US President Joe Biden said during an event at the Rose Garden that “(The) forecast can change, but for now the experts say this could be a very severe hurricane, life threatening and a devastating impact”. He further added that “The administration is on alert and in action to help the people of Florida.”

Biden has also spoken separately with Mayors Jane Castor of Tampa, Ken Welch of St. Petersburg, and Frank Hibbard of Clearwater, and said that he has asked them to contact him directly regarding “whatever they need”.

Just like the 30 previous Atlantic tropical storms that have become significantly stronger in less than a day since 2017, Hurricane Ian is rapidly gaining enormous strength as it sweeps over oceans that are partially warmed by climate change.

Latest reports suggest that it has shifted southwards. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said that preparations, as well as compulsory evacuations, are ongoing.

Also Read| What is Hurricane Ian?

Ian, a potential Category 4 hurricane that could bring a terrifying storm surge to Tampa Bay, is closing down on Florida after strengthening by 67% in less than 22 hours between Monday and Tuesday.

Landfall

Outer bands of Hurricane Ian have now reached Florida Keys, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Ian has been gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico region and can be expected to hit Florida by late Wednesday. Florida Division of Emergency Management director, Kevin Guthrie said, “The National Hurricane Center is now predicting that landfall will be Venice in 35 hours, at 125 mph … making it a major, Category 3, landfalling hurricane”.

Evacuation

Gurthie also said on Tuesday that “the time to evacuate is now”. He further added, “I implore, I urge everyone that is in an evacuation zone that has been asked to evacuate – the time is now. You must evacuate now. There will be a time when it will not be safe to travel the roads”.

Also Read| What is a storm surge?

Florida governor Ron DeSantis addressed its citizens on Tuesday evening, saying that 2.5 million people have been placed under an evacuation order. 

DeSantis also spoke to Biden immediately after the press meet.

Preparation

Emergency Shoulder Use, which is Florida’s strategy to amplify traffic flow during times of hurricane-induced evacuation, has been activated.

56 schools have declared that they will be shutting down till the threat dissipates. Numerous colleges and state universities will also remain closed.

More than 5,000 troops belonging to the National Guards have been deployed to aid in storm recovery.

Also Read| How to prepare for hurricanes and recover from them

30,000 linemen will work towards ensuring power restoration in Florida.

Cnn reports that numerous Publix stores will be closed from Tuesday to Thursday, as per the supermarket chain’s director of communications, Maria Brous.

According to the Edison Electric Institute, more than 30,000 workers from around 23 states have been called in to assist with any power outages brought on by Hurricane Ian.