A Florida television station took a direct hit from a tornado on Monday.
And meteorologist Brooks Garner kept broadcasting throughout.
“OK. Take shelter,” Garner urged colleagues at Fox 35 Orlando after spotting the approaching twister via the building’s camera.
“We’re catching debris right now on the roof,” he continued. “You can see debris flying there on the camera. This is a tornado. Seek shelter immediately. Get under your desks guys, anchors under the desks, everybody get under the desks.”
Within seconds, the tornado had passed, but Garner remained cautious.
“OK. that was it. We’re still in the debris zone,” he warned, urging colleagues to move into the fortified studio. “That was a tornado. This is a confirmed tornado. National Weather Service, if you’re listening, this is a confirmed tornado right over the Lake Mary studios.”
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Garner then advised residents in Lake Mary and Sanford, where the tornado appeared to be headed, to stay away from windows and take shelter in interior rooms on ground level.
“This is a very serious situation,” he warned. “This was a real-live tornado—it just hit our station.”
Later, Garner reflected on the moment: “I’ve been doing this for a very long time. That’s the first time a tornado has hit me while I’m doing the weather. Thank goodness for our facilities here at Fox 35 to keep us on the air and keep you apprised of the situation.”
No-one was injured by the tornado, Fox 35 Orlando later reported.
