Journalists from Unlucky Sky, ITV and BBC were battered by the elements today as they battled hurricane-force winds from Storm Ciaran live on air.
Ashna Hurynag was reporting on the storm asa short distance from the coast at St Helier, Jersey, when it suddenly disappeared from the screens after being knocked to the ground by the strong winds.
The Channel Islands have been hit hardest by Ciaran so far, with dozens of people evacuated from their homes as roofs were torn off and windows smashed, with winds expected to reach 180 mph.
As the correspondent battled the winds, she spoke to her colleagues in their London studio and joked with viewers: “It must be said, I have never felt wind speeds like this.”
“We were told the wind speeds were in excess of 100 miles per hour and just looking at the sea behind me you can see these huge waves crashing onto the beachfront,” she added before to briefly disappear from the screens.
As she stood up, she laughed awkwardly, adding “you can see the way those winds blew me around then” before warning members of the audience watching to “stay home”.
Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain viewers criticized ITV for also sending its journalists out into the worst of the storm to report on the weather bombshell, despite high winds and torrential rain.
Ashna Hurynag was speaking near the stormy coast of St Helier on the island of Jersey when she was pushed to the ground, briefly disappearing from screens.
Another Sky correspondent, Dan Whitehead, was also sent to deal with the storm in Cornwall where he spoke about the amber weather warning.
Good Morning Britain viewers have criticized ITV for sending its journalists to report on the weather bomb, despite forecasts of winds reaching 110mph
Jonathan Swain was seen in Bude, Cornwall, as torrential rain continued to fall on him while Richard Gainsford spoke from Brighton in East Sussex, as waves crashed against the sea wall.
The BBC’s Dan Johnson was in St Hellier in Jersey where he reported on the dangerous conditions, drenched by fierce seafront spray and driving rain.
The weather bomb caused emergency workers to warn people to stay away from coastal paths amid fears 35ft waves could wash passers-by into the sea, while the Met Office issued an amber warning of ‘risk for life” in the event of flying debris.
Many viewers who tuned into GMB this morning described the channel’s decision to send journalists into the dangerous storm as “totally irresponsible”, despite warning the public not to go out.
One of them wrote on social media; “It’s crazy, here you are warning people that there is a risk to life, particularly near the seaside, so GMB is content to send journalists there, not just 1 but 3 different places, it’s crazy. is absolute madness and totally irresponsible.”
Another said: “Typical GMB sends a reporter then tells everyone to stay indoors. »
“Weather warnings, so what is GMB doing?” Send reporters to attend,” added a third. A fourth said: “Why do shows do this to bad weather guys? We know what cold and wind feels like. Bring them inside with a cup of tea.
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ITV journalist Jonathan Swain was seen in Bude, Cornwall, as rain continued to fall on him.
JERSEY: Dozens of people on Channel Island were forced to shelter in a hotel after winds of more than 100 mph from the storm damaged their properties.
KENT: The weather bombshell has led rescuers to warn people to stay away from coastal paths, fearing 35ft waves could sweep passersby into the sea.
Those watching Good Morning Britain this morning criticized the show for sending journalists into dangerous weather conditions.
Sky viewers also criticized studio bosses for sending their reporter into dangerous weather conditions.
One wrote: “There are warnings about a threat to life, so your producers decide it’s wise to bring out your reporter.” Wouldn’t it be safer to install a camera without risking anyone’s safety?
Another said: “People are being evacuated. I know, let’s send a reporter to this dangerous island.
The storm hit the UK overnight, creating chaos on the roads as commuters were told to work from home where they could and hundreds of schools closed their doors.
Flooding is expected in 54 areas, mainly on the south coast, according to the Environment Agency.
A major incident has been declared in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight due to expected pressure on local services.
In Jersey, people were forced to shelter in a hotel after winds of more than 100 mph from the storm damaged their properties.
In a statement published on X, police said four other people were moved to another accommodation with winds reaching a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
Meanwhile, Cornwall Council said more than 8,500 homes in the county were without power due to the storm.
