On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured the moment CNN host, Anderson Cooper was hit by flying debris during his live coverage of Hurricane Milton.
On Twitter, a viral clip of CNN host, Anderson Cooper being struck in the face by debris during his live on-air report of Hurricane Milton gained significant attention among viewers.
Anderson Cooper faced Hurricane Milton’s fury
CNN host Anderson Cooper experienced the intensity of Hurricane Milton during a live broadcast. While reporting near the Manatee River, Cooper was struck by flying debris as the powerful storm made landfall.
Cooper ‘s Live Report Interrupted by Flying Debris
During his report, Cooper described how the storm was affecting the Manatee River.
Cooper’s live report was interrupted when flying debris struck him during the broadcast.
Thirty minutes after Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s west-central coast, the wind sent debris flying towards Cooper.
“You can see it in the light there,” Cooper said, referring to the wind whipping across the river. “It’s coming in from the northeast, and the water is pouring over.”
Suddenly, Cooper was hit by a piece of styrofoam. He reacted immediately, saying, “Whoa, OK, that wasn’t good. We’ll probably go inside shortly.”
CNN host remained on air despite facing the storm’s wrath firsthand.
Despite the impact, Cooper remained calm and continued his live broadcast.
He picked up the styrofoam piece and explained it had blown from the river.
Known for his resilience during storm coverage, Cooper resumed reporting on the rising water and the storm’s effects.
At one point, he stood farther from the river, but the waves still managed to reach him.
A video posted to X (formerly Twitter) showed Cooper being knocked around as he spoke to a colleague.
Cooper’s moment of being hit by flying debris sparked concern among viewers
Cooper’s live coverage sparked concern from viewers, many of whom expressed their worries on social media. One commenter praised his bravery after he fought for his life during the live coverage of Hurricane Milton.
One person said: Listen he was outside reporting.. he kept wiping pouring rain from his face constantly .. as he listened to other reporters.. while I’m grateful for such brave reporters…we get it the storm is bad.
A second wrote: all for effect .. to build up reports how bad the storm is.. just go inside.. we get it, it was annoying to see him suffering through.
While a third commented: No blood, he’s fine. It was a styrofoam ice chest lid that was thrown at him for dramatic flare!
Another added: Some debris flew by in a cat 3 hurricane ? This is not breaking news. Are they running out of content?
Hurricane Milton’s devastation
Hurricane Milton, which reached Category 5 intensity, made landfall as a Category 3 storm at 8:30 p.m. By 5 a.m. Thursday, it had weakened to a Category 1 storm. However, Milton still left a trail of destruction across Florida.
Strong winds generated deadly tornadoes, tearing apart structures and claiming lives. In St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field lost part of its roof.
A crane collapsed in downtown St. Pete, crashing into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices.
Anderson Cooper’s encounter with flying debris during Hurricane Milton captured the storm’s raw power.
Despite the risks, Cooper continued to deliver his live coverage, offering a firsthand look at the devastating effects of the hurricane.