Hurricane Ian Intensifies As it Approaches Florida and Cuba

Hurricane Ian will unleash heavy rains and high winds in Cuba and Florida, forecasts said.

From Tropical Storm to Hurricane, forecasts showed that Hurricane Ian was moving rapidly on Monday, reaching Category two Hurricane as it unleashed heavy rains in Cuba.

Western Cuba is set to feel the worst of the Hurricane, experiencing flooding, rainfall, and strong winds.

In addition, Hurricane Ian is the fourth Hurricane hitting the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Ian's maximum sustained winds quickly strengthened from 45 mph to 100 mph, AccuWeather reported on September 27, 2022,

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian was moving north-northwest at 13 mph, located 155 miles southeast western of Cuba.

The Weather website explained that Hurricane Ian's rapid intensification must need sustained winds of a tropical cyclone. As a result, it can increase by at least 39 knots within 24 hours.

AccuWeather has rated hurricane Ian:

Rated 3 on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes in the United States
Rate 4 n the scale for the northwest Caribbean

Hurricane Ian is forecasted to reach a Category 4 hurricane as it continues to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico. The strengthening of Ian to a potential Category 4 Hurricane because it might miss the high terrain in Cuba.

Moreover, Hurricane Ian started as a tropical storm on Friday. He strengthened into a Hurricane, and forecasts saw Ian as a threat to the United States, especially Florida.

Based on the AccuWeather report, Hurricane Ian's impacts through October 3, 2022, are:

Dangerous Seas
Power Outages
Flooding rainfall
Destructive winds

Florida

(Photo : Screenshot from Zoom Earth)

As Hurricane Ian approached Florida, residents rushed to groceries store to buy basic needs during and after the Hurricane.

According to reports, the state announced Hurricane warnings on Florida's West coast in Tampa Bay and Dry Tortugas in Monroe County

Jacksonville and Orlando could experience four to eight inches of rainfall, causing small flooding on rivers or roads.

Also Read: Tropical Storm Ian May Bring Heavy Rains and Flooding to Cuba and Florida

On the other hand, AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski noted that a water level rise of 6 to 10 feet is expected in Tampa Bay.

Immediately, the U.S., Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents to prepare for Hurricane Ian with a pre-landfall state of emergency.

Safety preparation

Hurricane Ian has strengthened, which may cause massive flooding and high winds. During and after the Hurricane, it is essential to value your safety. Here are some safety reminders.

Keep updated with the latest weather update. Listen to your local or national forecasts.
Have an emergency bag containing medicines, food, primary documents, portable radio, or rain-protection equipment.
Refrain from traveling outdoors during the Hurricane. There is potential that major roads will be closed and affected by downed trees or powerlines.
Close your windows and doors. Attach the stuff to our backyard so it won't be blown away.
Listen to your local authorities for announcements of evacuations.