Anderson Cooper Hit by Debris During Hurricane Milton Coverage

Anderson Cooper's Encounter with Hurricane Milton

Anderson Cooper, a CNN anchor, was reporting on the landing of Hurricane Milton in Florida when he was hit by debris during his live broadcast. The incident occurred while he was in Bradenton, Florida, explaining how the hurricane's forceful winds were driving water from the Manatee River onto land. Suddenly, a large white object flew into the frame and struck him.

Cooper's Reaction to the Incident

As the object hit him, Cooper, who was drenched from the storm, exclaimed, "Whoa!" He stumbled slightly before continuing his report, stating, "That wasn't good. We’ll probably go inside shortly." He then pointed out the water spilling onto the ground. Later in the broadcast, Cooper identified the object that had hit him as a piece of styrofoam from the river. He noted that objects from the river were being torn up and becoming airborne.

Assurance of Cooper's Well-being

Kaitlan Collins, another CNN anchor, reassured viewers that Cooper was fine despite the incident. She recognized the difficulties in establishing a connection amidst the severe wind and rain, and the rapidly deteriorating conditions.

Hurricane Milton's Impact on Florida

Hurricane Milton, initially classified as a Category 5 storm, hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm before weakening to a Category 1. The storm, with its 90 mph winds, destroyed over 100 homes and left 2.7 million homes and businesses without power. The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding over the central Florida Peninsula.

Florida's Response to the Hurricane

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for most of Florida's counties as Hurricane Milton approached. At a briefing, he noted that the storm was significant but not as bad as initially feared. He also cautioned residents to be aware of hazards during cleanup and warned of the potential for post-storm fatalities. He urged residents to avoid downed power lines and standing water, which can hide hazards and carry infectious bacteria.

Bottom Line

The incident involving Anderson Cooper underscores the dangers that reporters often face while covering severe weather events. It also highlights the destructive power of hurricanes and the challenges they pose for affected communities. What are your thoughts on this incident and the broader issue of hurricane impacts? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.