Do you recall when he was quite somber during the storm? Perhaps he thought that his life, the lives of his crew, and all of those around him, were over. And when it didn't happen, perhaps he was filled with joy.
Per CNN: still no information whatsoever from any of the towns located on the Missisippi barrier islands (Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, etc.). Personally, I think that's the same for Grand Isle, LA. I had heard that 7 people were to ride it out there.
Perhaps he believed it was going to help his network attract viewers, which sells advertising, which pays network salaries.
We may never know.