“Extremely dangerous” category four Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida Wednesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center announced, bringing floods and winds that submerged homes.
The storms’ maximum sustained winds were estimated to be near 150 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Governor Ron DeSantis said that “Florida is ready to respond” with “fleets of highwater vehicles, 42,000 linemen, 7,000 National Guardsmen and 179 aircraft prepared to help.”
"Life-threatening storm surge is increasingly likely along the Florida west coast where a storm surge warning is in effect, with the highest risk from Naples to the Sarasota region," the hurricane center wrote late Tuesday. "Residents in these areas should listen to advice given by local officials and follow any evacuation orders for your area."
DeSantis gave a press conference early Wednesday, warning Floridians that the hurricane had moved south of Tampa, and is predicted to strike near the Sarasota area Wednesday night.
“It’s going to produce a major amount of rain. It is going to produce major, major flooding,” DeSantis warned, adding that electricity is likely to go out, and that once the storm makes landfall, it will slow down and drench areas with massive amounts of rain.
There are 2.5 million people that are under an emergency order in Florida, 56 school districts have announced closures, and 5,000 National Guard members are ready to take action, he said.
“This is going to be a nasty, nasty day,” DeSantis warned.
The Florida governor also spoke to President Joe Biden on the phone Tuesday, saying it’s important to “work together” despite party line. The president was scrutinized for apparently delaying the phone call with DeSantis, choosing to talk with Florida mayors first.
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