GOOD Morning America’s Ginger Zee sparked concern after reporting live from Hurricane Helene on Thursday night.
ABC World News Tonight viewers “sent prayers” for meteorologist Ginger, 43, as she battled relentless winds on the scene in Tampa, Florida.
She’s usually glammed up inside the GMA studio[/caption]
Ginger struggled to hold down her coat’s hood while giving anchor David Muir an update on the Category 4 hurricane.
The weather presenter was stood atop a platform in St. Pete Beach, where she and her crew had sought refuge, with waves crashing against a seawall just feet away.
While she took all the appropriate measures and was not harmed, fans shared their worries beneath a video posted to Instagram by the network.
One wrote: “Prayers for Ginger, her team and all affected,” while another added: “Hey @ginger_zee !!!! Welcome to Saint Pete!!! Be safe out there!!!”
A third warned: “Ginger if you don’t take your behind indoors. We get the picture without you risking your life. Prayers for the south and Ginger.”
Whit Johnson has also been broadcasting from the hurricane, with the star seen knee-deep in flood waters during his links.
The National Hurricane Center had predicted the hurricane could bring “catastrophic winds and storm surge to the northeastern Gulf Coast”.
Experts foresaw storm surges across large parts of the Gulf Coast with the highest peaking at 15-20ft between Carrabelle and the Suwannee River.
Forecasters said Tampa Bay would get around 5-8ft of surge.
Tropical storm warnings were also issued along the state’s Atlantic coast and the coastlines of Georgia and South Carolina.
A massive six to 12 inches of rain were expected to hit parts of the southeastern US, with isolated totals even reaching 18 inches.
The National Hurricane Center said on X: “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves.
“There is also a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the remainder of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.
“Residents in those areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.”
The threat was so imminent that warnings were also issued far inland, with Helene potentially set to reach cities like Asheville, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia.
There’s also a risk that the strong winds produce life-threatening flash floods and landslides across the southern Appalachians.
Hillsborough County in Florida State issued a mandatory evacuation of all mobile and prefabricated homes at 9am EDT on Wednesday, September 25.
As of 5 pm EDT on Tuesday, September 24, the Florida Division of Emergency Management had issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders in 13 counties.
Six had mandatory orders – Charlotte County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Manatee County, Pinellas County and Wakulla County.
Tampa International Airport suspended operations on Thursday, September 26 to prepare for the hurricane but will reopen once Helene passes.
The meteorologist battled relentless winds on the scene in Tampa, Florida[/caption]
Whit Johnson braved the flood waters too[/caption]
