American authorities and meteorologists warn that people should not underestimate the threat, because in their opinion the hurricane can be life-threatening. The greatest risk lies along a coastline of approximately 350 kilometers, which includes the cities of Fort Myers, Tampa, Sarasota and St. Petersburg. 1.75 million people were needed to evacuate there and the authorities strongly recommended it for another 750,000 residents. In Florida, 176 emergency shelters have been opened for displaced persons.
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Wednesday morning local time (noon CEST) that the eye of the hurricane is located approximately 90 kilometers southeast of the city of Naples, Florida, and will land in hours.
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According to the 20:00 CET report, severe storms, winds and floods are already raging in Florida. Images of flooded streets appear on social networks.
All of Cuba ran out of electricity after Hurricane Ian hit
Foreigner
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The authorities also warned that people should evacuate in time, as there will be no time. On Wednesday morning, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the storm had gotten close enough that it was too late to evacuate safely.
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“It’s a really huge storm… it really strengthened significantly last night… we have a really terrible day or two ahead,” he said at a morning press conference.
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In particular, the governor warned of sea level rise and catastrophic flooding, with winds as strong as a tornado, according to him. According to the NHC, the water level in the Gulf of Mexico could rise up to five meters and up to 46 centimeters of rain could fall, which is normally the total amount over several months. At the same time, forecasters do not rule out that the hurricane will strengthen even more and reach the fifth highest category.
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“I know I should be afraid of this (hurricane), but I don’t have time to be afraid. I just know I have to get out of here,” Tampa jazz pianist John O’Leary, who was packing and driving, told Reuters. with his wife inward safer.
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According to CNN, some streets were blocked due to the huge number of people trying to get out of the area.
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In the threatened part of Florida, airports and amusement parks are closed, as well as offices, shops, schools and some hospitals, and ports are also closed. The governor warned that gas stations could run out of fuel. Energy companies report that energy supplies could be cut off for several days. There are 5,000 members of the National Guard waiting, they can be assisted by thousands of guards from surrounding states.
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Hurricane Ian hit Cuba on Tuesday, causing massive power outages across the island, among other things. The element also devastated the province of Pinar del Río, where much of the Cuban tobacco is grown.
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