Fox reporter Robert Ray gets thrashed by 100mph winds and rain during live Hurricane Milton coverage

BRADENTON, FLORIDA: Weather journalist Robert Ray was captured on camera reporting amid the mayhem caused by Hurricane Milton as it made landfall on Wednesday night, October 9.

Seen on camera in Bradenton, Florida, which was battered by winds reaching 100 mph and pelted by torrential rain, Fox Weather correspondent Ray — wearing a riding helmet and eye goggles — was barely able to stay upright.

Weather journalist Robert Ray braves Hurricane Milton amid reporting

Robert Ray was completely exposed as he felt the full power of Milton, while several other media outlets had their reporters safely housed in hotels or protected by surrounding structures.

As the storm whirled around them, Ray was one of many reporters out in the terrible weather trying to convey to the audience what the conditions were like.

The anchor introduced Ray, stating that he would be showing viewers what "an extreme weather warning looks like."

A soaked Ray screamed into the microphone, trying to be heard, "That is why I am standing here, and you know something this is an historic storm and this is part of the documentation will also hopefully show people to evacuate. You don't want to be in this."

"This is why we are showing the fury of Milton. The menacing fury of Milton, no doubt the toughest winds I've experienced this entire season and I hope this is the end," Ray continued.

"You don't want to be in your home if it's not structurally confident. We're going to see a lot of those issues tomorrow, especially in mobile homes," he added.

The US National Hurricane Center reported that the storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key at 8:30 pm with sustained maximum winds of 120 mph.

Milton made landfall on Florida's west coast on Wednesday night, coming a little earlier and a little bit further south than expected, per Daily Mail.

Milton also produced damage in multiple counties from at least 19 tornadoes and damaged about 125 houses, the majority of which were mobile homes.

It was classified as an "extremely dangerous" storm by the Hurricane Center, with the potential for catastrophic storm surge, fierce winds, and flash flooding throughout Central Florida.

Although there had not yet been any confirmed deaths, residents were advised not to go outside.

Tree smashes into Robert Ray's car as Hurricane Milton rips across West Florida

Ray and his team were stationed in west Bradenton, fewer than 20 miles from Siesta Key, when Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Florida.

Experiencing Hurricane Milton's full intensity on Wednesday night, Ray said on Fox Weather, "We just had this entire tree snap and fall right on our vehicles."

After wrapping off a live story featuring the Manatee River, the reporter entered his car and glanced at his phone.

"And then, all of a sudden, boom! The whole tree just comes down and partially goes into the vehicle where [cameraman] Lloyd is. For sure a hurricane wind gust to take down a tree like that," Ray added.

Ray claimed that when he went to check on everyone after the tree fell, there was a "bit of a chaotic moment" since he "couldn’t hear a darn thing" due to the roaring winds, per The Independent.

As Ray gave his account, part of the pine tree remained upright and he admitted that he was afraid the other portion would fall too.

Netizens laud weather reporter Robert Ray for braving Hurricane Milton

Social media users flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the Fox weather reporter for his bravery as one wrote, "Wow... good coverage Robert!"

A second user added, "Thanks for the coverage! The work is just starting for Tampa and sourrounding areas. God bless Florida and thank you once Again."

"Robert Ray is by far my favorite Correspondent out there. This man is riding #Milton like a horse," wrote one user.

Another posted, "Shout out to Robert Ray. He getting his a** handed to him tonight. Great reporting on the ground. I'm definitely tuned in. Milton not playing. @foxweather @RobertRayWx"

"Robert Ray is a real one and taking one for team, while damn near getting blow away!" exclaimed another one.

Others commented on Ray's clip of the fallen tree as one wrote, "Stay safe! Pine trees are prone to snapping in high winds".

Another said, "I am so glad you are safe and well, I wanted to thank you so much for your coverage. My mother and I were on the edge of our seats wondering if you would get absolutely blown away like some looney tunes character. I have not seen better tv. This is peak."

"Oh sh*t!!!! Robert Ray was damn near taken out by a tree along the Manatee River. His awesome spot showing the waves is gone!" remarked one.

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