Hurricane Ian first hit Florida on September 26, 2022. This hurricane formed off the coast of Northeast Africa. Then proceeded to travel West up the border and West of Cuba before hitting the Southeast end of Florida. Meteorologists say that Hurricane Ian is not only going to affect Florida, but it will affect Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Hurricane Ian is currently ranked as a category two on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. Wind speeds are now exceeding above 100 mph. However, reporters say that the wind surges can be more dangerous than the high speed winds. This is said to have the potential to cause the most deaths during this natural disaster.
As of right now, more than 1.8 million Florida homes have been left without power. Residents are being told to leave now if they can. There are currently 49 shelter homes opened, but they are filling up quickly. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay is expected to have the most damage. A Tampa forecaster says this will be “[s]omething that we haven’t seen in our lifetime.” A hurricane has not made a direct hit on Tampa in 100 years. Although a direct hit does not need to happen for them to have a serious impact, the storm surges they are experiencing are extremely dangerous.The type architecture in Tampa makes them vulnerable to storm surges. Water can be pushed into the city, but the people would be unable to find a way out. This causes massive damage from flooding. This is not the last we will see of Hurricane Ian. There are many ways to help those who have been affected by the hurricane. Fort Myers is in desperate need of more volunteers. You can also donate online to organizations such as the Red Cross, GlobalGiving, Save The Children, and several others.