News on hurricane in florida now

Here are the latest updates on the hurricane situation in Florida:

Current Situation:

• Hurricane Ian is currently a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and is located about 130 miles (210 km/h) west-southwest of Fort Myers, Florida.
• The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida later today, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicting a landfall around 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC).
• The storm surge warning has been issued for a large portion of the west coast of Florida, including Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Tampa.

Impact:

• Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to cause widespread power outages, flooding, and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
• The storm surge could cause significant coastal flooding and erosion, especially in low-lying areas.
• The NHC has warned of a "life-threatening" storm surge, with waves reaching as high as 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) in some areas.

Evacuations:

• Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for several counties in Florida, including Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota.
• Voluntary evacuations have been recommended for other areas, including Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Closures:

• Many schools and government offices have been closed in anticipation of the storm.
• Several major theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Studios, have closed until further notice.
• The Port of Tampa has been closed, and all cruise ships have been diverted or cancelled.

Preparations:

• Residents in the affected areas are advised to stock up on food, water, and supplies, and to prepare for extended power outages.
• Gas stations and grocery stores are experiencing long lines and shortages, so it's recommended to fill up on gas and stock up on essentials as soon as possible.
• The American Red Cross has set up shelters for those who have been displaced by the storm.

Latest Updates:

• The NHC has issued a Hurricane Warning for the west coast of Florida, from Englewood to the Anclote River.
• The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for parts of central and southern Florida.
• The Florida Department of Transportation has closed several major highways, including I-75 and I-4.

Please note that the situation is rapidly changing, and it's essential to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for the latest updates and instructions.