Hurricane Ian has attained crucial hurricane status, as it is a level three hurricane, currently moving North at an average speed of 12mph with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
The storm is expected to intensify into Florida when it gets to the gulf of Mexico. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings are already in place over many parts of Florida.
Tampa Bay to Fort Myers are the regions that are predicted to receive the greatest amount of storm tide, above 9ft is forecasted right now to impact the area.
Substantial flooding may likely take place over the next few days. Tornados may also possibly be associated with Hurricane Ian.
It is also expected to cause landslides, life-threatening storm surges, flash flooding, and hurricane-force winds, over the Tampa Bay area later today and early tomorrow morning.
The Florida Government has warned all its residents, especially those in the Tampa Bay area to take the necessary precautions and brace for the storm, to avoid any casualties.
If Hurricane Ian makes a direct hit, Tampa Bay and other gulf coast cities in the United States would be greatly affected because of the sea-level rise.
As the natural disaster is expected to reach its peak category 4, Florida authorities have started to evacuate residents who would be the most affected. Category 4 comes with top winds of 140 mph when it makes landfall.
A tropical storm watch was in effect for portions of Miami-Dade County including Homestead, Kendale Lakes, Country Walk, Redland and Everglades National Park, Deerfield Beach to the Jupiter Inlet, Lake Okeechobee and north of the Suwannee River to Indian Pass.
Speaking about Hurricane Ian, Hillsborough County Emergency Management Director Timothy Dudley said at a Monday news conference:
“Please treat this storm seriously. It’s the real deal. This is not a drill.”
