The tropical storm will strengthen as it moves over the Caribbean Saturday and could approach Florida as a major hurricane early next week. Predictors. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said early Saturday morning that the tropical storm was moving 270 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, at 15 mph. Wind gusts reached 45 mph.
“Early next week, Ian is forecast to move near or over western Cuba as a strengthening hurricane, then approach the Florida peninsula at or near major hurricane strength, causing significant impacts from storm surge, hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall,” the National Hurricane Center said. Said.
On Friday, DeSantis signed Administrative order A state of emergency has been declared for 24 Florida counties that may be in the storm’s path. The order also puts the Florida National Guard on alert. DeSantis also requested a federal “pre-landslide emergency notification.”
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane, and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations,” DeSantis said in a statement. “We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to monitor the potential impacts of this storm.”
On Saturday, a hurricane watch is in effect for the Cayman Islands and a tropical storm watch is in effect for Jamaica.
“On the forecast track, Ian’s center is expected to move across the central Caribbean today, pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday and move near or over the Cayman Islands on Sunday night and early Monday morning. Ian will then approach western Cuba late Monday and emerge in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday,” the National Hurricane Center said. Center said.
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