Ginger Zee in Florida covering Idalia from an evacuation zone: ‘We are outta here’
Ginger Zee is seriously back in work mode.
ABC News’ chief meteorologist just returned from her summer vacation and is currently in the thick of it on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
On Tuesday morning, Zee reported live for “Good Morning America” from St. Pete Beach, an area projected to start blowing up weather wise in a matter of hours.
READ MORE: Where is Hurricane Idalia now?
“We are in Zone A, this is an evacuation zone,” Zee told GMA viewers. “After this show, we are outta here, as everyone should be.”
Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to intensify into a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico, likely making landfall Wednesday along Florida’s so called Big Bend – stretching from Tampa to south of Tallahassee.
“That’s a great place where it should make landfall,” noted Zee, “because it’s not as populated” as, say Tampa Bay, the 18th largest metropolitan area in the United States. “A place like Cedar Key? We’re talking about unsurvivable storm surge ... the number one loss of life and property.”
One social media user with the X (formerly Twitter) handle @nesser1983 called out the veteran weather expert in real time.
“Did you really just say that it’s a great place for this hurricane to make landfall? Where these people don’t have the means to rebuild? Have you ever been north of Cedar Key?! How inconsiderate! I’m disappointed! Do better! These people will be devastated!”
Zee was quick to respond and clarify, saying yes, she had covered storms north of historic Cedar Key, Florida’s second oldest town, located on the so called Nature Coast, with fewer than 1,000 permanent residents.
“A better place was what I meant - nothing is great!” wrote the Michigan-raised mother of two. “Please don’t take that the wrong way. I was saying away from Tampa Bay is better for Tampa Bay. But they still have impacts.”
Another viewer, who obvio wasn’t mad, chimed in on the comments: “We appreciate you being here Ginger. Thank you.”
READ MORE: Troll calls out Ginger Zee on her outfit
This story was originally published August 29, 2023 at 11:55 AM.
