<p>As Hurricane Milton took over Florida, meteorologist John Morales became emotional while reporting updates about the storm. The storm has now been classified as Category 5, the NBC6 reporter says as he struggles to hold back tears.</p>

<p>“It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible Hurricane,” says Morales in the video while tearing up. “It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. I apologise, this is just horrific.”</p>

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<p>Morales tries to stop himself from breaking down on the live reporting as he gives the updates on the massive storm heading towards Florida.</p>

<p>“The seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot,” the meteorologist said. “Record hot as you might imagine. You know what’s driving that, I don’t need to tell you. Global warming, climate change leading to this and becoming an increasing threat.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-strongest-of-2024-might-have-breached-cat-6-cutoff-expert-says-765514">Hurricane Milton, 'strongest of 2024', might have breached 'Cat 6' cutoff, expert says</a></strong></p>

<h2>Hurricane Milton: Strongest in the Gulf of Mexico</h2>

<p>The hurricane was earlier classed as Category 3, however, it was updated to a Category 5 storm within hours on Monday. According to the scale, in a Category 5 storm, "a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse."</p>

<p>"Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the description reads.</p>

<p>The powerful tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico is likely to make landfall on Florida’s western coast by mid-week. It will impact those in the Yucatán Peninsula and is expected to make catastrophic damage to people living along the coast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-largest-evacuation-drive-in-nearly-a-decade-in-florida-as-category-5-storm-nears-765306">Hurricane Milton: Largest evacuation in a decade ordered in Florida as Category 5 storm nears</a></strong></p>

<p>Morales explained that the wind speeds could lead up to 160 mph with a 12-foot storm surge. According to reports, the storm is likely to weaken to a Category 3 when it is expected to hit Tampa Bay.</p>

<p>The massive hurricane is recorded as the strongest to originate in the Gulf of Mexico and is being fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Hurricane Milton took over Florida, meteorologist John Morales became emotional while reporting updates about the storm. The storm has now been classified as Category 5, the NBC6 reporter says as he struggles to hold back tears.

As Hurricane Milton took over Florida, meteorologist John Morales became emotional while reporting updates about the storm. The storm has now been classified as Category 5, the NBC6 reporter says as he struggles to hold back tears. “It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible Hurricane,” says Morales in the video while tearing up. “It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. I apologise, this is just horrific.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) × Morales tries to stop himself from breaking down on the live reporting as he gives the updates on the massive storm heading towards Florida. “The seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot,” the meteorologist said. “Record hot as you might imagine. You know what’s driving that, I don’t need to tell you. Global warming, climate change leading to this and becoming an increasing threat.” Also read | Hurricane Milton, 'strongest of 2024', might have breached 'Cat 6' cutoff, expert says Hurricane Milton: Strongest in the Gulf of Mexico The hurricane was earlier classed as Category 3, however, it was updated to a Category 5 storm within hours on Monday. According to the scale, in a Category 5 storm, "a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse." "Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the description reads. The powerful tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico is likely to make landfall on Florida’s western coast by mid-week. It will impact those in the Yucatán Peninsula and is expected to make catastrophic damage to people living along the coast. Also read | Hurricane Milton: Largest evacuation in a decade ordered in Florida as Category 5 storm nears Morales explained that the wind speeds could lead up to 160 mph with a 12-foot storm surge. According to reports, the storm is likely to weaken to a Category 3 when it is expected to hit Tampa Bay. The massive hurricane is recorded as the strongest to originate in the Gulf of Mexico and is being fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Meteorologist fights back tears while reporting Hurricane Milton update

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahamas-facing-hurricane-like-never-in-history-warns-pm-247050">Hurricane Dorian</a>, which has left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-kills-five-in-bahamas-us-evacuates-coast-247227">at least five people dead</a> in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-pounds-bahamas-inches-towards-florida-coast-247403">Bahamas</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-weakens-to-category-3-bahamas-pm-says-its-a-historic-tragedy-247285">weakened</a> to a Category 2 storm Tuesday but continues to pose a danger as it crawls towards the southeast US coast, US meteorologists said.</p>

