My 2 Cents: News Reporters Covering Hurricane In Extreme Situations

Kelly Ogle, News 9

I don't know who first covered a hurricane while wrapped around a street lamp shouting over howling winds, may have been Dan Rather, but whoever it was needs to apologize.

Because that kind of reporting has led to the theater of the absurd ever since and this weekend lived up to the billing.

We've come to expect extreme reporter involvement when hurricanes come ashore. But sometimes it just doesn't go as planned.

So it was this weekend.

This reporter at Asbury Park, New Jersey apparently didn't expect a storm surge. Even one only ankle deep, and she was willing to sacrifice the microphone for a hasty retreat.

On the other hand, this correspondent on Long Island was banking on the surge for a great visual. She got one. Probably not quite what she expected but at least she saved the microphone.

And this one may go down in reporter infamy. This young guy in Ocean City, Maryland has discovered some new hurricane phenomenon, a thick foam blowing over the seawall.

"It's some sort of organic matter mixed in with sand and salt," says the reporter. "It doesn't smell good."

That's not surprising since that organic matter coating his face and body is probably raw sewage.

I'm sure I will cover another hurricane. Please remind me to stay away from the organic foam if you would.