The threat of Hurricane Ian is growing as fast as the strength of this natural disaster. Experts warn that the storm, which has already left Cuba without power, will reach the coast of Florida at a level 5 force of destruction. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the population to "shelter and prepare" as safe evacuation isn’t possible at this point.
In the same vein, the National Hurricane Center updated its forecasts and warned of the increased risk and expected damage in the state. They advise citizens to make hasty preparations and warn of "catastrophic wind damage.” Winds could reach up to 150 mph.
Time is quickly running out for residents to rush preparations to completion on the southwestern Florida peninsula as Hurricane #Ian nears.
Tropical-Storm-Force winds already beginning to affect coast. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate & catastrophic wind damage is expected. pic.twitter.com/eHhEwPNLoY
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 28, 2022
By the time Ian had yet to hit U.S. shores, Power Outage US reported that more than 100,000 homes had suffered power outages.
DeSantis made a public appearance in which he updated the public and explained the state operation to face the crisis. Ian is "now a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of up to 150 miles/hour, which is knocking on the door of a category 5 storm.”
The governor announced that "there are more than 30,000 linemen (power and telephone line specialists) organized and ready for power restoration efforts throughout the state of Florida."
In addition, "We have 5,000 Florida Guardsmen activated, 2,000 from neighboring states. We have air assets, urban search and rescue teams now stationed in Miami that will be able to respond to Southwest Florida," DeSantis said.
Governor DeSantis meets with Linemen ahead of Hurricane Ian. https://t.co/S4nOiZE8pu
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 28, 2022
The National Weather System of Miami and South Florida explained on social media the risks that citizens will face in each area of the state.
September 28th: Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen. For the latest information about current watches, warnings, and latest forecast, please visit https://t.co/UI9xN6a5Ig #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/MATRsT55eb
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) September 28, 2022
