Tropical Depression Nine became Tropical Storm Ian Friday night.
The system is expected to strike Florida next week as a Category 3 hurricane.
At 8:58 a.m. on Saturday, Tropical Storm Ian had strengthened as it moved west over Central Caribbean. It was expected to strengthen further throughout the day over warm waters.
Ian was 300 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica and 570 miles east of Grand Cayman. He had sustained winds maximum of 45 mph. The system moved at 15 mph west-southwest.
Tony Mainolfi, WESH 2 Meteorologist, stated that “Rapid intensification” is expected Monday through Wednesday in very warm water. “GFS model continues being slower and west-of-Euro with the forecast cone between these models tonight. The Category 2 – 4 ranges continue to show impressive intensity forecasts.
We are not only watching for potential hurricane impacts this week, but I also want to ensure we look at the possible rains from it.
Recent rains have been quite heavy, and both global models continue to show a lot of rain.
The timing of impacts from TS Ian may be shifting as the storm appears to be slowing down. Here are some indications of when tropical storm winds will impact.
Today’s storm preparation countdown continues. With the focus still on Florida’s west coast, it is time to begin thinking about the possibility that a storm could hit this week. What are you going to need to do?
According to the NHC, hurricane conditions could be possible in Cayman Islands as early as Monday. Heavy rains could begin Monday in South Florida and the Florida Keys. According to the NHC, flash flooding and urban flooding are possible from this rainfall.
The National Hurricane Center stated that a westward to west-northwestward movement is expected to continue through Sunday. Late Sunday is expected to see a turn towards the northwest, with a turn north-northwestward by Monday. The forecast track shows that the centre of Ian will move across the central Caribbean Sea today and pass southwest of Jamaica Sunday. It will then pass close to or above the Cayman Islands on Sunday night and Monday. Ian will then reach western Cuba on Monday.”
How to survive the hurricane season in Florida
A Hurricane Watch indicates that hurricane conditions may be possible in the area under watch. A hurricane watch is usually issued 48 hours prior to the expected first occurrences of tropical-storm force winds. This alert can be dangerous or difficult for those who are not able to prepare.
A Tropical Storm Watch is a warning that tropical storm conditions could occur within the area. Usually, this happens within 48 hours.
Florida residents and visitors are urged by the National Weather Service to keep track of the forecast and gather supplies.
