As the wind howled and the storm raged, Anderson Cooper found himself right in the eye of the storm—literally.
Little did a CNN anchor report live from the front lines of Hurricane Milton that he would soon become the unintended star of a jaw-dropping moment. What started as a routine broadcast quickly turned into a situation that left fans shocked and concerned.
But was this dangerous encounter just a coincidence, or was there more to the story than meets the eye? With debris flying in all directions and winds exceeding 150 miles per hour, it appeared the hurricane was not the only force.
While covering Hurricane Milton Live, CNN’s Anderson Cooper was hit by flying debris, causing concern among viewers.
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall on October 9, just weeks after Hurricane Helene. The storm brought with it deadly conditions, including tornadoes, massive 28-foot waves and winds in excess of 150 mph. Thousands of residents lost power and the death toll rose to at least sixteen.
Before the storm arrived, officials called for evacuations, and many people complied. However, some choose to stay behind, prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Appearing live from Bradenton, Florida near Siesta Key, Anderson Cooper was facing hurricane-force winds when a piece of debris hit him in the face. “Wow! That wasn’t good. We’ll probably be headed soon,” he said, pausing briefly before continuing his transmission.
Viewers were quick to express their concerns for Cooper’s safety, questioning why he was reporting from the outside in such dangerous conditions.
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“Why put Anderson Cooper on the pier in the middle of a hurricane? one user commented.
“Somebody get Anderson Cooper out of there! #Hurricanemilton,” wrote another.
“Did Anderson Cooper Just Hit Flying Debris in Bradenton, FL? what’s going on?” shared a third viewer.
“Why is Anderson Cooper out there trying to be Jim Cantore and get in your face?” another commented.
The impact of Hurricane Milton came just weeks after the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.
Amidst the chaos caused by Hurricane Milton, Anderson Cooper’s close call with debris during his live broadcast highlighted the extreme conditions reporters often face delivering critical coverage. While many viewers have expressed concern for his safety, it’s clear that his commitment to informing the public has remained strong, even in the most dangerous of situations. As Hurricane Milton continues to batter Florida, the impact of the storm and the tireless efforts of those on the front lines underscore the enormous challenges that come with extreme weather. With the memory of Hurricane Helene still fresh, it’s a reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the bravery of those like Cooper who risk their safety to inform the public.