WATCH: Weather Channel's Mike Bettes nearly blown away by Hurricane Irma winds
He's out there so you don't have to be.
But maybe he should have reconsidered.
Weather Channel meteorologist Mike Bettes was stationed in Naples, Fla., on Sunday afternoon while the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over, bringing with it driving rains and wind gusts in excess of 140 mph.
Bettes put himself in harm's way, standing in an open road, exposed to potential flying debris and other hazards.
It was equal parts harrowing, riveting and, many viewers thought, just plain dumb.
It prompted Bettes to post an explanation behind the event on his professional Facebook page.
Good evening everyone. I write this from the comfort of a warm bed with a roof over my head. That is more than some...
Posted by Mike Bettes on Sunday, September 10, 2017
You can watch the full live shot during the strongest winds below. And here is some reaction from Twitter users, whose mouths likely were agape at the images of Bettes getting thrashed around.
Find someone that looks at you the way @mikebettes looks at Irma. pic.twitter.com/TcKX7kOMga
" Kortnie Lorenz (@Kortnie83) September 10, 2017
Turned over to @MSNBC & Mike Bettes is trying to fight Irma. And losing
" Silence Dogood (@realBigBalls) September 10, 2017
Just an idea, but maybe Mike Bettes should get in the truck and not stand outside as the eye wall rolls through Naples...
" 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚎 (@Stefmara) September 10, 2017
Me... watching @mikebettes's live shot from Naples. #irma pic.twitter.com/1jjJhXxhiY
" Emily Gracey (@GraceyWeather) September 10, 2017
The Weather Channel's @mikebettes deserves a huge pay raise after such heroic Irma coverage all weekend. He's lucky to be alive. #respect
" Tiffany Buff (@tbuff33) September 11, 2017
