As Hurricane Milton hit Florida, online content creators took to social media to share their experiences, from preparations to riding out the storm. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram were flooded with videos depicting the high-stakes and personal stories of those in the storm’s path. While some faced evacuation warnings, many felt they had nowhere safe to go or couldn’t afford to leave.
The ability of social media to quickly disseminate news and captivating content made storm-related videos popular. TikTok, in particular, hosted livestreams and viral videos from Florida residents during Hurricane Ian in 2022. One individual, known as “Lieutenant Dan,” gained notoriety for refusing to evacuate his sailboat, receiving significant attention and financial support.
Despite some criticism of glorifying risky behavior, many creators found a new audience during the hurricane. For example, Tampa-based Sam Hunter attracted tens of thousands of followers on TikTok as he documented Hurricane Milton from an evacuation zone. While some users offered support and updates, others warned against participating in dangerous activities.
In addition to individuals like Hunter, family vlogging channels like “The Trench Family” also documented the storm for their large following. Local influencer Dustin Weaver used TikTok to share preparation tips and provide post-storm aid to his community.
While the surge in “hurricane influencers” has faced scrutiny, some creators see social media as a way to connect and help their communities in times of crisis. The platforms are also making efforts to share credible information and warn against risky behavior during natural disasters.
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