Hurricane Ian: Florida fears catastrophic flooding as storm nears

Society 10:36 28 Sep, 2022
Residents in Florida are anxiously bracing for life-threatening tidal surges, floods and winds as Hurricane Ian approaches
Hurricane Ian: Florida fears catastrophic flooding as storm nears

The storm has already thrashed western Cuba and is expected to intensify before it makes landfall in Florida, Qazet.az reports.

The Tampa Bay region, which is home to more than three million people, is among the most vulnerable places in the US for severe flooding.

Low elevation, rising sea levels, and a large population increase the risk of a catastrophic tidal surge. The Tampa area has all three, according to Mr Salna. 

If hit directly, the region could be "unrecognisable" in the next couple of days, he said. "The potential is there."

Hurricane Ian - currently a category three storm, packing winds up to 195km/h (120mph) - is forecast to gain strength as it moves northbound into Florida, passing over the Gulf of Mexico's warm water on the way. 

 

Tornados have been seen in southern Florida, the National Weather Service said, as Ian approaches the coast. Winds could reach up to 140mph before it makes landfall.

The region could see its first direct hit by a major hurricane since 1921.

"It's been around 100 years since Tampa had a direct hit. They've just been lucky for a long time," said Erik Salna, associate director of the International Hurricane Research Center.