KEY POINTS
- Storm warnings and watches are out for Florida, South Carolina and Georgia
- The NOAA has warned of a “high” risk of soil erosion
- Florida has opened 176 shelters to assist evacuees
Storm-related watches and warnings have been issued in three states after Hurricane Ian ripped Cuba and has set its sights on Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) WRN Ambassadors warned of a “high” risk of erosion due to heavy rain.
Multiple storm-related warnings and watches have been issued in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. In its latest advisory report on Hurricane Ian’s track, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Ian is “expected to cause life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds and flooding in the Florida peninsula.”
Hurricane #Ian Advisory 20: Ian Expected to Cause Life-Threatening Storm Surge, Catastrophic Winds and Flooding in the Florida Peninsula. https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 28, 2022
As of late Tuesday evening, Hurricane Ian has logged maximum sustained winds of 120 mph at 195 km/h. It was last located 175 kilometers southwest of Naples, Florida.
As part of the efforts to keep residents of Florida’s Gulf Coast safe from Hurricane Ian’s onslaught, officials have urged residents to evacuate their homes and head for higher grounds, Reuters reported.
Earlier on Tuesday, more than 2.5 million Florida residents were placed under evacuation orders or related warnings. Further efforts were made to prevent traffic congestion as people moved away from the coast. Toll collections on the major highways of central Florida were suspended.
As of today, 176 shelters have been opened including more than 50 special needs shelters, and we are anticipating more to open.
To find a shelter near you, visit: https://t.co/OffJGF3vLN
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 28, 2022
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said 176 shelters were opened as of late Tuesday to cater to evacuating residents. He said more than 50 “special needs shelters” were also opened, adding that the government is expecting to open additional facilities.
The following weather warnings and watches are effective Tuesday until further notice:
Hurricane Warnings in Florida:
Tropical Storm Warnings in Florida:
Storm Surge Warnings in Florida:
Storm Surge Watches in Georgia:
Storm Surge Watches in South Carolina:
Tropical Storm Warnings in South Carolina:
Tropical Storm Watches in South Carolina:
Here are the 11 PM EDT 9/27 Key Messages for Hurricane #Ian. Conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate across central and south Florida tonight. pic.twitter.com/u7rBXatfoH
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 28, 2022
The NHC said heavy rainfall is expected to last in the Florida peninsula through Thursday. “Considerable flooding” is expected in coastal South Carolina, southeastern Georgia and northern and southern Florida.
