BBC weather reporter recalls looking 'absolutely ridiculous' on camera during storm

BBC weather reporter Alison Freeman has provided some insight on her job as Storm Kathleen rips through the UK.

Having worked at the Beeb for a quarter of a century now, Freeman's regular appearances on our TV screens usually consist of being pelted by downpours and battered around by aggressive winds, but it's all in the service of public enlightenment.

"Television is supposed to be visual. Everybody is looking to see what's going on and we provide that. If we're out there, other people don't have to be," she told Metro in a new interview.

Read more: How extremely rare 'Sudden Stratospheric Warming' event could impact the UK's weather

One of the broadcaster's biggest professional challenges came while tackling Storm Doris live from the Blackpool promenade in 2017. Freeman endured sea foam assaults and 94mph winds, yet still managed to produce a well-held report.

"I could feel the power of the weather. Watching it back, I looked absolutely ridiculous," she commented.

Meanwhile, Freeman also touched on the generosity of the public while she's at the mercy of the weather.

"When people see us outside they will often take pity on us," she shared. "I've met people whose homes or businesses have just flooded and they'll still be offering us a cup of tea. People are so kind and generous. Getting out and about and talking to people is what I really love to do. People are at the heart of everything we do."

Read more: Map shows where Storm Kathleen weather warnings will hit UK hardest

On the unique sense of pride the job gives her, the reporter said it's to do with everybody being "obsessed with the weather".

Freeman explained: "In Britain, it's often what we default to in small talk – methods to defrost the car, or whether the temperature is normal for the time of year are hot topics, so it's an honour to be able to play my part in that."

Watch: Dozens of flights cancelled as Storm Kathleen hits UK