TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 AS OF 9:00 AM EST
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Ian, a Category (Cat) 3 hurricane, is moving over Western Cuba toward the north at approximately 12 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, as of 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Ian is expected to strengthen throughout the day as it moves over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to approach the west coast of Florida as a major hurricane with Hurricane-force winds reaching outward up to 35 miles and tropical storm force winds reaching 115 miles from the center of the storm.
Hurricane Ian- GeoColor: NOAA
The NHC has reported significant wind and storm surge impacts occurring in Western Cuba. If peak storm surge occurs at the same time as high tide, normally dry areas near the Florida coast may be flooded by rising waters. Multiple hurricane, tropical storm, and Storm Surge Warnings and Watches are in effect for many parts of Florida.
9/27 8am ET UPDATE: There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the Florida west coast where a storm surge warning has been issued, w/ the highest risk from Fort Myers to the Tampa Bay region. Listen to local officials and check https://t.co/0BMJEA5Wz0 for updates! pic.twitter.com/CGg1HV9MWm
— NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) September 27, 2022
Twitter: NHC Storm Surge
On Monday, September 26, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference from the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), announcing that 7,000 National Guardsmen and five urban search and rescue teams have been activated in preparation for the storm’s impact. In his statement, DeSantis announced that mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Hillsborough County for all residents in Zone A, the coastal regions along Tampa and Hillsborough bays. The order, effective as of Monday afternoon, calls for the evacuation of as many as 300,000 people living in Hillsborough County alone. As of Tuesday, September 27, mandatory evacuation orders have also been issued for Zone A residents in Charlotte, Levy, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Further inland in central Florida, Counties are planning to call for evacuation orders for people living near flood-prone areas. Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie called for residents to “know their zones” and check with the FDEM evacuation zone map as directed to stay up-to-date.
As preparations intensify, the Tampa International and St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) airports plan to suspend operations Tuesday afternoon, September 27, in compliance with mandatory evacuation orders. Airlines will be waiving change fees and fare differences for those flying to or out of several Florida destinations within projected impact zones.
In preparation for Hurricane Ian’s arrival, FDEM has also readied more than 27,000 power restoration personnel and prepared 360 trailers with over two million meals and one million gallons of water to distribute to storm-impacted areas. The Division has also coordinated with utility providers to stage 25,000 linemen in anticipation of power outages across the state.
FEMA Flood Safety: Source
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Ian brings potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal and urban communities. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for hurricane and severe weather conditions. FEMA also encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggests individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. Additionally, FEMA encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for tornadoes. Tornadoes can appear suddenly, destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. FEMA suggests individuals under Tornado Warnings seek shelter right away.
The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.
STAY UPDATED AND LEARN MORE HERE:
- Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for a storm and how to keep you and your family safe.
- Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean
