By Katherine Tinsley
12:28am PDT, Mar 12, 2025
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Brooks Garner was issuing a tornado warning for Seminole and Volusia counties from Orlando's Fox 35 studio when footage outside the station captured the wind swirling and trees whipping.
"We could be looking at a tornado on camera," Garner said as a video from outside the building played on air.
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Brooks Garner managed to direct his team after the tornado hit their workspace.
"OK. Take shelter! Everybody in the Fox Studio 35 building, get to your safe space," he told employees, as the sound of debris hitting the station could be heard.
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Brooks Garner attempted to remain calm while making sure his colleagues were safe.
"This is a tornado! Seek shelter immediately," Garner urged. "Get under your desks, guys — anchors under the desks, everybody get under the desks."
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Brooks Garner admitted that the windstorm impacting his live reporting was a surprise.
"I've been doing this for a very long time — that's the first time a tornado has hit me while I'm doing the weather," he said. "Thank goodness for our facilities here at Fox 35 to keep us on the air and keep you apprised of the situation."
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Brooks Garner later notified the National Weather Service that the twister was happening above the Florida network.
"National Weather Service, if you're listening, this is a confirmed tornado right over the Lake Mary studios," he reported, providing real-time tracking on air.
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The National Weather Service estimated the tornado reached 115 mph, which is comparable to a category 3 hurricane.
According to The Daily Beast, two houses were leveled and cars near the studio were left with smashed windows.
