The projected path of Hurricane Ian, a category 4 storm, has now been narrowed.  Landfall is anticipated just North of Cape Coral in the Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte area.  Lee and Charlotte counties will likely feel greatest impact from Ian starting overnight through all day Wednesday, with eyewall entering Southwest Florida (SWFL) overnight Wednesday.

All preparations must be rushed to completion.  Power outages will likely start sporadically happening early to midday tomorrow (Wed).  Evacuation zones have been expanded due to increased storm surge prediction.  Pay close attention to your local officials and local media.  If you are staying in the Lee or Charlotte coastal area, now is the time to finish inside preparations.  Local SWFL radar is now tracking storm [Local Media Link].

Boca Grande Pass, famous for exceptional Tarpon fishing, looks to be the immediate coastal area where the greatest wind driven storm surge will impact.   Gulf water will be pushed up the Caloosahatchee and Peace rivers creating expanded flooding further inland.  The flooding and storm are anticipated to be the largest in SWFL history and are the greatest risk.

(NHC) – Maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Ian is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Re-strengthening is expected later today through Wednesday. Ian is forecast to approach the west coast of Florida as an extremely dangerous major hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the center. (more)

(NBC2 News) – Because of the location and movement of this hurricane, Lee and Charlotte and coastal Collier Counties are under hurricane warnings.  It is important to stress: DO NOT FOCUS ON THE CENTER OF THE FORECAST CONE. IMPACTS FROM THIS HURRICANE WILL EXTEND FAR BEYOND WHERE THE CENTER OF THE STORM IS. 

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the forecast cone has shifted east of where it was earlier today, meaning the potential of a Category 4 hurricane landfall is higher in Southwest Florida than it was 24 hours ago. (more)

Stage your battery powered lights and weather radios.

Turn down your refrigerator to its lowest setting anticipating power outage.

Freeze bottles of water to fill empty space in freezer.

Secure all important papers in waterproof bags and stage in central location.

Take a refreshing hot shower.

Fill cleaned and sanitized garbage cans with water in shower and/or bathtub.

Bring in outdoor furniture or throw it in the pool.

Put all your most critical items in an interior room without windows.

Put your most critical needed emergency items in easy reference place.

Elevate anything you might fear getting damaged from flooding.

Fully charge your portable electronics including cell phone.

Eat a good meal

Get rest tonight.  Do not allow yourself to be overcome with dark imaginings.

 

Share