CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was hit in the face by debris shortly after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, Florida.
The incident occurred while Cooper was broadcasting live for CNN in Bradenton, approximately a few miles from the hurricane’s epicenter.
CNN had better let Anderson Cooper black out on New Year’s Eve for this. pic.twitter.com/MvAxR8Ekiv
— Alexis (@TheNotoriousLEX) October 10, 2024
Patriotic beachwear for freedom lovers! Shop now and get 10% off with code RB10. Vet & LEO-founded.
At around midnight on Wednesday, as Hurricane Milton struck Siesta Key with sustained winds of 120 miles per hour, Cooper was covering the catastrophic storm for CNN.
During his live report, a piece of flying debris hit Cooper in the face. Despite the impact, the 57-year-old reporter quickly recovered and continued his coverage, exclaiming, “Woah! That wasn’t good. We’ll probably go inside shortly.”
Cooper’s resilience in the face of such a dangerous situation was notable. After being struck, he proceeded to carry on with his report, ensuring that viewers received continuous updates on the developing disaster.
However, his actions sparked concern among his audience, with many expressing worry over his safety on social media platforms.
Several viewers took to Twitter, urging Cooper to prioritize his safety. Comments included, “What does putting Anderson Cooper on a pier in the middle of the ocean at the height of a hurricane in its center achieve in informing viewers. It’s like 120mph winds. Get my sweet porcelain glass anchor inside,” and “Can someone get Anderson Cooper away from that railing before he’s washed away?”
What does putting Anderson Cooper on a pier in the middle of the ocean at the height of a hurricane in its center achieve in informing viewers. It’s like 120mph winds. Get my sweet porcelain glass anchor inside
— Hannah m. Crouch (@Hannahcrouchh) October 10, 2024
My girlfriend is having a full on melt down because @cnn has her favorite thing on earth @andersoncooper in the middle of a life threatening hurricane.
Warning ⚠️ the following video contains Anderson in danger and her cursing like a sailor. P.S. she loves you too… pic.twitter.com/6MV0beBY3e
— Norwood (@DNorwoodC) October 10, 2024
Just remember, Anderson Cooper sat in a puddle to make his viewers believe he was in a flood zone. pic.twitter.com/ktuPadDAou
— Donna Nana_ PROUD ULTRA DARK MAGA (@NanaWildflowers) October 10, 2024
A FEMA representative emphasized the importance of safety during such severe weather conditions, stating, “It’s important for everyone to stay inside” while Cooper was seen struggling with debris in Florida during the live broadcast.
Hurricane Milton has caused extensive damage in Florida.
In Siesta Key, the storm tore the roof off Tropicana Field, the domed MLB stadium, which has been repurposed as a shelter for first responders and individuals involved in debris removal following Hurricane Helene.
This is absolutely WILD. Hurricane Milton has blown the roof off of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays
This was meant to be a shelter for THOUSANDS of victims and first responders.
Real Katrina vibes here. pic.twitter.com/Wqwmco8tft
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 10, 2024
The severe weather conditions have already resulted in multiple fatalities, with authorities urging residents to “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW” due to the risk of flash flooding.
The National Weather Service has declared a Flash Flood Emergency in the Tampa area, where 10 to 14 inches of rain have fallen.
This region, home to over two million people, remains under severe threat from the storm’s aftermath. The emergency is expected to last until at least 2:30 a.m. local time, with some nearby areas facing flash flooding until 4 a.m.
Governor of St. Lucie County, Florida, has reported multiple fatalities resulting from a tornado outbreak preceding Hurricane Milton’s arrival.
The National Hurricane Center confirmed that Milton made landfall at Siesta Key, a barrier island near Sarasota, as a Category 3 storm.
The hurricane has left more than two million people in the region without power, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents and emergency services.
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, federal and local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crisis.
The substantial rainfall and high winds have led to widespread destruction, necessitating immediate and coordinated relief efforts.
FEMA continues to mobilize resources to assist those affected, while local governments emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols to mitigate further loss of life and property.
As Hurricane Milton progresses, the focus remains on providing aid to those in the most impacted areas and ensuring that essential services are restored as quickly as possible.
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