<p>The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Dorian, which has been parked over the Bahamas, had been downgraded from a Category 3 to a Category 2 storm on the five-level wind scale.</p>

<p>At 11:00 am (1500 GMT), it said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour (175 kilometers per hour) and moving northwest towards Florida at at two mph (3.2 kph).</p>

<p>Dorian was located about 105 miles east of Fort Pierce, Florida, and moving in a northwesterly direction towards the Florida coast at a snail's pace of two mph, it said.</p>

<p>The NHC said Grand Bahama Island was continuing to experience dangerous winds, life-threatening storm surge and extreme flooding from the heavy rain.</p>

<p>The hazardous conditions would continue through much of Tuesday on Grand Bahama Island, which is the northernmost island in the archipelago and home to its largest city, Freeport, the NHC said.</p>

<p>It said Dorian was expected to pick up speed and grow in size during the day and turn towards the north on Wednesday evening.</p>

<p>"The hurricane will then move dangerously close to the Florida east coast late today through Wednesday evening, very near the Georgia and South Carolina coasts Wednesday night and Thursday, and near or over the North Carolina coast late Thursday and Thursday night," the NHC said.</p>

<p>As Dorian ground to a standstill over the Bahamas, the tourism and aviation ministry announced the start of rescue operations "in parts where it is safe."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hurricane Dorian kills at least 5 people in the Bahamas</strong></p>

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<p><strong>'We are underwater'</strong></p>

<p>For many, the wait for help to arrive has been terrifying.</p>

<p>A text message seen by AFP from a woman named Kendra Williams, who lives on Grand Bahama, said: "We are under water; we are up in the ceiling. Can someone please assist us or send some help. Please. Me and my six grandchildren and my son, we are in the ceiling."</p>

<p>Fear gripped residents of Freeport as winds tore off shutters and water began entering homes, Yasmin Rigby said by text from the Grand Bahama island's main city.</p>

<p>"People who thought they were safe are now calling for help," Rigby said. "My best friend's husband is stuck in the roof of their house with seven feet (two meters) water below."</p>

<p>Initial Red Cross estimates were that 13,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed by Dorian in the Bahamas, officials in Geneva said.</p>

<p>Video posted on the website of the Tribune 242 newspaper showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water clogged with debris.</p>

<p>Florida has started to feel the effects of Dorian, with heavy rain and strong gusts of wind reported.</p>

<p>More than 9,500 people have taken cover in 121 shelters in Florida, according to the state's Division of Emergency Management.</p>

<p>Among them was 30-year-old Stefanie Passieux, who took shelter along with her two children and mother.</p>

<p><strong>'Get out NOW'</strong></p>

<p>"I came yesterday, as soon as it opened. They said we were in a state of emergency so I came," Passieux said.</p>

<p>"My dad is staying with the cats, but we left. He never leaves. He doesn't do shelters."</p>

<p>Florida senator and former governor Rick Scott wrote on Twitter that "a slight wobble West" would bring the storm "on shore with devastating consequences."</p>

<p>"If you're in an evacuation zone, get out NOW. We can rebuild your home. We can't rebuild your life."</p>

<p>In southern Florida's Port Saint Lucie -- a low-income area where mobile home parks stood all-but emptied of their residents -- Dan Peatle, 78, fled his retirement community to take shelter in a hotel.</p>

<p>"It makes me sick. I don't like it," he told AFP as he stepped outside for air before the storm closes in.</p>

<p>"I've been through seven or eight of them since I've been in Florida, since '73. And, they're all the same, you know. Tear everything up, put it back together.</p>

<p>"But, I chose to live here so I might as well live with it, you know."</p>


Hurricane Dorian, which has left at least five people dead in the Bahamas, weakened to a Category 2 storm Tuesday but continues to pose a danger as it crawls towards the southeast US coast, US meteorologists said.

