WATCH: Meteorologist Jim Cantore Hit by Flying Tree Branch During Live Hurricane Ian Report

Meteorologist Jim Cantore was literally knocked off his feet this afternoon while covering Hurricane Ian. 

Cantore was on the ground near Fort Meyers, Florida, reporting on the Category 4 storm in the middle of sustained 61 mph winds (gusts are reportedly up to 110 mph) when a tree branch blew into his legs, knocking him over. The Weather Channel reporter then fought to get up, lunging for a street sign for support while a stop sign collapsed behind him. 

"I just can't stand up," he said, struggling to stand. "I'm gettin' blown over." 

Jim Cantore literally hit by a flying tree branch during a live report. Please get this man off the street. pic.twitter.com/D6UOizGArc

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 28, 2022

Cantore appeared to find shelter on a balcony later with fellow meteorologist Mike Seidel, who called Hurricane Ian "one of the worst hurricanes" he'd ever experienced. "It may be the worst in terms of covering over 25 years and 90 storms."

"The ocean, the river and the gulf has taken over everything," Seidel continued, gesturing to the howling winds, surging waters, and violently thrashing trees behind him.

We're officially in the thick of things.

Our coverage of #Ian continues on The Weather Channel. @mikeseidel gives an update from Fort Myers, Florida: pic.twitter.com/8PKjGLBKZz

— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 28, 2022

Hurricane Ian is the fifth-largest storm to hit the U.S. mainland in recorded history. 

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.