In a series of rapid intensifications, Hurricane Ian strengthened into a category 3 as it passed through Cuba, giving Florida residents the opportunity to prepare for the storm before it arrives.
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency as Ian rumbled through the Caribbean. He declared that the National Guard would be activated prior to landfall.
“Even if you are not necessarily right in the eye of the path of the storm, there’s going to be pretty broad impacts throughout the state,” said DeSantis. “You’re going to have wind, you’re going to have water. There could be flooding on the way east coast of Florida.”
Listed as the ninth named storm of the 2022 hurricane season, Ian is projected to be the first to hit the mainland United States. It is likely to be the first major hurricane to hit Florida since Michael in 2018.