Hurricane Dorian, which has left at least five people dead in the Bahamas, weakened to a Category 2 storm Tuesday but continues to pose a danger as it crawls towards the southeast US coast, US meteorologists said. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Dorian, which has been parked over the Bahamas, had been downgraded from a Category 3 to a Category 2 storm on the five-level wind scale. At 11:00 am (1500 GMT), it said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour (175 kilometers per hour) and moving northwest towards Florida at at two mph (3.2 kph). Dorian was located about 105 miles east of Fort Pierce, Florida, and moving in a northwesterly direction towards the Florida coast at a snail's pace of two mph, it said. The NHC said Grand Bahama Island was continuing to experience dangerous winds, life-threatening storm surge and extreme flooding from the heavy rain. The hazardous conditions would continue through much of Tuesday on Grand Bahama Island, which is the northernmost island in the archipelago and home to its largest city, Freeport, the NHC said. It said Dorian was expected to pick up speed and grow in size during the day and turn towards the north on Wednesday evening. "The hurricane will then move dangerously close to the Florida east coast late today through Wednesday evening, very near the Georgia and South Carolina coasts Wednesday night and Thursday, and near or over the North Carolina coast late Thursday and Thursday night," the NHC said. As Dorian ground to a standstill over the Bahamas, the tourism and aviation ministry announced the start of rescue operations "in parts where it is safe." Watch: Hurricane Dorian kills at least 5 people in the Bahamas × 'We are underwater' For many, the wait for help to arrive has been terrifying. A text message seen by AFP from a woman named Kendra Williams, who lives on Grand Bahama, said: "We are under water; we are up in the ceiling. Can someone please assist us or send some help. Please. Me and my six grandchildren and my son, we are in the ceiling." Fear gripped residents of Freeport as winds tore off shutters and water began entering homes, Yasmin Rigby said by text from the Grand Bahama island's main city. "People who thought they were safe are now calling for help," Rigby said. "My best friend's husband is stuck in the roof of their house with seven feet (two meters) water below." Initial Red Cross estimates were that 13,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed by Dorian in the Bahamas, officials in Geneva said. Video posted on the website of the Tribune 242 newspaper showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water clogged with debris. Florida has started to feel the effects of Dorian, with heavy rain and strong gusts of wind reported. More than 9,500 people have taken cover in 121 shelters in Florida, according to the state's Division of Emergency Management. Among them was 30-year-old Stefanie Passieux, who took shelter along with her two children and mother. 'Get out NOW' "I came yesterday, as soon as it opened. They said we were in a state of emergency so I came," Passieux said. "My dad is staying with the cats, but we left. He never leaves. He doesn't do shelters." Florida senator and former governor Rick Scott wrote on Twitter that "a slight wobble West" would bring the storm "on shore with devastating consequences." "If you're in an evacuation zone, get out NOW. We can rebuild your home. We can't rebuild your life." In southern Florida's Port Saint Lucie -- a low-income area where mobile home parks stood all-but emptied of their residents -- Dan Peatle, 78, fled his retirement community to take shelter in a hotel. "It makes me sick. I don't like it," he told AFP as he stepped outside for air before the storm closes in. "I've been through seven or eight of them since I've been in Florida, since '73. And, they're all the same, you know. Tear everything up, put it back together. "But, I chose to live here so I might as well live with it, you know."

Dorian weakens to Category 2 hurricane: US meteorologists

<p>At least 50 people have been killed as moderate and intense rains plague northern and central coastal regions of Peru causing severe flooding and damage to bridges, schools and other infrastructure.</p>

<p>Local media on Monday reported Peru's Centre for National Emergency Operations (COEN) had raised the death toll since the rainy season started in September to 50 after two people were killed by a landslide in Huancavelica.</p>

<p>Meteorologists blame the wetter rainy season on the El Nino effect. Peru's National Study of the El Nino Phenomenon released an official report on February 22 indicating March could see even more "rainy and very rainy days," which could cause further damage to Peru's northern and central coasts.</p>

<p>Thousands of families have been affected by the flood waters already with many calling on the government to do more to alleviate the situation.</p>

<p>The government has sent food and water to affected regions, but some residents are calling for new bridges over ravines and gorges, some of which have been flooding for weeks.</p>


At least 50 people have been killed as moderate and intense rains plague northern and central coastal regions of Peru causing severe flooding and damage to bridges, schools and other infrastructure.

