantis to deploy National Guard troops to assist in clearing debris and preparing for Milton. Schools in Pinellas County, located in St. Petersburg, have already closed from Monday to Wednesday, and local authorities are providing free parking in city garages to protect vehicles from potential flooding.

FEMA’s Response and Readiness

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is collaborating closely with Florida’s government, organizing resources and response strategies in anticipation of Milton’s arrival. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that the agency is prepared to manage both the ongoing recovery from Helene and the impending storm.

Heavy Rainfall Expected

As Hurricane Milton approaches, heavy rainfall is forecasted, with some areas potentially receiving up to a foot of rain by Wednesday night. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management is gearing up for one of the largest evacuations since Hurricane Irma in 2017, ensuring that fuel and emergency supplies are readily available along evacuation routes.

Other Hurricanes in the Atlantic

In the Atlantic, Hurricane Kirk has weakened to a Category 2 storm, generating hazardous waves for Bermuda and the US east coast. Meanwhile, Hurricane Leslie is also present in the ocean but poses no immediate threat to land. However, Hurricane Milton remains the primary concern as it nears Florida, with officials urging everyone to stay prepared.