Hurricane Ian Rapidly Intensifies With Almost Category 5 Strength As It Moves Closer To Florida

Hurricane Ian quickly strengthened near Florida's southwest coast Wednesday morning, almost attaining Category 5 status.

The massive storm's winds and rain battered Florida's Gulf Coast, with Naples to Sarasota at "highest risk" of a storm surge, according to AP News.

Hurricane hunters from the U.S. Air Force confirmed that Ian got stronger over the warm Gulf of Mexico after it slammed Cuba and left the whole island without electricity.

At seven in the morning, Ian was whirling toward the shore at 10 mph, with its center about 65 miles (105 kilometers) west-southwest of Naples (17 kph).

Early Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that Hurricane Ian would cause "nasty" two days, stressing that people in Ian's path along the coast should rush to the safest possible shelter and stay there.

Weather experts say the enormous storm is estimated to pound Florida's southwest Gulf coast between Fort Myers and Tampa, saving the bay area from a rare direct impact from a hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an alert that the water level could ascend as high as 12 feet (3.6 meters) to 16 feet (4.9 meters) above ground level in coastal areas between Naples and Sarasota, including Punta Gorda and Fort Myers.

According to the NHC, the riskiest area stretches from Naples to the Sarasota area, and locals are advised to pay attention to authorities and heed evacuation instructions.

As Ian got closer to the coast, the National Weather Service reported that tornadoes had already been spotted in southern Florida, per BBC. The agency said that conditions on Florida's southwest coast were "rapidly" worsening at 6:00 local time (11:00 GMT).

Millions Already Evacuated

Before the hurricane makes its landfall, Floridians hurried to bolt up their homes, move their valuables on top floors, and follow huge lines of vehicles driving away from the coast. Reports say more than 2.5 million individuals were subject to mandatory evacuation orders.

Gov. DeSantis stated that Charlotte County is where the projected impact would occur, but residents in the neighboring counties of Lee, Sarasota, and Collier now need to shelter in place.

Residents Brace Themselves For Hurricane Ian's Onslaught

He said that "it's no longer possible to safely evacuate" the people in those counties and advised them to "hunker down and prepare" for the incoming storm like "if a tornado were headed to your house."

"Get as soon as you can to a safe area if you are on the roadways," the governor noted.

He also issued a warning about potential threats following the hurricane: "Avert falling power lines. Stay away from damaged trees and avoid standing water."

The Orlando Sentinel reported that the Florida governor advised those who are using power generators to "make sure it is being operated outside your home." DeSantis also warned people not to drive in flooded streets to avoid trouble.

Governor DeSantis also cautioned his constituents that Hurricane Ian will still be dangerous and will have a massive impact that will go beyond Central Florida despite losing momentum when it enters the land area.

This week, President Biden declared a state of emergency, empowering the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to manage emergency relief and preserve lives and livelihoods.

Tags

Florida, United States, Hurricane, Storm