Hurricane Ian: 5 weather maps show threats to Florida as storm approaches

Hurricane Ian strengthened into a powerful Category 3 storm Tuesday as it churned over Cuba, delivering dangerous winds, heavy rainfall and potential flooding before it is expected to set its sights on Florida.

The National Hurricane Center’s Tuesday morning tropical weather outlook indicated Ian would deliver violent hurricane-force winds and flash flooding to western Cuba throughout much of the day. Wind damage near the core of the storm was expected to be devastating.

Florida is then steadily in the sights of the storm, though its exact track remains uncertain. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for coastal residents ahead of the storm surge, which is forecasted to reach 12 feet in some areas.

Ian is forecast to lash winds surpassing 120 mph to Florida as it nears land. National Hurricane Center graphics indicate winds will arrive to the southern portion of the state at around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

From there, the storm will continue to oppress the state with strong wind, reaching portions of central Florida by Wednesday morning and slamming Georgia by Wednesday night.

The National Hurricane Center said all residents should rush storm preparation to completion on Tuesday.

A storm surge warning was issued for Florida’s west coast, where life-threatening storm surge is becoming “increasingly likely,” forecasters said.

Residents between the Fort Myers and Tampa Bay regions are currently at the greatest risk, according to the National Hurricane Center, where up to 12 feet of storm surge is possible. Other areas north and south of that danger zone could also see up to six feet of surge.

However, the entire west coast of the state along with portions of its east coast stretching into Georgia and South Carolina could receive at least a foot of storm surge, with that total quadrupling in some sections.

There is a moderate risk of flash flooding for nearly the entire state of Florida, the National Hurricane Center said, and vulnerable areas are expected to be severely threatened by Ian’s heavy rainfall.

That precipitation is expected to increase across the Florida Keys and south Florida Tuesday before spreading north into the state later Tuesday night into Wednesday. Prolonged moderate to major river flooding is also forecasted as Ian moves toward Georgia.

“What we have here is really historic storm surge and flooding potential,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during a news briefing.

The extent of hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings issued by the National Hurricane Center highlight the immense damage Ida could unleash on Florida.

Power outages were expected, officials said, and the extent of those blackouts will depend on the duration and power of Ida when it hits Florida.

DeSantis previously issued a state of emergency for Florida, and he urged residents to heed evacuation orders issued for areas at the greatest risk. “Do what you need to do to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” said DeSantis.