Hurricane Ian is drawing closer to the southwestern region of Florida.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Ian has quickly intensified off Florida’s coast, reaching top winds of 250km/hr – close to the most devastating Category 5 hurricane status.
Forecasters say Ian could cause catastrophic damage along the state’s heavily populated Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Ian is already wrecking havoc in Southwest Florida. Take a look at a hurricane-induced tornado along a highway near Miami, FL.pic.twitter.com/uNnXVXr0uC
— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) September 28, 2022
They say the area from Naples to Sarasota is at the highest risk.
The hurricane could bring as much as 3.6 metres, or 12 feet, of ocean water ashore in Florida.
Officials are urging people to evacuate the danger zone if they still can.
Ian hit the western tip of Cuba Tuesday as a Category 3 storm, bringing down the country’s electricity grid and leaving the entire island without power.
Trudeau visits Atlantic Canada after Fiona devastation
Hurricane Ian comes just days after Fiona left a trail of destruction across Atlantic Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau toured the hardest hit areas Tuesday.
WATCH: Reaction to damage caused by Hurricane Fiona across the East Coast
Beyond the damage, Trudeau says he noticed the resilience of Canadians.
He also says Canadians feel confident knowing that their neighbours will be there for them in these difficult times.
Meantime, King Charles issued a statement expressing concern at the “appalling devastation” caused by Fiona and shared his sympathy to Atlantic Canadians affected by this disaster.
WATCH: Cleanup efforts underway after Hurricane Fiona hits Atlantic Canada
