The National Hurricane Center has forecast a tropical depression formed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to become a category 3 hurricane on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Forecaster said on Friday that Tropical Storm Ian is set to aim at South Florida as early as Wednesday. As of 11 p.m., Friday Ian had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was about 385 miles southeast of Kingston, the storm is on track to hit Jamaica and Cuba before turning east toward Florida said NHC.
The National Hurricane Center advises hurricanes are possible in the Cayman Islands by early Monday. South Florida and the Florida Keys can expect heavy rains to begin as early as Monday, some flash and urban flooding is also possible with this rainfall.
Meteorologists said It was expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Friday, followed by rapid intensification in the Caribbean Sea, but it was still a depression as of 5 p.m. The Storm is forecast to become a Category 2 hurricane by the time when it reaches Cuba, then a Category 3 storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Landfall is also expected on Wednesday in Florida.
On Sunday the National Weather Service will likely issue a Hurricane Watch for parts of Florida. Given the geography of the state, the Florida Keys will be the first ones to be placed under that alert.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared on Friday a state of emergency for 24 counties due to the threat.
Ron DeSantis said that “This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations”.
The national hurricane centre said late Friday that a hurricane watch was in place for the Cayman Islands, which are south of Cuba, and a tropical storm watch was in place for Jamaica, it also said that rain could cause mudslides in Jamaica and Cuba. Jamaica and Caymans could get 4 to 8 inches of rain, and central and western Cuba could get 6 to 10 inches, according to the agency.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the potential hurricane is currently forecasted to approach Florida as strong as a Category 2 storm, meaning winds of 96 to 110 mph can cause extensive damage to well-constructed homes, snap or uproot shallowly-rooted tress, and block roads. The power outages that last days or weeks are also a possibility.
Hurricane prep: What should you have for storm?
Photo by: lisafx
The Long-time resident of the Sunshine State well knows the drill come hurricane season. But thousands of people move to Florida every year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between April 2020 and July 2021 alone, the state’s population grew by 243,000 nearly. Here we are sharing some insider tips about hurricane season:
- Firstly keep your gas tank and pantry stock full
- Keep heat-sensitive items inside your house
- Keep your phone and other electric item charged
- Keep fully charged battery-operated lanterns
- List of phone numbers
- Keep your important document like a copy of the insurance policy safe
- Keep enough non-perishable food now to last two weeks
- Water you need for a drink will be enough 1 gallon per person per day for one-week minimum, also keep 1 gallon per person of water for washing hands, flushing toilets, and for pets.
- Keep shelf-stable milk and juice boxes
- Keep Dried fruits
- Keep Dry and canned pet food
- Keep a first-aid kit fully ready
- Keep some kitchen supplies like waterless hand sanitiser, manual can opener, water purification tablets, matches in a plastic bag, pocket knife,
- If you have a baby then you should keep Disposable diapers, Baby wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby medicines, baby food
