Hurricane Ian strengthened overnight and was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane as its exact track remains uncertain.
The National Hurricane Center said that “regardless of Ian’s exact track and intensity, there is a risk of a life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall along the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of this week.”
As of 5 a.m. Eastern Monday, the storm was located about 90 miles southwest of Grand Cayman with sustained winds at 75 mph with higher gusts.
FLORIDA OFFICIALS URGE PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE IAN CONDITIONS BY MONDAY
Hurricane Ian is expected to be at major hurricane strength when it nears western Cuba overnight.
“Ian is expected to produce heavy rainfall and instances of flash flooding and possible mudslides in areas of higher terrain, particularly over Jamaica and Cuba,” the National Hurricane Center said. “Considerable flooding impacts are possible later this week in west central Florida. Additional flash and urban flooding, and flooding on rivers across the Florida Peninsula and parts of the Southeast cannot be ruled out for later this week.”
On Sunday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis thanked President Joe Biden for granting the state’s request for a federal emergency declaration, saying he “appreciates the quick action.”
DeSantis told Floridians, especially those new to the state, to be ready because the hurricane’s track is still uncertain.
“Make preparations now,” DeSantis said. “Things that you should be prepared with are things like food, water, batteries, medicine, fuel.”
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DeSantis also noted that people should anticipate power outages, fuel disruption, and evacuations for those near where the hurricane makes landfall.
