Weatherman Criticized for 'Dramatic' Hurricane Reporting as Local Walks By Unfazed
Social media users question the severity of conditions after a FOX News reporter appeared to struggle against winds from Hurricane Isaias while a bystander strolled past.
A Florida weatherman faced criticism for his on-air reaction to Hurricane Isaias, with social media users calling his reporting "dramatically bracing" as a local resident walked by seemingly unaffected.
Robert Ray, a weather correspondent for FOX News, was reporting live from Destin, Florida, when the incident occurred. In a video that circulated online, Ray was seen bracing himself with a hand on his knees, explaining that he needed to maintain balance against "intense whipping winds" that reached gusts up to 70 mph. He noted that his earbuds were filling with water.
During his report, a local man wearing a poncho casually walked past Ray, appearing unbothered by the storm. The man could be heard commenting, "It's not that windy," before continuing on his way.
Ray, who was equipped with a helmet, goggles, and a rain jacket, expressed surprise at the man's nonchalance. "Oh it's pretty darn windy, at least for me! I got to brace myself because when those gusts come in," Ray said. He added, "I'm not going to get knocked over. No way. So good luck to that guy. I hope he doesn't mosey down like Mr. Rogers in this."
The outlet described the conditions as "brutal," with their reporter battling "powerful winds and driving rain" as Hurricane Isaias made landfall.
Social media reactions varied, with some users questioning the portrayal of the storm's severity. "I lived in that area for thirty years. The media would stand in a pond and zoom in to make things look catastrophic," one user wrote. Another commented, "They are severely over dramatic," while a third suggested, "I feel like I just came from a Shakespeare play!"
Conversely, one commenter noted the stark contrast: "The random guy treating it like a light drizzle while Robert Ray is out there fighting for his life is the most real thing I've seen all week."
Another FOX video caption described the scene as "Reporter nearly knocked off his feet by Hurricane Isaias." Ray himself said, "Stand by guys I'm just going to catch my breath. And by the way I got a mouthful of water... that's the thing, this is a fight." He referred to the hurricane as a "weather beast" and anticipated the strong winds would continue throughout the night.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall in Florida on Friday evening as a Category 2 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.