At least 50 people have been killed as moderate and intense rains plague northern and central coastal regions of Peru causing severe flooding and damage to bridges, schools and other infrastructure. Local media on Monday reported Peru's Centre for National Emergency Operations (COEN) had raised the death toll since the rainy season started in September to 50 after two people were killed by a landslide in Huancavelica. Meteorologists blame the wetter rainy season on the El Nino effect. Peru's National Study of the El Nino Phenomenon released an official report on February 22 indicating March could see even more "rainy and very rainy days," which could cause further damage to Peru's northern and central coasts. Thousands of families have been affected by the flood waters already with many calling on the government to do more to alleviate the situation. The government has sent food and water to affected regions, but some residents are calling for new bridges over ravines and gorges, some of which have been flooding for weeks.

At least 50 dead after intense rain plague northern, central coastal regions of Peru

<p>Winter storm Eleanor swept across Europe on Wednesday, bringing death, damage and disruption, snarling transport networks and cutting power to tens of thousands of people.</p>

<p>Two people died on Spain&#39;s northern Basque coast, the couple swept away by a huge wave, officials said, and another person had to be rescued after attempting to save them.</p>

<p>In France, a 21-year-old skier was killed by a falling tree at Morillon in the Alps where dangerous conditions forced the closure of several resorts.</p>

<p>More than a dozen others were injured by the storm across France, four seriously, civil defence spokesman Michael Bernier told AFP as the country was lashed by what meteorologists termed the strongest winds in eight years.</p>

<p>On the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, where gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour (85 miles per hour) were recorded, winds fanned the flames of forest and scrub fires started by downed power lines, leaving three people injured.</p>

<p>At Lenk in central Switzerland, eight people were hurt when a violent gust of wind overturned a railway carriage while one person was injured by a falling tree in the southern Dutch village of Heesch.</p>

<p>Heavy winds forced authorities to close the airports in Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse on France&#39;s border with Germany and Switzerland before they were reopened shortly after midday.</p>

<p>At Paris&#39;s Charles de Gaulle airport, most departures were delayed Wednesday morning and a handful of flights had to be rerouted before the winds eased.</p>

<p>The weather wreaked havoc with train services and motorway access in several French regions, the result of fallen trees, electrical lines and other debris.</p>

<p>About 225,000 homes across France were without electricity, while &quot;particularly intense&quot; flooding was expected on the Atlantic coasts.</p>

<p>The Eiffel Tower had to turn away tourists in the morning because of the gusts before reopening later.</p>

<p>- Hail, thunder and lightning -</p>

<p>Eleanor barrelled into continental Europe after whipping across England and Ireland, with the Thames Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, closed as a precautionary measure to protect London from swelling tides.</p>

<p>&quot;We have seen some heavy showers push through across the south of the UK along with hail, loud thunder and lightning,&quot; said meteorologist Becky Mitchell.</p>

<p>Gusts of 160 kph were recorded at Great Dun Fell in Westmorland, northwest England, while overturned vehicles and trees caused closures of major motorways.</p>

<p>In Ireland, power supply company ESB said electricity had been restored to 123,000 customers, while 27,000 remained without power.</p>

<p>Streets around the docks in Galway on the west coast were flooded after high tides breached the sea defences, prompting the deployment of about two dozen troops to support flood defence efforts.</p>

<p>Belgium and parts of Spain were also put on &quot;orange&quot; alert, the third of four warning levels, with officials urging people to exercise caution when venturing out.</p>

