Hurricane Ian update: Category 3 storm makes landfall in Cuba as Florida braces for impact

On Tuesday, Hurricane Ian heightened to a Category 3 hurricane as it approached Cuba. Now, Hurricane Ian will next steer to Florida.

A Category 3 hurricane Ian is foreseen to land in the Tampa Bay region on Wednesday or early Thursday morning. However, its precise path, timing, and intensity are still unknown.




According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane, which had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, made landfall in Cuba's Pinar del Rio Province about southwest of the town of La Coloma at about 4:30 a.m.



The hurricane authorities warned about the strong winds and storm surges in the area, which could cause water levels to rise by up to 14 feet above average near the Cuban coast.

Destructive Storm Surge and Winds Warnings

By the middle of the week, the hurricane is predicted to yield a storm surge and winds that could be destructive for much of Florida's west coast.



Before hurricane Ian, various Florida's west coast counties issued mandatory evacuations. Through Thursday, Hurricane Ian is predicted to produce 6–12 inches of rain in central–western Florida, 4–6 inches in the Keys, and 4–8 inches in the rest of the peninsula. The slow-moving Ian is expected to bring 15 inches of rain from Tampa to Orlando.

FAQs

How to protect yourself from hurricanes?
Follow orders issued by authorities, seek immediate shelter, and stay away from glass doors & windows, and skylights.

Which cities are prone to significant flooding?
Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg may face significant flooding.