The US state of Florida is preparing for the dangerous hurricane “Ian”, which has already caused great destruction in Cuba. “Forecasts are subject to change, but for now, experts are saying this could be a very serious, life-threatening hurricane with devastating effects,” US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday. local time). The U.S. Hurricane Center has warned of a life-threatening storm and hurricane gusts off the west coast of Florida. Evacuation instructions were applied to 2.5 million people – many people were left to safety. “Ian” is expected to land on Wednesday night (local time).
The cyclone made landfall on the coast of Florida on Tuesday night (local time) as a Category 3 of 5 hurricane. Meteorologists warned that “Ian” will gain strength over the warm Gulf of Mexico and could reach sustained winds of more than 200 kilometers per hour. The hurricane is expected to weaken before it makes landfall south of the city of Tampa, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis said. But because then it moves at a “snail’s pace”, a lot of rain will fall on the coastal region.
DeSantis urged people to protect themselves. No one should assume that things will turn out well again this time around, because it has often been that way in the past. Houses can be rebuilt – but personal safety takes precedence over everything. “You still have some time, but that time is quickly running out,” DeSantis said.
The region expected to be affected by the storm has not experienced such a hurricane in about 100 years, warned Deanne Criswell of the US Disaster Management Agency FEMA. It’s important that even people who haven’t lived in the southeastern state for a long time and have little experience with hurricanes take the matter seriously. Experts are also concerned that in recent decades construction in the region has been getting closer and closer to water. Floods can damage or destroy many buildings. Flooding and tornadoes are also expected in the interior of the country, the weather service said.
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The US Department of Defense said more than 3,200 members of the Florida National Guard have been activated, with another 1,800 on standby if needed. Florida has deployed troops, air force personnel and equipment at bases across the state in preparation for deployment to storm-hit areas, a department spokesperson in Washington said. For example, the National Guard can clear streets and assist with search and rescue operations.
Disney announced that it would close its Orlando theme parks and water parks on Wednesday and Thursday as a precaution. Other recreational facilities, numerous stores and schools in Florida are also expected to remain closed. In the capital, Washington, Ian also spoiled the political agenda. A public hearing by the investigative committee into the Capitol attack scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed.