After losing one level yesterday afternoon, Hurricane Milton has increased its intensity this morning, October 9 (Vietnam time), becoming a Category 5 storm – the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale used in the US. It has winds of 270 km/h (quite a bit above level 17 on the scale used in our country), according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). People on the west coast of Florida have been warned that “time is running out” to evacuate as the storm approaches.
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| People in Florida rushed to evacuate before Hurricane Milton made landfall. Photo: Spencer Platt/ Getty Images. |
In this situation, John Morales, a veteran meteorologist and hurricane expert for NBC 6 South Florida , was in tears during a live news broadcast as he updated information and explained the danger of this historic storm.
Here is the video:
“This is an incredible storm,” Morales said on NBC . His voice broke as he explained that the storm was intensifying. He broke down in tears and said, “I’m sorry. This is absolutely terrifying.”
Viewers watching the news were also very emotional, expressing concern for those who may be affected by super typhoon Milton.
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| Current location and forecast path of Super Typhoon Milton. Photo: Zoom Earth, JMA, JTWC. |
Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene – a Category 4 storm – devastated parts of Florida and several neighboring states. More than 200 people have died and the death toll is expected to rise as many remain missing and rescue teams continue to search.
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| Much of the debris left by Hurricane Helene in Florida has not yet been cleared as Hurricane Milton approaches. Photo: BRYAN R. SMITH/ AFP via Getty Images). |
Hurricane Milton – the world’s strongest storm of 2024, so far – is expected to cause catastrophic consequences when it makes landfall in Florida around Thursday. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told CNN : “This is something I’ve never seen in my lifetime. And I can say, anyone who was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area has never seen anything like this. People need to leave.”
