Running from Ike to stay on the air
Ismael Estrada
AC360° Producer
It may not look like much but this is our location where we are protected from the nasty gusts and stinging rain Ike is throwing at us. It was quite the trip to get over here.
We ran what was supposed to be a short distance to the parking garage at the back of the hotel. The wind made that short walk take what seemed like an eternity.
As I stayed low and forced my way through the winds I got to the garage and realized no one was behind me. I turned and saw Gary Tuchman helping one of our crew members, Lisa Britton as she was struggling through the wind.
My colleague Augie Martin and I made our way back to Gary and Lisa and we all made it to this spot in the parking garage where we are protected from winds to broadcast live.
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Post by: Hurricanes Filed under: Hurricane Ike • Ismael Estrada |
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Thanks for keeping us informed. I live in florida my self, and what people dont realize is that u also go through what the locals go trough.(no water for showers, no electricity, little sleep) I understand and i feel for you guys even if its getting payd; but how much time off do u guys get after this event to be home and recover? thanks and god bless you guys @ CNN!
Thank you to all to keep us with best info but I think tou guys take so much risk please be carefull
I hope everyone is safe there in Texas. I'm not sure if the mega millions of dollars spent on that sea wall was worth it, seems like everything is flooded anyhow. It sure looks nice though........
I met Anderson two blocks from my apt. in downtown Houston around 10 pm ct. The rain had not started but the wind gusts were near 50 mph. Now the rain has set and the wind has picked up. Trees are in the streets and traffic signs are wrapping around other polls and signs. Some people are still wondering the streets. The sky is lighting up blue and green with the transformers blowing. I am safe on the 16th floor for now and still have power unlike my family about 10 mins away in Spring Branch. The eye should be hitting us soon, but as for now Downtown seems to be holding well. I hope the rest of my Texans are safe.
Be careful out there.
That goes for you too Anderson.
Why do newscasters think they are immune from the mandatory evacuation orders? No wonder people aren't taking the hurricane seriously when all of you are on site and are even outside broadcasting.
I live in Florida, and as thankful as I am that Ike didn't come our way, I fear for everyone who didn't evacuate. PLEASE stay out of harms way, it is wonderful that you guys go out there and bring live coverage from the hurricane, but please do not risk your life for it. STAY SAFE, my prays as well as many others will be with all of you.
What happened to Anderson Cooper? Did he get blown off the air there in Houston. I am concerned about the strong wind gusts hitting the high rises in downtown Houston. AC was in the downtown area when I last saw him. Hope everyone is safe.
Thank you so much for your hard work and bringing America this story. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts. So many people think that working on television is so glamorous, I guess this will be a lesson to them! You are truly some of the most daring, hardest working people out there. Take care of yourselves and your colleagues and make it home to your families quickly!
great reporting tonight. I do not think these people that stay in a mandatory evacuation should be rescued to the cost of probably millions .. There should be consequences for staying not daring rescues.... Glad rick got our of Galveston ! Now please explain something how do you guys have waterproof electrical microphones? Why don't they short out or shock you? Ignorant question but I am curious. It is really cool that Chet is answering your questions... I am so tickled by Ali Belshi still doing Business reporting describing the economic cascade of oil prices while being blasted outside by rain! That was really amusing that he took this job since there was no weekend or night reporting!!!! And now look at you!!! Thank you Ali, Rick and great job all the field producers... If rick is scared it must be bad!!! Thanks you guys!
It is sad to see so many people, like that father and his teenagers, ignore the evacuation orders. When evacuation orders say that if you ignore them or you face a certain death, you would think that you would listen to this dire warning.
I will pray that your whole crew makes it through the storm safe and sound. You all are very brave to face the fury of mother nature. My sister and her family lives in Houston and I am concerned about this storm and it really helps to know up to minute details. Stay Safe and try to stay dry. Don't know if the dry part is possible.
God Bless you and everyone this hurricane effects.
Do you think Hurricane Ike's storm damage & recovery efforts will become a big campaign issue like Katrina did?
Anderson and Paul, my thoughts are with you and your families as you are covering this hurrican for the rest of us who are safe in our homes. You and your crews are doing a fabulous job covering this story!
Stay safe, stay dry.........
Ismael – best regards to you, Gary, Rob, and the rest of the team there. Be safe!!!
ive just heard a report of a levee breach in new orleans........can you imagine with the storm forcused on texas ....now a new orleans levee fails.......has anyone heard anything about this failure?
Ha! So much for this blog, since you just deleted a commenter criticizing you for endangering rescue workers who'll have to save you if you get hurt. Can't let people see criticism?
Quite right, EMS!
Hey y'all!!
I used to live in Houston and have spent a LOT of time in Galveston–the live shots that y'all are showing are absolutely incredible–BE CAREFUL!
Great question about the raincoat!!
A couple years ago I didn't like Anderson, but I think he might be a solid journalist ,, he goes out his way to show his objectivity.. I like that..I mean hell, what cable anchor would stand in a hurricane and do Q and A on the elections...
I have been watching the coverage all day, you all are very brave to go out in such conditions. Be safe and thanks for keeping us informed.
Please make sure someone knows where that un-moored freighter will land. If it is sending out signals, surely the CoastGuard knows its location? If it comes inland and hits something–pray not the Galveston Hotel where the CNN Gary-Rob Team and Rescue folks are–not only will the poor men on board be in even an more dire situation but anyone in the path will be defenseless.
If it could strike an oil rig or storage container....
Hope all stay as safe as they possibly can.
Anderson is 40 miles inland in downtown Houston...He's not in as much danger as everyone else.
from Portland Oregon.....our beautiful coast line gives us amazing winter shows which I believed could not be surpassed....watching your broadcast sends shivers down my spine....thank you for keeping us updated...great show from the comfort of my dry livingroom.
Please take care. Our prayers are with everyone involved.
Anderson and Paul, Have you ever heard of hats and hoods? PUT THEM ON!!
I hope you all stay safe. Mother Nature has no limits. Humans do. Take care.
Where are you guys going to go when the 20 ft + storm surge hits with the 50 ft waves that the National Hurricane Center warned about?
Anderson,
Tell us more about how your correspondents plan to get out town if the storm surge gets really bad. Take us behind the curtain.
Those who chose to stay behind and then needs rescueing-
How much will they be charged for the rescue effort.... more than ems?
I will be sitting up all night here in central ohio watching , waiting and praying with the people in the path of the storm. God bless and please stay safe as you can.
Amendment to previous post. You guys are doing great reporting the hurricane. You really are doing a public service. Congratulations on good work in the opinion of this one viewer.
Hurricane trivia for you. The big Galveston Hurricane in 1900 led to the city commission form of government.
2. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutcheson grew up in LaPorte.
You guys are doing great reporting this story.