Forecasters targeted as conspiracy theories swirl

Meteorologists tracking the advance of Hurricane Milton were targeted by a deluge of conspiracy theories that they were controlling the weather, abuse and even death threats, amid what they say is an unprecedented surge in misinformation as two major hurricanes hit the US.

- Oliver Milman

A series of falsehoods and threats have swirled in the weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through six states, followed by Milton crashing into Florida last Wednesday.

The extent of the misinformation, which has been stoked by Donald Trump and his followers, has been such that it has stymied the ability to help hurricane-hit communities, according to the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).

Katie Nickolaou, a Michigan-based meteorologist, said she and her colleagues have borne the brunt of much of these conspiracies, having received messages claiming there are category 6 hurricanes (there aren't), that meteorologists or the government are creating and directing hurricanes (they aren't) and even that scientists should be killed and radar equipment be demolished.