Viewers of Good Morning Britain criticised the ITV programme's coverage of Storm Austen during Friday's show (October 23), with many complaining about reporter Jonathan Swain being sent to Cornwall to broadcast in the strong winds.
Swain reported live from Newquay, appearing in a blue raincoat with the hood blowing behind him as he battled the gusts. On X, one user wrote: "Tiz the season for TV reporters to be out in the wind and rain shouting at the camera. Every autumn it's the same."
Viewers call for reporter to return to studio
Another viewer said: "I think most of us have experienced rough weather before. I don't think we need a 'roving reporter' sent to Cornwall to show us what it's like. Stop the fear mongering!" A further user fumed: "FFS, why does GMB send reporters to storm spots? Absolutely pathetic."
One person commented: "It's windy and raining ffs. Scaremongering #storm." While yet another added: "What is the point of having poor old Jonathan Swain out in horrible weather just to tell us it's windy and raining? Your viewers aren't so thick that they need to see a man struggling to broadcast to understand what wind and rain is. Get him back into the studio!"
Storm impact details
During the broadcast, Swain told viewers: "It's certainly not peaceful down here in Newquay this morning. There have been gusts reported of 82mph here in Jersey. We've just been speaking to some locals in the area who have woken up to window rattling, fences falling over, people posting messages saying they're feeling quite scared."
The presenter reported that 5,000 properties are without electricity across Cornwall and parts of Devon. He continued: "We understand some schools are likely to have staggered starts later on today. It is pretty dangerous just being out here on the roads this morning, so that's quite a sensible option to ensure people can get to schools safely."
Forecast and further storms
According to Met weather, Storm Austen will travel from west to east throughout Friday, with winds typically easing later in the day. On Saturday, Storm Boelo is anticipated to arrive, with wet and blustery conditions forecast across the entire UK.
Later in the show, Swain added: "We're probably right in the extreme part of the weather at the moment, gusts of 75mph here in Newquay." He said the weather is having a "real impact" due to travel disruption, school closures and cancelled flights.
Swain noted, "Laura (Tobin) and I have covered many storms over the years before, but I've never seen or felt winds quite like this. I've done hurricanes in the United States as well, but this feels pretty close to it. You can see at times it's hard for us and the crew to stand up here. The rain has stopped right now, we're just feeling the full force of the winds."
