Hurricane Forces Thousands to Evacuate, Triggers Power Outages

Life-Threatening Hurricane Nears Gulf Coast, Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Ian Intensifies: Evacuations Ordered, Power Outages Likely

Hurricane Ian has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm and is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast later tonight or early tomorrow morning. The storm has prompted mandatory evacuations in coastal communities and is likely to bring life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and strong winds.

As of 5 p.m. EDT, Hurricane Ian was located about 100 miles southwest of Naples, Florida, and was moving north-northeast at 10 mph. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, with higher gusts. Ian is a major hurricane and is expected to continue to strengthen as it approaches the coast.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for the Florida Gulf Coast from Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay. Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 12 hours.

Residents in the evacuation zones are urged to leave immediately. Those who do not evacuate should be prepared to shelter in place and have an emergency plan ready. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding and river flooding. Ian is also likely to cause power outages, downed trees, and structural damage.

If you are in the path of Hurricane Ian, please take the following precautions:

• Evacuate immediately if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone.
• Secure your home by boarding up windows and doors, and bringing in outdoor furniture and other loose objects.
• Have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate, and have an emergency kit ready.
• Stay informed about the storm by listening to local news and weather reports.
• Follow the instructions of local officials.

For more information on Hurricane Ian, please visit the National Hurricane Center's website: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/