Hurricane Ian started as a Category 3 storm and soon gained frequency to turn into a Category 4 hurricane with winds raging at 150mph, causing massive damage in Florida. The hurricane gained its strength after crossing the Gulf of Mexico and entered Florida with a speed of 130mph, turning into a Category 4 storm.
Recently, it has further strengthened and is approaching a devastating storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of up to 155 mph before it makes landfall.
The eye of the storm is predicted to make rainfall in parts of Florida later on Wednesday. Storms and winds are expected to be at hurricane force throughout the state. Based on public advisories, about 2.5 million people are requested to evacuate on an urgent basis.
Hurricane researcher, Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami, stated that it was unclear to them as to where Ian would crash aground. So, some of the locals of Tampa Bay and St.Petersburg guarded their windows and doors with sandbags. They have taken all necessary means to protect themselves from the life-threatening Hurricane Ian.
Speedy winds swept through the entire region causing tremendous damage to innumerable health facilities. This caused power outages and cut off roads in Pinar del Rio region. Stormy winds destroyed Cuba’s world-famous tobacco belt in the La Robaina region. The province is also noted for the production of Finca Robaina cigars.
The whole province including Artemesia and Mayabeque fell victim to the hands of Ian, luckily no deaths were reported.
Ian Strengthens: Landfall in Florida
Ian is said to be the second most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the United States as per the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Winds blowing at a speed of 150mph swarmed through the southwestern coast of Florida and caused landslides in the Cayo Costa region and knocked out power in more than 1.8 million homes.
Later on Wednesday, Ian was gradually losing its strength and became a Category 3 storm with a maximum speed of 95mph with a torrential downpour. The hurricane center warned the locals of storm surges and also mentioned that water may rise up to 18 feet in certain coastal areas. Certain parts of Florida are projected to see rainfall of 12 to 20 inches.
Hurricanes are usually characterized by low-pressure and tropical cyclones rotating within a closed atmosphere. Hurricane Ian originated from the North Atlantic(current basin) with an intensity of 70kt.
A certain section of the Florida Power & Light Co. was destroyed by the stormy winds. Approximately 2,160 flights were canceled and the seaports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, and Tampa regions have been evacuated.
People residing in Florida pay the highest amount of home insurance in the Nation. The hurricane could cost the insurance industry claims of $20-$40 billion resulting in a huge loss in the economy.
Tornado Alert: Ian, now a Category 4 storm caused havoc in Florida
Records stated the hurricane is expected to spread inwards, towards the center of the Florida Peninsula, and will persist throughout Thursday.
Ian has gained strength and is now a Category 4 storm. Winds were blowing at a speed of 120mph at 4 am, which increased to 140mph at 5 am. The current speed of Ian is 155 mph and the center of the storm is still onshore. Chances of heavy rainfall and even flooding can be predicted over the next several hours in the southern part of the Florida Peninsula.
Strong winds are drawing in water. A storm of this magnitude can cause massive destruction in Fort Myers which is situated on the right, beside the center of the storm.
Tornado alerts have been issued by the Government, people are hereby requested to stay indoors and guard themselves.
National Weather Service of Florida Issues Safety Protocols
The National Weather Service of Florida requested everyone to keep an eye on the forecast updates and monitor the local media for any upcoming news. They also issued a number of safety protocols for the residents to safeguard themselves when the storm hits. Some of the protocols include:
- Use the FEMA app to receive alerts and warnings.
- An emergency medicine kit should be kept handy for urgent use.
- Stock up on groceries and other essentials.
- Avoid stagnant water and down power lines. Avoid driving.
- Keep a backup of an alternative power source in case of an electricity outage. People who are using generators as a substitute for electricity, please operate them outside your homes and safeguard yourself.
President Joe Biden Stands By Florida
President Joe Biden approved the Florida government’s Ron DeSantis’s request for an emergency declaration. This declaration includes FEMA taking advanced precautions by the state in case the situation worsens. 4,000 Florida National Guards are supporting his cause.
FEMA is aiding people in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama with 52 ambulances, 100 paratransit seats, 117 generators, and 128,000 gallons of fuel.
A base camp has been set up in Maxwell Airforce Base to help the locals with 3.5 million liters of water, 3.7 million meals, and almost 6,380 cots.
Apart from this, Surge Capacity Force members are rostered for additional support. Incident Management Teams are deployed to Atlanta and Tallahassee. Three Mobile Communications Operation vehicles are there to provide any assistance the State needs.
Along with that, a team of U.S Army Corps of Engineers is progressing toward Craig Field as advanced precautionary measures.
Conclusion
The gradual depletion of the atmospheric layers is causing hurricanes to become more potent in the coming decades. Hurricane Ian is a stark reminder of this impact and the gradual strengthening of this storm at breakneck speed is giving the coastal areas little or no time to take preventative measures.
A small initiative from your end can help innumerable distressed people. Come and stand by the affected people by providing them with food, clothes, and other amenities. You can also help them emotionally, mentally, or financially with the very little you have.
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REFERENCES
Live Updates: Hurricane Ian forecast to hit Florida’s west coast as Category 3 storm. (n.d.). Www.cbsnews.com. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/hurricane-ian-tracker-florida-forecast-path-cuba-2022-09-27/
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Ian. (n.d.). Www.usda.gov. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/09/27/usda-encourages-ag-producers-residents-prepare-hurricane-ian
Press, A. (n.d.). Hurricane Ian knocks out power in Cuba. POLITICO. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/27/hurricane-ian-cuba-power-florida-00059175
News, C. H., E&E. (n.d.). Hurricane Ian Intensifies into a Monster with Climate Markings. Scientific American. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hurricane-ian-intensifies-into-a-monster-with-climate-markings/
FEMA Continues Supporting Hurricane Ian Response | FEMA.gov. (n.d.). Www.fema.gov. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20220927/fema-continues-supporting-hurricane-ian-response