Florida Deploys National Guard; Millions Ordered to Evacuate as Hurricane Ian Draws Near

Hurricane Ian continues to pose a threat to Florida as it hovers over the Caribbean region towards the Sunshine State. This comes after Ian strengthened into a major hurricane, the highest of a four-tiers scale, on Tuesday, September 27. The rapid intensification prompted Florida officials to deploy the National Guard and ordering millions to evacuate. There is a risk of powerful winds and torrential rain.

The initial Category 3 hurricane had reported winds of up to 195 kilometers per hour, which is enough to topple power lines, as well as damage or destroy infrastructure. Ian further intensified into a Category 4 while it churns it way to Florida. In Cuba, Ian has also left a pat of destruction where it left 11 million people without electricity after making landfall in the Caribbean country's Pinar del Rio province.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ramped up measures to mitigate the potential impact of Ian, which includes the deployment of 5,000 Florida Guardsmen to help in the preparation of the storm's imminent arrival or landfall. The state will also receive 2,000 state National Guard troops from other states. Temporary shelters were also established to accommodate individuals or residents affected by the storm.

Hurricane Ian Florida Landfall

Hurricane-force wind continued to strengthen and was reportedly felt at Key West International Airport, where a wind gust of 79 miles per hour was recorded. Higher wind gusts were reported in other areas, including wind gusts of approximately 90 mph at Smith Shoal and at a buoy located northwest of the Dry Tortugas, according to AccuWeather.

Meanwhile, energy companies are preparing for potential massive spike of power outages. Some measures include informing Florida electricity customers to shut off power before flooding occurs inside their homes. In addition, the public is urged to stay away from downed power lines by at least 30 feet.

In its public advisory, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated Ian is expected to make landfall in the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday afternoon or evening as a Category 3 or Category 4 hurricane, in an area likely between Sarasota and Port Charlotte.

Hurricane Warning and Evacuation

Initial reports indicate over 2.5 million Floridians were placed under evacuation orders, as Hurricane Ian will likely bring not only catastrophic flooding but also life-threatening storm surges.

"This will be a statewide event," according to Kevin Guthrie, the Florida division of emergency management director, as cited CNN.

A hurricane warning is also in place in Florida's Gulf Coast, specifically from Chokoloskee to the Anclote River, including the Dry Tortugas and Tampa Bay. Furthermore, a storm surge warning is in effect for several coastal areas, including Tampa Bay.

Scientists recently said attribute that climate change is responsible for a hurricane's rapid intensification, a weather phenomenon wherein a storm intensify into a stronger system within a short period of time.

The process is fueled by above-normal warm sea surface temperatures which acts as a fuel to the formation and development of hurricanes. Under this condition, a storm can carry enough water and strong winds.