Anderson Cooper is navigating CNN’s coverage of Hurricane Milton, which recently impacted Florida. During a live report, Cooper was hit in the face by debris while discussing the inclement weather. He remarked, “The water now is really starting to pour over,” before being interrupted by the flying object, after which he commented, “OK, that wasn’t good.”
He continued to report live, stating, “Um, we’ll probably go inside shortly, but you can see the amount of water here on the ground. This is water from the Manatee River.”
Kaitlan Collins, another anchor at CNN, reassured viewers that Cooper was all right despite the challenging circumstances he was facing. She noted that it was understandably difficult to maintain a connection amid the worsening weather conditions.
Responses from viewers regarding Cooper’s coverage of Hurricane Milton have been mixed. Some questioned the safety and purpose of sending Cooper to report from a pier during such dangerous conditions. One social media user expressed concern, stating, “What does putting Anderson Cooper on a pier in the middle of the ocean at the height of a hurricane achieve?” Another user humorously suggested that CNN should allow him to relax on New Year’s Eve after the intensity of the coverage.
Comments on a CNN YouTube video showed further apprehension, with some viewers voicing their concern for Cooper’s safety and questioning why he was outside during such hazardous weather.
As Hurricane Milton swept across Florida, it caused significant destruction, knocking out power for millions, flooding neighborhoods, and damaging homes. Reports indicate at least two fatalities linked to a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce, as over 3.3 million properties were without electricity early Thursday.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the situation, stating, “The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst case scenario,” noting that the storm had weakened before landfall and that initial storm surge forecasts had not turned out to be as severe as anticipated.