Hurricane Ian - Update

It was moving north at 12 mph. The big picture: The storm's track, toward a major hurricane landfall in southwest Florida, near or more likely south of Tampa, ...

[major hurricane](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php). There's a "danger of life-threatening storm surge" along much of the Florida west coast," the [NHC said](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT4+shtml/262102.shtml). [Hurricane Ian](https://www.axios.com/2022/09/25/hurricane-ian-florida-state-of-emergency-desantis) was nearing Cuba early Tuesday as Florida was lashed with the outer bands of the [Category 2 storm](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php) — which the National Hurricane Center warns could rapidly intensify into a Category 4 by midweek. It was moving north at 10 miles per hour. [Climate change](https://www.axios.com/energy-environment/climate-change)favors more instances of rapidly intensifying storms such as Hurricane Ian, due to the combination of warming seas and a warmer atmosphere that can carry additional amounts of water vapor. [Strengthening Hurricane Ian closes in on Cuba and Florida](/2022/09/25/hurricane-ian-intensifies-florida-threat) - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bonita Beach, Florida, to the Anclote River, which includes Tampa Bay. [notes](https://apnews.com/article/floods-science-florida-gulf-of-mexico-tampa-e0ff179a0c93debd154897e292f539f9). - "By the time it reaches the shores of Florida, the storm is going to slow down to approximately five miles per hour, and this is significant because what this means is that Floridians are going to experience the impacts from this storm for a very long time," Criswell added. [Axios Local](https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay) dispatch, via Ben Montgomery after boating along the Hillsborough River, which was void of boat traffic: State of play: As of 1 p.m. [Hurricane Ian](https://www.axios.com/2022/09/25/hurricane-ian-intensifies-florida-threat) rapidly intensified overnight, reaching Category 3 intensity, with a further ramp-up to a Category 4 forecast by this evening.

Hurricane Ian strengthened early Tuesday into a major Category 3 storm as Florida and Cuba braced for strong winds and possible floods.

[strengthened into a major Category 3 storm](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hurricane-ian-become-major-hurricane-overnight-officials-say-rcna49542) early Tuesday morning as it made landfall in western Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, the NHC said. Maximum sustained winds were at 125 mph as of early Tuesday morning, the NHC said. As of early Tuesday morning, the number of affected airports remained the same. Meanwhile, a hurricane watch was in affect from north of the Anclote River to the Suwannee River. ET, according the A number of counties along Florida’s west coast issued evacuation orders ahead of the arrival of the storm. [Cuba prepares evacuations as Hurricane Ian intensifies](https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/cuba-prepares-evacuations-as-hurricane-ian-intensifies-149291589782) ET, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, according the [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/261155.shtml). [How FEMA is preparing for Hurricane Ian to make landfall in Florida](https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/fema-prepares-for-hurricane-ian-to-make-landfall-in-florida-149254213930) [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/261755.shtml). The hurricane warning was in place for parts of the west coast from Bonita Beach to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, as of early Tuesday morning.

Hurricane Ian, the second major storm of the 2022 Hurricane Season, is strengthening and expected to arrive in Florida on Wednesday, causing major travel ...

For other areas outside of Tampa, the NHC has a Tropical Storm Warning in effect for the Lower Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge westward to Key West, Flamingo to Bonita Beach, Suwanne River to the Anclote River, Volusia/Brevard County Line south to Jupiter Inlet, and Lake Okeechobee. The airport, in a statement, said that the “closure will allow the airport to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft.” There is also a risk of hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall for areas throughout the state. Ian’s arrival could include a life-threatening storm surge along much of the Florida West Coast, with the highest risk from F. “Little change in strength is expected while Ian moves over Cuba,” the NHC wrote in its latest update. According to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), as of 5 a.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness for Hurricane Ian 9/27 noon · Hurricane Warnings: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, ...

- The SunRail corridor in Central Florida is being secured to prepare for the storm. - North Pinellas and St. - Each SHIP office has an adopted disaster strategy that allows for assistance in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. - As of 11 a.m. - FDOT road and bridge contractors have suspended operations and secured equipment at active construction projects within the projected path of Hurricane Ian. High-water vehicles and shallow draft vessels in all Florida counties have been readied for immediate deployment to affected areas. - FWC officers in all 67 Florida counties have been placed on heightened alert status, in anticipation of heavy rains and flooding because of Hurricane Ian. - DOH has coordinated with Federal partners to support the deployment of nearly 100 individuals through various health and medical teams. - Tropical Storm Warnings: coastal Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. The Department continues to assess and support any additional necessary evacuations. - DOH has coordinated with the Office of Insurance Regulation to distribute an alert regarding permitted early prescription refills during a State of Emergency. Ian became a Category 3 hurricane early this morning and continues to rapidly intensify as it emerges over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico later this morning.