CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was struck by debris while covering Hurricane Milton in Florida. The 57-year-old journalist was reporting live from Bradenton, explaining the impact of the hurricane winds on the Manatee River when a large white object flew into the frame and hit him. Despite being soaked in water from the storm, Cooper continued his broadcast, stumbling slightly before mentioning that he would likely go inside soon. Later in the broadcast, he picked up the object that struck him, revealing it to be styrofoam. Fellow CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins reassured viewers that Cooper was okay.
Hurricane Milton made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm before weakening to a Category 1 with 90 mph winds. The storm caused significant damage, destroying over 100 homes and leaving 2.7 million homes and businesses without power.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had declared a state of emergency for most of Florida’s counties as Hurricane Milton approached. However, DeSantis noted that while the storm was significant, it did not reach worst-case scenario levels of destruction.
During a briefing following the storm, DeSantis urged residents to exercise caution during cleanup efforts due to potential hazards such as downed power lines and standing water carrying infectious bacteria.
despite causing damage and power outages across Florida, Hurricane Milton did not reach its initial projected intensity levels thanks to quick response efforts by authorities and residents alike.