Human Interest Human Interest News Natural Disasters Meteorologist Breaks Down on Live TV Over Hurricane Milton's Power: 'I Apologize — This Is Just Horrific' John Morales became visibly emotional during the telecast By Danielle Jennings Danielle Jennings Danielle Jennings is a Writer/Reporter at PEOPLE, covering stories in Human Interest and Sports. She joins PEOPLE with over 15 years of experience as a journalist with an expertise in areas including Pop Culture, Politics, Hard News, Fashion, Beauty and Crime. Before joining PEOPLE she was a writer and digital editor at notable media outlets, including ABC News, The Shade Room, Madame Noire, Hello Beautiful and Brit + Co. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 8, 2024 03:55PM EDT Comments A Florida meteorologist visibly choked up during a recent broadcast as he reported on the potentially devastating impact of Hurricane Milton. John Morales became emotional while providing updates on Milton during an NBC affiliate WTVJ telecast on Monday, Oct. 7. “Incredible, incredible hurricane,” Morales began before pausing. “It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours,” he added as tears appeared to well up in his eyes. “I apologize — this is just horrific,” he said. He continued the broadcast by updating residents off-camera as the weather map became the focal point. However, viewers could still hear the emotion in his voice throughout the segment. Florida Warned to Prepare for Another Hurricane as Tropical Storm Milton Approaches with 'Life-Threatening' Risk "I debated whether to share this. I did apologize on the air," Morales later posted on X, linking to his coverage of climate change and weather. "I invite you to read my introspection on of how extreme weather ... driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be shaken too," he wrote. Map of Hurricane Milton. NBC 6/YouTube On Monday, Hurricane Milton strengthened to a Category 3 and intensified to a Category 5 just a short time later. The weather phenomenon could potentially include a storm surge of at least 12 feet with winds as high as 160 mph, WTVJ reported. Milton will likely weaken and then make landfall near Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, as a Category 3, according to the outlet. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. At Least 40 Dead and Millions Without Power After Hurricane Helene Made Landfall: What We Know So Far Due to the severity of the storm, multiple counties in Florida continue to be under a state of emergency and the Orlando International Airport will suspend operations on Wednesday, WTVJ reported. Milton is the latest storm to ravage the state of Florida just two weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.