Meteorologists Get Death Threats as Hurricane Milton Conspiracy Theories Thrive:
It's their job to warn residents about destructive storms — but political ...
rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/hurricane-milton-misinformation-meteorlogist-death-threats-1235130352/
Photo: rollingstone.com · view article
Meteorologists Report Threats Amid Hurricane ConspiraciesAs Hurricane Milton nears Florida, meteorologists report misinformation, exhaustion and personal threats on social media.
Key FactsOct 10, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: rollingstone.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: rollingstone.com
- Several meteorologists say they must counter conspiracy theories during Milton warnings while also dealing with personal threats.
- The central conspiracy theory claims the government can control weather; experts identify political polarization as an amplifying factor.
- There is no Category 6 designation; experts nevertheless debate whether stronger storms warrant an additional category.
- Researchers warn misinformation confuses people seeking help, slows recovery, and impedes emergency and relief efforts.
It costs lives and dishonors first responders and civil servants.— John Morales, South Florida meteorologist, on the impact of misinformation on emergency response during Hurricane Milton.
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group of tropical storms of the Atlantic and east Pacific basins with sustained wind speeds > 64 kt. Classified by Saffir–Simpson scale
secret plan or agreement for an unlawful or harmful purpose, especially with political motivation
News on this topic
Meteorologists battle conspiracy theories amid devastating storms: "It is the worst I've ever seen, no doubt," meteorologist John Morales said.
axios.com/2024/10/11/meteorologists-conspiracy-theories-hurricane-milton
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Key FactsCBS reports at least 16 dead after Milton in Florida
Oct 11, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: smh.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: smh.com.au
- CBS News, citing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, put the number of hurricane-related deaths at at least 16.
- Milton came ashore on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday evening as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h, after weakening from a Category 5 over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Peak water levels between Siesta Key and Fort Myers Beach reached 1.5 to 3 metres above ground level, according to a preliminary National Hurricane Centre analysis, while the Tampa Bay area appeared to largely avoid the feared surge and barrier islands south of the city suffered extensive flooding.
- About 2.75 million Florida homes and businesses remained without power late on Friday (AEDT), according to PowerOutage.us, while the Biden administration said the Federal Emergency Management Agency would need additional funding from Congress.
Sadly, we have seen over the last two weeks, since Hurricane Helene, and now in the immediate aftermath of Milton, where people are playing political games.— Kamala Harris, during a Univision town hall, commenting on the politicization of the storm response in the Milton aftermath.
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Key FactsHurricane Disinformation Tied to Political Extremism
Oct 10, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ajc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ajc.com
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene disseminated conspiracy theories about weather control and election manipulation during Hurricane Helene.
- Her posts garnered millions of views and reflect a long history of misinformation spread by extremist groups during disasters.
- Experts warn that such statements hinder relief efforts and appeal emotionally to those seeking a sense of control.
- Greene and others propagate unfounded claims about government involvement in natural disasters while seeking support from Trump followers.
All the airports closing for Hurricane Milton: Airports in Tampa, Orlando, and other hubs are stopping commercial service as the storm approaches
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Key FactsTampa, Orlando Set to Resume Airport Operations After Milton
Oct 11, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: miamiherald.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: miamiherald.com
- Tampa International Airport plans to open at 8 a.m. October 11, while Orlando International Airport is expected to return to regular service that morning.
- Tampa is dealing with a fuel depot operating without grid power, six damaged boarding bridges and further cleanup and repair needs.
- Orlando intends to receive domestic arrivals Thursday evening but recommends that members of the public wait until Friday to visit the airport.
- Sarasota-Bradenton Airport moved its planned reopening to October 16 after damage to the Concourse B roof proved more extensive than first believed.
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Key FactsMisinformation Hinders Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Helene
Oct 7, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tampabay.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tampabay.com
- Hurricane Helene's aftermath reveals extensive destruction, with extremists spreading false claims.
- Politicians and experts caution against conspiracy theories that undermine recovery efforts.
- False allegations about FEMA and the government aim to exacerbate political divisions.
- The Red Cross urges verification of information and highlights the dangers of rumors.
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