Anderson Cooper is bravely reporting during CNN’s coverage of Hurricane Milton.

While broadcasting live from Florida, the host of “Anderson Cooper 360” was hit in the face by flying debris.

“The water is really starting to pour over,” Cooper commented. “Look at the ground—whoa!” he exclaimed as debris struck him, then added, “OK, that wasn’t good.”

He quickly resumed his report, stating, “Um, we might need to head inside soon, but you can see how much water there is on the ground. This is runoff from the Manatee River.”

Later, Kaitlan Collins, another anchor at CNN, reassured the audience, saying she understood their concerns for everyone on the ground, confirming that Anderson is alright.

Collins further noted, “It’s naturally challenging to maintain connection with such strong winds and rain, especially as the situation worsens minute by minute.”

Public reacts to Anderson Cooper’s hurricane reporting

One user on X queried, “What’s the point of having Anderson Cooper standing on a pier in the eye of a hurricane? It’s 120 mph winds! Get him inside!”

Another comment on X suggested that “CNN should let Anderson Cooper enjoy a drink on New Year’s Eve this year after sending him out to report in Florida amidst this hurricane,” referring to the annual CNN New Year’s Eve event co-hosted by Cooper and Bravo personality Andy Cohen.

YouTube commenters continued to voice their concerns, with one writing, “We don’t need to see you in such danger, Anderson! You have children!”

Another remarked, “Why are you out there, Anderson??”

One more added, “Looks like everyone is trying to win an Emmy for best hurricane reporting.”

Hurricane Milton’s impact according to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Hurricane Milton ravaged the Florida Peninsula on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction that spanned from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, cutting power for millions, flooding areas, damaging homes, ripping the roof off a significant sports venue, and toppling a large crane onto an office building.

At least two fatalities were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the east coast, as per St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson, who spoke to local TV outlets. By early Thursday, over 3.3 million homes and businesses were without power, as shown by YSL News outage statistics.

“While the storm was severe, thankfully it wasn’t the worst possible outcome,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a briefing on Thursday. “The storm diminished in strength before landfall, and the initially reported storm surge has not been as significant overall as what we saw with Hurricane Helene.”