<p>In the Netherlands, more than 250 flights were cancelled at Amsterdam&#39;s Schiphol airport, a key European hub, as weather alerts were issued for several regions.</p>

<p>Dutch authorities for the first time closed all of the five storm surge barriers on the country&#39;s North Sea coast, the transport ministry said.</p>

<p>Flights were also disrupted at Frankfurt&#39;s airport in Germany, where the storm has been baptised Burglind, and at Zurich airport, as Swiss officials urged hikers to avoid forest walks.</p>

<p>RTS television reported that about 14,000 homes were without power in several Swiss cantons.</p>

<p>Most ski resorts in the Swiss and northern French Alps, where gusts reached 250 kph at Les Arcs resort.</p>

<p>&quot;You&#39;re better off staying in front of the fire today,&quot; said David Ponson, a ski official in Savoie.</p>

<p>Eleanor is the fourth major storm to hit Europe since December.</p>


France was lashed by what meteorologists termed the strongest winds in eight years.

Winter storm Eleanor swept across Europe on Wednesday, bringing death, damage and disruption, snarling transport networks and cutting power to tens of thousands of people. Two people died on Spain's northern Basque coast, the couple swept away by a huge wave, officials said, and another person had to be rescued after attempting to save them. In France, a 21-year-old skier was killed by a falling tree at Morillon in the Alps where dangerous conditions forced the closure of several resorts. More than a dozen others were injured by the storm across France, four seriously, civil defence spokesman Michael Bernier told AFP as the country was lashed by what meteorologists termed the strongest winds in eight years. On the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, where gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour (85 miles per hour) were recorded, winds fanned the flames of forest and scrub fires started by downed power lines, leaving three people injured. At Lenk in central Switzerland, eight people were hurt when a violent gust of wind overturned a railway carriage while one person was injured by a falling tree in the southern Dutch village of Heesch. Heavy winds forced authorities to close the airports in Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse on France's border with Germany and Switzerland before they were reopened shortly after midday. At Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport, most departures were delayed Wednesday morning and a handful of flights had to be rerouted before the winds eased. The weather wreaked havoc with train services and motorway access in several French regions, the result of fallen trees, electrical lines and other debris. About 225,000 homes across France were without electricity, while "particularly intense" flooding was expected on the Atlantic coasts. The Eiffel Tower had to turn away tourists in the morning because of the gusts before reopening later. - Hail, thunder and lightning - Eleanor barrelled into continental Europe after whipping across England and Ireland, with the Thames Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, closed as a precautionary measure to protect London from swelling tides. "We have seen some heavy showers push through across the south of the UK along with hail, loud thunder and lightning," said meteorologist Becky Mitchell. Gusts of 160 kph were recorded at Great Dun Fell in Westmorland, northwest England, while overturned vehicles and trees caused closures of major motorways. In Ireland, power supply company ESB said electricity had been restored to 123,000 customers, while 27,000 remained without power. Streets around the docks in Galway on the west coast were flooded after high tides breached the sea defences, prompting the deployment of about two dozen troops to support flood defence efforts. Belgium and parts of Spain were also put on "orange" alert, the third of four warning levels, with officials urging people to exercise caution when venturing out. In the Netherlands, more than 250 flights were cancelled at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, a key European hub, as weather alerts were issued for several regions. Dutch authorities for the first time closed all of the five storm surge barriers on the country's North Sea coast, the transport ministry said. Flights were also disrupted at Frankfurt's airport in Germany, where the storm has been baptised Burglind, and at Zurich airport, as Swiss officials urged hikers to avoid forest walks. RTS television reported that about 14,000 homes were without power in several Swiss cantons. Most ski resorts in the Swiss and northern French Alps, where gusts reached 250 kph at Les Arcs resort. "You're better off staying in front of the fire today," said David Ponson, a ski official in Savoie. Eleanor is the fourth major storm to hit Europe since December.

Storm Eleanor brings chaos to Europe

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