Meteorologists got too close to the action when a funnel cloud tore through an Orlando news station Monday. Tired of all the negative press, a Florida tornado sat down for a live interview with the hard-pressing reporters, who were caught off-guard by the storm’s rebuttal. A weatherman, broadcasting live as the storm tore through the station, urged employees to take shelter. Lights flickered during the tornado’s rant while the station struggled to control the narrative. With no room for objective reporting, news broadcasters hunkered below their desks during the onslaught. Fortunately, the tornado didn’t rejoin the show following the commercial break. Although the news station is unlikely to win a Peabody for its intrepid reporting, reporters won’t soon forget the Florida tornado’s long-winded response.
This is a very serious situation, Garner told viewers. This is a real live tornado.
Florida Tornado Screams ‘Fake News’ at Reporters
Meteorologists prioritize public safety over entertainment. News stations, which typically broadcast 24/7, have a vested interest in informing readers of important news and announcements, whether it’s last night’s box scores or a recent string of burglaries. Storm reporters provide weather updates that protect everyone, regardless of demographics or preference in coverage. So, when they see dark clouds on the horizon or dark green bands aggregating on the radar, station managers give meteorologists the bandwidth to interrupt regularly scheduled broadcasting with potentially life-saving information. As weatherman Brooks Garner was sounding the alarms for viewers in the Florida tornado’s path, he heard the uncanny and eerie whistle of what sounded like a barreling freight train. Garner told everyone in the station to take cover while yelling “get to your safe space under your desk, we’re catching debris right now on the roof” as the Florida tornado vied for the prime time slot.
Not a Test of the Emergency Broadcasting System
Garner deserves kudos for his resilience in maintaining composure as the tornado tore through his news station. Most reporters would be forgiven for cutting to commercial or abandoning his broadcast altogether. Garner even told viewers where the tornado was headed next before signing off momentarily. The storm collapsed at least one home and damaged several others, but no one reported injuries or deaths.
“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, Garner said.
Fearmongering doesn’t benefit viewers or residents seeking permanent steel protection. While we will leave the tornado chasing, or interviewing, to the professionals, US Safe Room remains a committed partner in advocating for affordable safe room installation in any home or office. Although Florida is better known for its vulnerable corner in the Atlantic hurricane corridor, the Sunshine State is experiencing more tornadoes than in previous decades. Florida experiences almost 50 tornados annually, and the 2025 tornado season could be one for the record books. Hurricane Milton spawned 46 Florida tornadoes last year, so residents should keep a watchful eye on the skies while staying tuned in to news reports. Prospective shelter owners can install a panelized safe room into any office or bedroom with minimal foundation disturbance. And yes, the shelters provide enough space for a tv, so you won’t miss Garner’s next interview with another menacing Florida tornado.
