Hurricane Ian to make landfall this afternoon near Fort Myers

The category 4 storm (nearly a category 5), Hurricane Ian, is expected to make landfall in Florida later today.

The key islands have already taken a beating from the storm, with nearly 10,000 people without power.

Hurricane Ian's predicted path (Source: NHC)

Hurricane Ian currently has a maximum sustained wind speed of 155 mph, which is 2 mph off of a category 5 system. In addition to these winds, Ian will bring massive storm surges between 12-16 feet! Ian's outer bands will also cause numerous tornados and heavy downpours across the state.

If Hurricane Ian doesn't weaken before making landfall, it will be the 5th strongest hurricane to ever hit the United States in recorded history.

(Video from the Washington Post)

Evacuation orders have been issued for over 2 million people in Ian's path. After the hurricane moves through Florida, it is predicted to head north and weaken. There is currently a good chance we could get some rain from the remnats of Ian this weekend, but anything we do get shouldn't be all that severe.

If necesarry, I will provide updates to this article.

Author: Jackson Hammack.

Sources: Washington Post, National Hurricane Center.