TV channel defends reporter accused of faking extreme wind conditions during hurricane coverage

NEW YORK: A video of a US weather reporter channel made rounds on the social media, showing him apparently exaggerating the force of Hurricane Florence, but the same live coverage showed it was not actually the case.

In a hilarious viral video, Weather Channel meteorologist and reporter Mike Seide is seen holding on to his dear life in the midst of crazy wind speed.

The video had been viewed more than 3.6 million times and had received almost 60,000 retweets as of Friday evening. It also led many people to mock the reporter for his demeanor reporting on the storm.

“This is about as nasty as its been,” Seidel, who was reporting says in the clip while trying his best to get footing.

But two gentlemen the same moment were seen on the background taking a casual stroll, Seidel gets royally busted live on TV.

Meanwhile, the Weather Channel voiced support for its reporters after a video of went viral online.

The Weather Channel noted in a statement to The Hill that the reporter was standing on wet grass and was “undoubtedly exhausted.”

“It’s important to note that the two individuals in the background are walking on concrete, and Mike Seidel is trying to maintain his footing on wet grass, after reporting on-air until 1:00 a.m. ET this morning and is undoubtedly exhausted,” the network said.

Hurricane Florence made landfall on Friday morning near Wrightsville Beach, N.C., according to the National Hurricane Center. Florence was downgraded to a Category 1 storm and further downgraded to a tropical storm on Friday evening.