Hurricane in Florida 2022

Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the US mainland, has battered south-west Florida with high winds, rain and storm surges as it ...

It made landfall over southwestern Florida as a major Category 4 hurricane and, while downgraded, was still packing a powerful punch overnight.

The storm remained a Category 4 hurricane, but it was very near the 157 mph threshold to be classified as a Category 5 – the most destructive type of storm. Emergency management directors in southwest Florida are preparing for — and expecting — a Category 5 hurricane, said Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Hurricane Ian's eyewall was moving onshore midday Wednesday at Sanibel and Captiva islands, the National Hurricane Center said in a 12 p.m. Most of those without power are confined to the southwest region of the state. At the time of the video, the storm was churning towards the U.S. In preparation for debris cleanup and other relief operations that will likely be necessary across the state after the hurricane passes, DeSantis said that he is going to submit a major disaster declaration for all Florida counties. Ron DeSantis noted at a news conference in Tallahassee, that number is "just shy" of the 157 mph threshold that constitutes a Category 5 hurricane, which, he reiterated, "is incredibly dangerous." [according to the National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/#FACTS). Authorities believe that it may have reached 12 feet, and is likely to have peaked in the southwestern portion of the state. The family said they decided to take shelter at the school because their house has a lot of trees and is in an area that could flood. "While we recognize that the storm track is still uncertain, I nevertheless encourage all Virginians and visitors to make a plan, have supplies on hand, and follow official sources for the latest forecast information and guidance." The declaration is in response to Hurricane Ian, which is expected to impact parts of the state later this week.

Hurricane Ian, one of the mightiest to hit the U.S. mainland in recent years, flooded communities and left more than two million homes and businesses ...

Strong gusts and horizontal rains lashed Venice well into the night. Communications were nearly impossible in many spots. [life-threatening storm surges](/business/environment/how-hurricanes-cause-dangerous-destructive-storm-surges-2022-09-28/) - waves of wind-driven seawater rushing in along the coast - of up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) in some places. Firefighters waded through chest-high waters to rescue people, including one woman in Naples who was stranded in her car. Ian was forecast to weaken further as it crossed the Florida peninsula on a northeasterly track and was expected to reach the Atlantic Coast on Thursday afternoon, the NHC said. Boats at their moorings were tossed around like corks.