Orlando TV Anchors Rush to Seek Shelter Live on Air as Tornado Hits News Station: ‘Under Your Desks!'
WOFL-TV meteorologist Brooks Garner was warning residents in Orlando and surrounding areas to be on high alert for tornado activity when his newsroom got the shock of a lifetime on Monday, March 10.
'Take shelter!' he yelled to his coworkers as storm cameras captured debris being tossed around by strong gusts of wind and rain around 9:30 a.m. local time.
'We're catching debris right now on the roof,' Garner said. 'Seek shelter immediately. Get under your desks, guys. Anchors, under your desks!'
An EF2 tornado made its way through Seminole County and damaged property in Lake Mary, the news station reported.
According to the National Weather Service, EF2's, which are measured on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, are considered strong and can reach between 111 mph to 135 mph.
'This is a confirmed tornado,'' Garner said, making note that their building's power began to flicker. 'This is a very serious situation. This is a real, live tornado. It just hit our station.'
Related: Weather Channel Reporter Hit by Tree Branch During Live Hurricane Ian Broadcast: 'This Is Extreme'
During the quick, but scary encounter, Garner mostly remained on camera, never leaving his post as he helped guide others to safety, including viewers who were watching and staff members who were in the building with him.
"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 added during the broadcast.
The footage quickly went viral.
Related: See the Moment CNN's Live Broadcast Is Interrupted by a Fire Alarm Amid Bomb Scare
'He was genuinely scared but did an excellent job in reporting it live. Felt his nerves rattle which makes him human of course, but never stuttered or totally lost his cool,' a viewer commented on a video shared to the news station's YouTube account.
Another wrote, 'Go Brooks! That was scary and amazing, true character is tested under pressure and he kept warning residents as his team is getting hit!!!'
The incident may have rattled many, but no fatalities were reported.
Alan Harris, spokesperson for Seminole County Emergency Management, reported damage such as a collapsed home in Longwood, overturned cars, trees in the road and downed power lines, the news station reports.
The only part of the collapsed home that wasn't destroyed was where the two residents who lived there had taken shelter, Fox Weather reported, citing fire officials.
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"This couple moved into the room of safety," Harris said. "That's what we want them to do."
Additionally, approximately 500 people experienced a loss of power during the weather event.
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