Viewers mock Hurricane Florence TV coverage with homemade catastrophe videos
With Hurricane Florence barrelling towards the east coast of the United States, the country's biggest networks sent their best-known stars to cover the unfolding mayhem.
The result has been wall-to-wall TV coverage of toppled trees, 11 deaths, high winds and historic levels of rainfall.
But with the hurricane being rapidly downgraded to a tropical storm as its winds eased, TV viewers have taken to social media to mock broadcasters whom they accuse of exaggerating the effects in some cases.
In one case, the Weather Channel was forced to defend a reporter who was filmed struggling to stand, legs braced against the wind, while two passers-by - dressed in shorts - strolled casually past in the background.
It said there were other factors to consider.
So dramatic! Dude from the weather channel bracing for his life, as 2 dudes just stroll past. #HurricaneFlorencepic.twitter.com/8FRyM4NLbL
— Tony scar. (@gourdnibler) September 14, 2018
“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 am ET this morning and is undoubtedly exhausted,” it said in a statement sent to the Washington Post.
That hasn't stopped the online mockery.
CNN reporting on #HurricaneFlorence#FakeNews#Funny@ScottAdamsSayspic.twitter.com/SIUaseGWwv
— Kelly Lacour (@kjlacky) September 15, 2018
Imaginative viewers have mocked up their own versions, using air blowers, fans and hoses to give the illusion of a storm.
Stage hands have sent trolleys sailing past or tugged at their clothing to give the impression of danger.
I’m Banner, reporting LIVE from CNN In the heart of Hurricane Florence
Things are getting RUFF#fakenews#weathergirl#fakeittilyoumakeit#weatherpic.twitter.com/hm2uoOsuMG— The Dogpool (@OriginalDogPool) September 15, 2018
And some news crews on the ground have even had fun with the joke.
“Fake news” slips in every once in a while. Stay with @FOX46News for local and accurate coverage of #Florence! ��
Seriously, so proud of our crews!
STORY: https://t.co/mMbTsvNXQPpic.twitter.com/XCyxE7OLiO— Ciara Brown ☕️ (@Sincerely_Ciara) September 15, 2018