Hurricane debris strikes US TV star mid-report

US TV star Anderson Cooper was struck by debris as he struggled through a live report in the middle of Hurricane Milton.

US TV presenter Anderson Cooper was struck by debris as he reported on the ground in the middle of Hurricane Milton’s reign of terror on the US.

The reporter, 57, was covering the catastrophic disaster live for CNN in Bradenton when a piece of debris appeared to slam into his face.

The journalist stumbled for a second before shouting: “Woah! That wasn’t good. We’ll probably go inside shortly.”

Viewers rushed to comment on the moment, with many criticising CNN for allowing Cooper to be out in the middle of the violent storm.

Anderson Cooper was struck by debris while reporting on Hurricane Milton. Picture: CNN

Cooper almost fell to the ground as he struggled on with the report. Picture: CNN

“This is beyond stupid. This is 2024. We don’t need to see a reporter risk his/ her life to show what strong wind looks like,” commented one viewer.

“You are ridiculous for being out on this storm. Please stop this type of reporting. It’s not that serious,” said a second.

Another added: “He should have a helmet not a baseball cap!”

With Hurricane Milton barrelling towards Florida’s coast, devastating photos show the massive storm’s destruction so far.

More than two million homes are without power, as residents are urged to shelter in place.

Taylor Swift has donated millions of dollars to the hurricane relief efforts in Florida as the state recovers from one natural disaster, Hurricane Helene, while battling Hurricane Milton.

Swift has donated millions to the relief efforts. Picture: Jamie Squire/Getty Images.

“We are incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for her generous $US5 million ($A7.44 million) donation to Hurricane Helene and Milton efforts,” Feeding America, a non-profit organisation that supports those fighting hunger, said in a statement via X Wednesday.

“This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, [provide] essential food, clean water and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms.”

On Wednesday, people in the Florida city of St Petersburg were left without drinking water, after officials were forced to shut down the system due to hurricane damage.

Officials said the shutdown is expected to last “until the necessary repairs can be completed” and this can only be done when it is safe for crews to be outside.

In anticipation of the recovery effort, state authorities have deployed nearly 10,000 National Guard members, with up to 20 million meal packs and 40 million litres of water ready to distribute.