Hurricane Ian has intensified its strength to become a major storm. It continues to head towards the south and east of Tampa Bay with full strength. It is a category three hurricane and can further strengthen to category 4. It will get vertically deeper as well. A devastating storm surge up to six feet can hit Tampa Bay, making the place extremely vulnerable, and its southern part can see a surge up to almost twelve feet.
The Forecast
Ian, emerging as a dangerous hurricane, will likely approach Florida’s west coast. After making landfall at dawn in Cuba, Ian caused heavy winds in La Coloma’s southwest, as fast as 125 mph. The residents living between Chokoloskee and Anclote River have been warned, including Dry Tortugas and Tampa Bay. The area covering Sarasota to Naples has the highest risk, and officials issued orders to evacuate the coastal areas.
The Impact
The forecast says that Ian will lash heavy rainfall, at least 12-18 inches on the northeast and central Florida, whereas west Florida will see at least 6-8 inch rainfall. It may cause flash and urban flooding.
National Hurricane Centre says Ian will continue traveling towards northern and northwestern onshore after entering Florida through its western parts. Forecasters are keeping an eye on the overnight movements of hurricane Ian, and the storm could be life-threatening, they said. The main reason for worry is Ian’s uncertain track; the hurricane has changed its path to differ from the forecasted track.
What does a Storm Surge mean?
When the warning of a hurricane is issued, it will hit within one and a half days, and a storm surge means the water can rise to a dangerous level.
About Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is improving its infrastructure regarding drainage systems to protect the city from floods. Thirty percent of the construction of the $39 million project was complete, said the officials, when hurricane Ian hit Tampa Bay.
