Hurricane Ian nears Florida landfall with 155 mph winds

By CURT ANDERSON
Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., (AP) – The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Ian has rapidly intensified off Florida, gaining top winds of 155 mph, just shy of the most devastating Category 5 hurricane status.

Ian is pushing a storm surge that could cause catastrophic damage along the state’s heavily populated Gulf Coast.

Forecasters say the Fort Myers region is at the highest risk of a surge that could reach 18 feet.

Florida’s governor says it’s too late to flee that area, so people should “hunker down.” At least 2.5 million people were ordered to evacuate.

Florida has staged 30,000 linemen, urban search and rescue teams and 7,000 National Guard troops ready to help once the weather clears.

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9/28/2022 9:30:43 AM (GMT -5:00)