Florida braces for Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian gains strength and hits Florida as the state races to finish preparations for the storm and evacuate those most at risk ahead of an expected landing on Wednesday.
The massive Category 3 storm was already wreaking havoc on Key West on Tuesday after lashing Cuba with torrential rain and winds overnight and threatening to sweat storm surge, floods and landslides.
Governor Ron DeSantis urged Florida residents to heed evacuation warnings to higher ground due to the potential for “catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storms.” As of Tuesday, 2.5 million people in Florida were under evacuation orders.
The latest weather models have the hurricane expected to make landfall south of Tampa Bay where storms can reach 12 feet (3.7 meters). Up to 24 inches (61 cm) of rain is expected in some areas and wind speeds of 130 mph (209 km/h).
Emergency officials have warned that life-threatening conditions will limit the possibility of rescue once the storm arrives.
“You’ll be on your own,” warned Ken Welch, Mayor of St Petersburg.
Footage shows people leaving Highway 4
Traffic on Interstate 4 in Florida brings people east from Tampa toward Orlando as people evacuate Hurricane Ian.
The footage shows cars going over the shoulder, which has been opened up to provide more lanes for movement.
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27, 2022 23:18
The expected landing and the path of Hurricane Ian during the next few days
(NHC/NOAA)
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27, 2022 23:05
The slowness of the storm will lead to great dangers
In an update Tuesday afternoon, Jamie Rohm, acting director of the National Hurricane Center, said the storm’s slow path will bring extended periods of rain and wind to Central Florida.
Heavy rain is expected over the next few days across a patch of Florida from Tampa through Jacksonville.
Be prepared to stay where you are and stay there,” Mr. Romm said.
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27, 2022 22:54
‘the time now’
Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, urged people in evacuation areas to leave now, with the hurricane entering and time running out.
Additionally, as weather conditions worsen, first responders will not be able to respond to calls, which makes evacuations even more critical, Mr. Guthrie said.
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27 2022 22:48
Low and flat areas at high risk of flooding
Low, flat areas near the Florida coast are at risk of flooding as Hurricane Ian hits the state as a major hurricane.
Ocean levels are expected to rise as much as 12 feet (3.7 m) in some areas, with more than 15 inches (38 cm) of rain hitting most of the central part of the state.
Indian Shores, Florida extends along a barrier island in the Tampa Bay area
(AFP via Getty Images)
Island Estate in Clearwater, Florida has a low set of islands with homes on them, which are at high risk of flooding from Hurricane Ian.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27 2022 22:45
Dozens of school districts have been closed
A total of 56 school districts in Florida have been closed in anticipation of Hurricane Ian, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a press conference Tuesday.
Ethan Friedman27 September 2022 22:39
DeSantis provides an update on Ian
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provides an update on Hurricane Ian as the state heads into the storm
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27 2022 22:35
Parkland’s trial canceled for the rest of the week due to Hurricane Ian
The trial of Parkland gunman Nicholas Cruz was called off for the rest of the week as Hurricane Ian continued its path toward Florida. Judge Elizabeth Shearer announced Tuesday afternoon that the court would be on recess on Wednesday and Thursday due to the upcoming storm. The jurors will return to the courtroom on Monday. On Tuesday morning, the trial was expected to go ahead as planned with the Broward County Courthouse saying it had no plans to close it at that time. However, Ian continued to strengthen throughout the day, with a Category 3 storm already bringing effects to Key West on Tuesday.
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27, 2022 22:28
‘Phoenix Project’ predicts significant hurricane impact on Tampa
The Associated Press reported that a planning exercise called “Project Phoenix” from 2009 simulated what would happen if a Category 5 hurricane hit the Tampa Bay area.
The exercise helped local officials and businesses prepare for the impact of a potential major storm on the region, which has historically avoided the direct impact of most major hurricanes of the past century.
Hurricane Ian is expected to briefly reach a Category 4 before hitting the Florida Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, with significant flooding, storm surge and winds possible.
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27 2022 22:21
Lightning flashes across the Gulf of Mexico in satellite footage of Hurricane Ian
Satellites captured Hurricane Ian’s rippling and lightning strikes as it crossed over the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened on its way to Florida.
Lightning flashes across the Gulf of Mexico in satellite footage of Hurricane Ian
Ethan FriedmanSeptember 27 2022 22:15
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