Good Morning Britain viewers have criticised the show's coverage of Storm Austen, with reporter Jonathan Swain reporting live from Newquay in Cornwall on Friday's programme (October 23).
Presenters Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh handed over to Swain, who described the conditions as "certainly not peaceful" and reported gusts of 82mph in Jersey. He noted that locals had woken up to "window rattling, fences falling over" and that some had posted messages saying they felt "quite scared."
Power cuts and school disruptions
Swain revealed that approximately 5,000 properties across Cornwall and parts of Devon had lost electricity supply. He also mentioned that some schools were likely to have staggered starts later in the day, calling it "quite a sensible option" given that it was "pretty dangerous" on the roads.
Speaking to a local resident, the conditions were described as "horrendous," with the resident saying it was the most severe weather he had witnessed in the county. Swain concluded his report by saying: "This is the amber weather warning that's down here in Cornwall. This is what it looks like, this is what it feels like. It's going to be like this for certainly, most of the morning."
Viewer backlash on social media
According to Met weather, Storm Austen will track from west to east throughout Friday, with winds typically easing as the day progresses. However, Storm Boelo is forecast to arrive on Saturday, bringing wet and blustery conditions across the entirety of the UK.
Viewers quickly took to X to criticise the decision to have Swain report from the storm. One viewer 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." Another posted: "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 third commented: "FFS, why does GMB send reporters to storm spots? Absolutely pathetic." One viewer observed: "It's windy and raining ffs. Scaremongering #storm." Another stated: "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!"
ITV has been approached by WalesOnline for comment. Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.
