Hurricane Ian hits Southwest Florida as one of strongest on record

Hurricane Ian is bearing down on southwest Florida as one of the most intense hurricanes on record, bringing with it the threat of catastrophic storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rainfall.

The massive storm is expected to make landfall later today, and residents in its path are scrambling to prepare for the worst. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for the area, and is urging people to take shelter and be prepared for power outages and other disruptions.

Ian’s storm surge has arrived along parts of the southwest Florida coast, including in Naples, where over 5 feet of storm surge inundation has been measured. This is more than any other storm at that gauge location in at least 50 years.

The hurricane is expected to bring a life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds, and heavy rains to the region. Flooding and power outages are also expected. Residents in the path of the hurricane should take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.

The eye of the hurricane made landfall on Sanibel Island Wednesday morning, bringing with it sustained winds of 115 mph and dangerously high water levels.

A storm surge of up to 9 feet is inundating coastal areas, while heavy rains are causing widespread flooding inland.

Evacuations are underway in many communities, and residents are being urged to take shelter from the storm.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Brent J. Smith

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