Central Florida stores struggle to keep water on shelves ahead of Tropical Storm Ian
Floridians have been warned to “be ready” for a potential hurricane this week, as Tropical Storm Ian continues to strengthen while charting a path towards the Sunshine State.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts that by mid-week, Ian will have reached Florida as a major hurricane.
The Florida governor said that he “appreciates the quick action” from President Joe Biden who granted the state’s request to issue a federal emergency declaration. “We appreciate it, we’re thankful,” he said at Sunday morning’s press conference.
Meanwhile, the authorities in Cuba have suspended classes in Pinar del Rio province and said they will begin evacuations today. Tropical Storm Ian is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the western part of the island on its way to Florida.
As Florida prepares for the incoming weather event, Canada is starting to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts after being hammered by post-tropical cyclone Fiona on Saturday. It has also mobilised its army for rescue and assessment of the damage.
When will Ian reach Florida?
Forecasts show that Tropical Storm Ian will strengthen into a hurricane by the end of Sunday as it charts a path across the Caribbean.
Jamaica and Grand Cayman are expected to be impacted by heavy rain, possible flash flooding and storm surge within the next 24 hours.
On Monday night, Ian could move over western Cuba, where several hurricane warnings are in place.
The hurricane is then forecast to make landfall on the west coast or panhandle of Florida around the middle of the week.
Rachel Sharp26 September 2022 07:14
Cuba to begin evacuations today
The authorities in Cuba have suspended classes in Pinar del Rio province and said they will begin evacuations Monday, the Associated Press reports.
Tropical Storm Ian is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the western part of the island on its way to Florida.
Local media reported that Cuban authorities are beginning evacuations from vulnerable areas starting Monday.
On Sunday night, Ian was moving northwest at 13 mph, about 140 miles south of Grand Cayman in Cuba, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 September 2022 06:45
Tourists evacuated as Ian hurtles toward Cuba
Tropical Storm Ian hurtled toward western Cuba on Sunday, prompting the government to evacuate tourists amid fears of potentially life-threatening storm surges as Ian becomes a hurricane on Monday, Reuters reported.
Cuba evacuated tourists on Sunday from the Isla de la Juventud, off the island’s southwestern coast, as well as workers from nearby Cayo Largo, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, according to local media.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian had begun to “strengthen over the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea late on Sunday, as it moved slowly northwestward towards Cuba, with sustained winds of 60 miles per hour.”
Maroosha Muzaffar26 September 2022 06:15
Nasa in two minds over the Artemis I rocket launch because of Ian
On Sunday, as the world watches tropical storm Ian’s path towards Florida, Nasa said that it hasn’t decided whether to leave its Artemis I rocket on the launchpad.
The decision shall be taken after discussions among senior officials that are scheduled to take on Monday, it said.
Artemis I was scheduled to launch on 27 September. And because of the weather, Nasa postponed its launch.
It was reported that engineers will decide if the rocket needs to roll back off the launch pad and if they do not roll it back, the next possible launch date will be 2 October.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 September 2022 05:45
Residents in southeast Florida told to brace for heavy rains and gusty squalls
Jamie Rhone, acting director of the hurricane centre in Florida, warned residents in the southeast to brace for heavy…