Anderson Cooper hit by debris during live Hurricane Milton broadcast, continues reporting unfazed

“Woah! That wasn’t good,” said Cooper after being struck in the face by flying debris in Florida.

Just minutes after Hurricane Milton made landfall with 120 mph winds at Siesta Key, Florida, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper experienced his own dramatic encounter with the storm. 

While conducting a live standup in Bradenton, Florida—located just a few miles north of Siesta Key—Cooper was hit by a piece of flying debris. 

@cnn

CNN’s Anderson Cooper reports from Brandenton, Florida, after Hurricane Milton made landfall. #CNN #News #hurricanemilton

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Demonstrating his professionalism, Cooper quickly acknowledged the incident, exclaiming, “Woah! That wasn’t good. We’ll probably go inside shortly,” before continuing with his report.

Cooper wasn’t alone in facing the fury of Hurricane Milton.

“That wasn’t good”: Anderson Cooper gets whacked by debris whilst reporting at the water’s edge. #HurricaneMilton pic.twitter.com/T8pAh6SwpZ

— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) October 10, 2024

CNN’s Bill Weir, positioned in St. Petersburg, also braved the elements when the storm made landfall. 

Weir described the conditions as “slop,” referring to the intense mix of wind and rain. In a moment of levity, he lost his red CNN hat and was blown right out of the frame during his broadcast, showcasing the severe weather’s chaotic impact.

Want to know what it feels like to be inside a hurricane? Turn on @CNN. Here's @BillWeirCNN losing his hat a few minutes ago: pic.twitter.com/EZNnpz3K6e

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 10, 2024

Meanwhile, over at The Weather Channel, veteran meteorologist Jim Cantore took shelter in a Port Charlotte parking garage to avoid wind-borne projectiles. 

Despite his precautions, he noted that the harbor had “literally taken over the parking area” as flooding overtook the city.

Cantore, a seasoned hurricane reporter, has faced his share of danger in the past. Viewers may recall a prior incident during Hurricane Ian, where he was struck by a flying tree branch while reporting live, prompting many to question the safety of reporters in extreme weather conditions.

Jim Cantore got hit by a flying tree branch during hurricane report pic.twitter.com/ybONC3VR51

— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) September 28, 2022