The broadcaster was reporting live on the evening of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, as the powerful category-3 hurricane made landfall, unleashing its fury on the Florida coastline.
Anderson Cooper was struck by flying debris while documenting the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Bradenton, a city just a few miles south of Tampa. The incident led to fans urging him to be cautious.
A fan sharing their opinion after CNN’s Anderson Cooper was hit by flying debris in the midst of a hurricane, from a post dated October 9, 2024 | Source: Facebook/cnn
Hurricane Milton, which had reached Category 5 strength before landfall, brought with it torrential rain and storm surges. Cooper, who anchors “Anderson Cooper 360,” was describing the dire situation when he was suddenly struck by debris.
He reported, “At the water now, and it’s really starting to pour over,” as huge waves and strong winds lashed around him. After an object hit him in the face, he exclaimed, “Woah, OK, that wasn’t good,” adding that he would head inside shortly.
Fans online saw Cooper’s live report and were quick to express their concerns on social media. One worried viewer exclaimed, “I am very concerned for his safety!” Another, clearly agitated, shouted, “NO. HE NEEDS TO GET HISSELF [sic] INSIDE. HE HAS CHILDREN TO THINK OF!”
Someone else urged, “CNN we get it…now get your people to safety, not risk their lives.” A stunned viewer questioned, “Why they got [sic] Anderson out there!” Amid the chaos, one compassionate soul shared, “That is so scary for everyone I pray for everyone to be as safe as possible 🙏❤️💗.”
Other reporters such as Bill Weir also ventured into Hurricane Milton to bring the latest happenings to their viewers. Weir reported from St. Petersburg, Florida, situated in the northern part of the storm’s path. As he provided live updates amid the fierce conditions, heavy rain lashed down, and powerful gusts of wind whipped around him, causing his red cap to fly away.
These situations mirrored the experiences of many as the storm persisted. Makenna Caskey, a resident of St. Petersburg, and her aunt were seeking shelter when a tower crane in the downtown area collapsed, crashing into a nearby building.
A crane that collapsed into a building in downtown St. Petersburg due to Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Caskey and her aunt were lucky as the crane fell on the building right across from their apartment. She was glad that her household was spared, saying, “The collapse and crash of the crane was about a hundred feet or so from our building, and nearly had a very different outcome.”
An aerial view of the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg destroyed by Hurricane Milton, October 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Tragically, other incidents have resulted in reported casualties, including fatalities from a tornado that tore through a mobile home retirement community in St. Lucie County on Florida’s eastern coast.
A vehicle damaged by a tornado caused by Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Sheriff Keith Pearson has not yet confirmed the total number of lives lost but indicated that it is likely more than one. Search and rescue teams, along with personnel from state and local agencies, are working to locate individuals trapped in the retirement community.
In addition to the mobile homes, hundreds of houses have been completely destroyed as the storm continues to ravage the county.
Flooded streets in Tampa due to Hurricane Milton, October 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
CNN’s Cooper’s work is focused on reporting social and humanity such as that of Caskey and the mobile home retirement community. He once emphasized the importance of not becoming desensitized to the death and destruction that surrounds us. Cooper noted that this awareness enhances one’s reporting skills.
Anderson Cooper arrives for the hush money trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 16, 2024 | Source Getty Images
Reflecting on his time in Rwanda, Cooper recalled an experience where he took a photograph of a woman whose skin was peeling with heat. At this moment, he realized that he had begun to see the deceased not as individuals but merely as bodies.
He stressed the need to remain aware of the human reality in such situations and to allow the surrounding circumstances to impact him emotionally.
Anderson Cooper speaks onstage during The 15th Annual CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute at American Museum of Natural History in New York City, on December 12, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
During an educative session dubbed “An Evening with Anderson Cooper,” Neda Langroodi, an undeclared freshman, shared how Anderson Cooper’s candidness and relatable demeanor inspired her. She mentioned his commitment to remembering the names of those who have lost loved ones, recognizing it as a way to honor their legacies.
For Tarrant County College nursing student Sasha Meraj, attending this session, served as a reminder of the importance of caring for people around the world.
Cooper encourages aspiring journalists to engage in genuine conversations with people, emphasizing the importance of listening with compassion and conveying stories compellingly. He added, “Make yourself indispensable. I volunteered for assignments that no one else wanted.”
Cooper also asked students to strive for daily learning and to embrace the changes that come from their interactions with others and various situations. He shared his enthusiasm for his career, remarking that it doesn’t feel like work to him.