Florida preparing for Hurricane Ian
Two people have died and electricity has been cut across Cuba’s population of 11 million after Hurricane Ian knocked out one of the island’s main power plants.
The hurricane is gathering strength and bearing down on Florida as the state races to prepare for a storm expected to pass over the Florida Keys.
More than 2.5 million Floridians have been placed under evacuation orders or warnings with the expanding storm on track to make landfall as a Category 3 or Category 4 hurricane later today.
Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to heed warnings to evacuate to higher ground because of the potential for “catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge.”
He said 8,000 people were without power in Southeast Florida and 30,000 state personnel were on alert to help respond to the outages.
“This is very unpleasant weather that awaits us over the next few days,” he said.
The latest models have the hurricane making landfall south of Tampa Bay, where storm surges could reach 12 feet (3.7 meters). Up to 24 inches (61 cm) of rain are expected in some areas and wind speeds of 130 miles per hour (209 km/h).
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Ian produced storm surge flooding in the lower Florida Keys, NHC says
In its latest update at 1 a.m. Wednesday night, the National Hurricane Center said the hurricane is producing storm surge flooding in the lower Florida Keys.
Sustained winds of 63 mph and gusts in excess of 93 mph have been reported in the region.
Shweta Sharma September 28, 2022 7:15 am
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Damage reports as tornadoes hit parts of Florida
Several tornadoes have hit Florida cities, including Palm Beach County, Broward County and Cooper City, as Hurricane Ian is expected to cause more damage.
Buildings and vehicles were damaged in Palm Beach County’s Kings Point community Tuesday afternoon. Images from the area showed crashed cars, uprooted trees and damaged houses.
At least two tornadoes touched down in Broward County Tuesday evening, and its mayor said it caused significant damage to several aircraft and hangars at the North Perry Airport (HWO). The airport was closed until further notice.
Another tornado was reported in Cooper City and the National Weather Service warned residents of Lakes Davie, Plantation and Lauderdale to take shelter immediately, the Miami Herald reported.
Shweta Sharma September 28, 2022 6:46 am
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Watch the massive waves pound Key West
Images and video from the Florida Keys show significant flooding as the storm passed through the state’s southernmost islands ahead of expected landfall on Wednesday.
Hundreds of Florida residents are evacuating their homes, stashing valuables upstairs and fleeing Hurricane Ian.
Ian is expected to grow stronger and stronger as its forward motion slowed over the Gulf.
A hurricane warning covering roughly 220 miles (350 km) of the state included Fort Myers, as well as Tampa and St. Petersburg, which could receive the first direct hit by a major hurricane since 1921.
Shweta Sharma September 28, 2022 6:18 am
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Biden discusses preparations with governor
US President Joe Biden has spoken with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to discuss steps the federal government is taking to help Florida prepare for Hurricane Ian, the secretary of White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted, adding that the two “are committed to continued close coordination.” “
Biden said he has approved a request for emergency assistance from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and that the administration has been positioning supplies and personnel in recent days, including 3.5 million gallons of water , 3.7 million meals and 700 generators.
“Our safety is more important than anything,” Biden said. “Our hearts go out to everyone who will feel the effects of this storm, and we will be with you every step of the way.”
Shweta Sharma September 28, 2022 6:00 am
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When Hurricanes and Congress Collide
The January 6 House select committee will postpone a hearing scheduled for Wednesday because of Hurricane Ian, The Independent has learned.
A source with knowledge of the panel’s internal deliberations said the postponement of what would have been the committee’s ninth public session will allow one of the select committee’s nine members, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, to address any matters that arise in her district of Florida because of the approach. storm.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Select Committee Chairman Representative Bennie Thompson and the panel’s Vice Chair Representative Liz Cheney said: “In light of Hurricane Ian affecting parts of Florida, We have decided to postpone the proceedings until tomorrow. We pray for the safety of everyone in the path of the storm.”
More of Washington in our story.
Jan. 6 committee hearing postponed due to Hurricane Ian
One of the committee’s nine members, Representative Stephanie Murphy, is from Florida
Josh Marcus September 28, 2022 5:58 am
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Florida warnings for ‘life-threatening storm surge’ and ‘catastrophic flooding’
The National Hurricane Center has issued a “life-threatening storm surge” warning for Florida’s west coast. The Naples to Sarasota region is at the highest risk, he said.
A hurricane-force wind advisory is in effect for southwest and west-central Florida beginning Wednesday morning.
The heavy rains will cause “catastrophic flooding” in parts of central Florida with significant flooding in South Florida, North Florida and parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.
Heavy rain will cause catastrophic flooding in parts of central Florida with significant flooding in South Florida, North Florida, and parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.
Shweta Sharma September 28, 2022 5:25 am
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Dozens of flights delayed as Hurricane Ian approaches Florida
Tampa Bay International Airport announced it would close Tuesday afternoon as Hurricane Ian moves toward Florida.
The main airport, which has 280 daily flights, will suspend operations at 5pm amid the threat of the Category 3 storm which is expected to bring winds of more than 100mph, heavy downpours and coastal waves “life-threatening” on Florida’s west coast.
Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to heed warnings to evacuate and seek higher ground because of the potential for “catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge.”
The most recent weather models have Hurricane Ian making landfall south of Tampa Bay on Florida’s west coast.
Tampa International Airport will close Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Ian
Florida’s main west coast airport will suspend operations at 5 p.m
Josh Marcus September 28, 2022 4:58 am
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Entire Cuba without power after hurricane destroys power grid
Cuba is facing a complete blackout after Hurricane Ian slammed into the western tip of the island.
The country’s 11 million people are without electricity after the power system suffered a total collapse and one of its power plants could not be restored, officials from the Cuban Electric Union said.
Power was initially cut to nearly a million people in Cuba’s western provinces, but the entire grid later collapsed.
The head of the electric power authority told Cuban state television on Tuesday that the island-wide blackout was due to a breakdown in the national electricity system.
The Category 3 storm on the west end of the island is heading toward Florida.
Shweta Sharma September 28, 2022 4:29 am
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Disney parks rush to prepare for Hurricane Ian
Disney has announced that it will close some operations as Hurricane Ian approaches Florida.
“Walt Disney World Resort is preparing for necessary operational adjustments based on the most recent information from the National Weather Service,” the company said in a statement posted on its site.
Blizzard Beach Water Park is currently closed and another water park, Typhoon Lagoon, will be temporarily closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be temporarily closed Wednesday through Friday due to the weather, Disney said.
Read Gustaf Kilander’s full report.
Disney is evacuating hotels and closing some parks as Hurricane Ian approaches
“Walt Disney World Resort is preparing for necessary operational adjustments”
Josh Marcus September 28, 2022 3:58 am
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Hurricane Ian is another sign of the impacts of climate change
Hurricane Ian officially formed as a Category 1 storm on Monday, bearing down on the Cayman Islands and Cuba, as Floridians were warned to “be prepared” for extreme weather in the coming days.
After months with few notable storms, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is in full swing. As Florida prepares for the incoming weather event, Atlantic Canada is recovering from post-tropical cyclone Fiona that made landfall in Nova Scotia early Saturday.
As the world’s average temperature rises and sea levels rise, hurricanes are expected to become stronger, and the damage more catastrophic, scientists say.
Research into 2017’s Hurricane Harvey in Texas found that global warming made rainfall during the days-long deluge 15% more intense. Another study on the 2019 Typhoon Hagbis in Japan found that the climate crisis added at least $4 billion in additional damage.
Ethan Freedman with the full story.
Josh Marcus September 28, 2022 02:58 am