Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall in Florida
Category 4 Hurricane Brings Devastating Winds and Flooding
Millions Without Power as Storm Surges Inundate Coastal Areas
Hurricane Ian has made landfall in southwest Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm, bringing with it catastrophic winds and widespread flooding. As of this morning, the hurricane has left millions without power and has caused significant damage to homes and businesses.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, at around 3:05 p.m. EST on Wednesday, September 28. Maximum sustained winds were estimated at 150 mph, just below the Category 5 threshold.
The storm has caused widespread devastation in coastal areas, with storm surges of up to 12 feet reported in some locations. Inundated roadways, homes, and businesses have left residents stranded and emergency responders struggling to reach those in need.
Power outages have affected over 2 million customers in Florida, with many areas likely to remain without electricity for days or even weeks. The storm's powerful winds have also downed trees and power lines, blocking roads and delaying restoration efforts.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for all of Florida and has activated the National Guard to assist with response and recovery efforts. President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for the state, providing federal aid to support recovery operations.
Hurricane Ian is expected to weaken as it moves across Florida, but it is still likely to cause significant flooding and wind damage in central and northern parts of the state. Residents are advised to heed evacuation orders and take precautions to stay safe during this dangerous storm.
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