Hannah Storm Returns To Television Three Weeks After Accident

Storm suffered the burns three weeks ago at her home, reports The Associated Press. Storm suffered first-degree burns to her face and neck which caused her to lose her eyebrows and half of her hair. Storm also suffered second-degree burns to her hands and chest. Storm has been recovering from her burns, and while not all of the wounds have healed, she will return to television.

Storm suffered the burns during a propane gas grill accident on December 11 at her Connecticut home. The flame had gone out and an explosion occurred when Storm tried to reignite the grill, engulfing the ESPN anchor in flame, reports AP. According to Storm, “A neighbor said he thought a tree had fallen through the roof, it was that loud. It blew the doors off the grill.”

Storm's skirt was on fire and she had to remove it which caused the burns to her hand. Storm was helped by her 15-year-old daughter, who called 911, and a computer technician, who was at her home at the time of the accident, who helped treat Storm's burns. Storm was treated at the Trauma and Burn Center at Westchester Medical Center.

Storm said to AP, 'I was pretty shocked. But my overarching thought was I've covered events with military members who have been through a lot worse than me, and they've come through. I kept thinking, 'I can do this. I'm fortunate.'”

Storm will be a part of ABC's broadcast of the 2013 Rose Parade which precedes the Rose Bowl. Despite her burns not being completely healed, Storm will be an on-air talent for the parade. Storm suffered burns to her left hand, which will be bandaged during the broadcast. Storm will also wear hair extensions as well. Speaking to AP, Storm said, “I'm a little nervous about things I used to take for granted.”

Storm is planning to return to her duties, hoping to anchor ESPN's “Sportcenter” next Sunday, notes AP, and will be at the BCS National Championship Game in Miami, Florida on Monday.