Meteorologist John Morales Reflects on Emotional Hurricane Coverage: ‘People Thanked Me for Showing Humanity’ – FREE READ

By: Jessica DeWeese  |  jessica@newsblues.com

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John Morales, a hurricane specialist for WTVJ, the NBC owned-and-operated station in Miami, recently opened up about the emotional moment he experienced on-air while covering Hurricane Milton on Oct. 7. In an op-ed published by The New York Times on Oct. 23, Morales reflected on his breakdown and the overwhelming public response that followed.

During his coverage, People reports, Morales became visibly emotional when reporting on the hurricane’s rapid intensification. “ ‘It is an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane. It has dropped,’ I said, my voice quivering. ‘50 millibars in 10 hours!’ ” Morales recalled. “I knew it meant it was going to continue growing in strength, rivaling some of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded. I paused, lowered my head, and apologized for losing my composure.”

At the time, he added somberly, “This is just horrific.” The unplanned moment quickly went viral across social media, and the meteorologist said he was stunned by the outpouring of support.

“From Gen Z on TikTok to boomers on Facebook, the reactions were overwhelmingly supportive,” Morales wrote. “People thanked me for showing humanity, for being emotional about increasingly dangerous weather extremes.” He noted that many viewers identified with his emotions, seeing them as a reflection of shared climate anxiety. “It’s time we channel that into action,” he added.

Morales, who grew up in Puerto Rico, has personally witnessed the impact of climate change on the places he loves most. In his op-ed, he expressed sadness over the ecological damage he’s observed during trips back to the island. “The corals are mostly bleached white or a dead shade of gray, and there aren’t as many varieties of underwater creatures,” he wrote.

He stressed the importance of normalizing conversations about climate change within personal circles. “If we can have more conversations about climate change and how it’s making us feel, we can share the burden and prioritize action,” Morales urged.

In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Morales explained the reason for his emotional reaction. “It’s the angst over the multiplication of extreme weather events and their severity,” he said. “It’s empathy for future victims because these hurricanes really wreck lives and take lives.”

Morales’ candid moment on air not only resonated with viewers but also underscored the emotional toll of reporting on an increasingly volatile climate. His message calls for collective empathy and action, hoping to inspire meaningful conversations and change.

Video courtesy of CNN