Hurricane Ian Continues to Strengthen as it Approaches Florida

Category 4 storm poses significant threat to the Sunshine State

Residents urged to evacuate as Ian expected to make landfall on Wednesday

Hurricane Ian has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches the coast of Florida. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a hurricane warning for the west coast of Florida from Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay.

Ian is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, bringing with it the potential for life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and high winds. Residents in the affected areas are urged to evacuate immediately to higher ground.

The NHC has also issued a tropical storm warning for the east coast of Florida from Jupiter Inlet to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Ian is the ninth named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak occurring in August and September.

The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above average this year, with the NHC predicting 14 to 21 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes.

Residents in hurricane-prone areas should be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane making landfall. This includes having an evacuation plan, an emergency kit, and a plan for how to stay informed about the storm.

For more information on Hurricane Ian, please visit the NHC website.