Ian to hit Florida as powerful hurricane
ABOVE: WESH 2 Meteorologist Eric Burris tracks timing of Ian in extended forecastTropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Ian Friday night. This system is forecast to hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane next week.As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Ian was expected to strengthen rapidly throughout the weekendIan had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was located 270 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 520 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman. The system was moving west at 15 mph. See the latest maps, models and paths here “Rapid intensification is forecast Monday through Wednesday over some very warm water,” WESH 2 Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi said. “GFS model continues to be slower and west of Euro with the forecast cone between these two models tonight. Intensity forecasts remain very impressive in the Category 2 – Category 4 range.”The NHC advises hurricane conditions are possible in the Cayman Islands by early Monday. The Florida Keys and South Florida can expect heavy rains to begin as early as Monday. Some flash and urban flooding is possible with this rainfall, according to the NHC.”A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected through early Sunday, ” the National Hurricane Center said. “A turn toward the northwest is forecast late Sunday, followed by a north-northwestward turn by late Monday. On the forecast track, the center of Ian is forecast to move across the central Caribbean Sea today, pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday, and pass near or over the Cayman Islands Sunday night and early Monday. Ian will then approach western Cuba on Monday.”WESH 2 Hurricane Survival Guide 2022Surviving the season: Everything you need to know this hurricane season in Florida SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…* Cayman IslandsA Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…* JamaicaA Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. The National Weather Service has urged Florida residents and visitors to gather supplies and keep tracking the forecast.Prepping for the storm: Related: DeSantis declares State of Emergency for dozens of Florida countiesRelated: Seminole County begins sandbag preps ahead of tropical storm arrivalKNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUEDStay tuned to WESH 2 News, WESH.COM, or NOAA Weather Radio for storm updates.Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.Understand hurricane forecast models and cones.Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood.Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first-aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.The WESH 2 First Warning Weather Team recommends you have these items ready before the storm…
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