Hurricane Ian morphed into a Category 4 storm by Wednesday morning. Live updates show it approaching the coast of Florida with sustained winds near 155 mph over the ocean. And is projected to make landfall in Charlotte County this morning.

According to the National Hurricane Center hurricanes are measured using the five-step, Saffir-Simpson scale. If winds reach 157 mph it becomes a Category 5 storm making it a storm of the highest magnitude measured.

The Hurricane Center anticipates that with the current trajectory Hurricane Ian will roar through Florida as a Category 3 and 4. 

They have warned that “life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds and flooding in the Florida Peninsula," will cost billions of dollars in damages. And is a high risk to the lives of residents of the third largest state.

Hurricane Ian is now projected to be one of the costliest storms ever. 

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Update: Hurricane Ian hit Florida as a Category 4 storm. It is currently moving North through the state. Governor DeSantis says it is feared that this will be the worst flooding in Florida's recorded history. The storm surge continues throughout the region.

Hurricane Ian Preparations

Initial forecasts showed Ian making landfall in the Tampa area in Hillsborough County.  

The region has been mobilizing in preparation for the storm. evacuation orders are now in place from Levy and Lee counties, a stretch of more than 240 miles along the western shoreline. All ports around Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee have been closed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced early Wednesday the storm had changed course and will be hitting Charlotte County. Residents are warned that it will be too late to complete a total evacuation of the area. And to prepare for the incoming storm.

An estimated 2.5 million people along the Gulf coast of Florida are being urged to evacuate as Hurricane Ian approaches.

 Governor DeSantis has also activated 5,000 troops from the state’s National Guard.

He also warned local residents to expect flash flooding, torrential rain and a historic storm surge.

President Joe Biden claims he has approved Florida requests for emergency assistance. FEMA has deployed 700 personnel to the state. 

Local media broadcasts are showing live updates of major highways jammed with cars and trucks. Residents are attempting to escape the more vulnerable cities and towns along Florida’s western coast.

Cuba hit by Hurricane Ian

Western Cuba was hit with a Category 3 storm as Ian passed through. The entire country experienced a nationwide power outage.

The hurricane triggered floods, ripped roofs off buildings, uprooted trees and flooded streets. The western province of Pinar del Rio was extensively damaged.