According to US data, tropical storm "Ian" could reach a hurricane strength between 2 and 5 and hit Florida with strength 4. However, it is currently hitting Cuba, from where the first floods are being reported. 50,000 people are to be rescued there in advance.
Hurricane Ian is gaining strength and heading for Cuba and the US state of Florida. According to the US Hurricane Center, the hurricane reached a category 2 of 5 strength on Monday evening (local time).
"Life-threatening storm surges, hurricanes, flash floods and possible landslides" are expected in Cuba by Tuesday. The hurricane may then move further towards the west coast of Florida with a magnitude of 4. There, the meteorologists warn of storm surges from Wednesday - the risk is greatest between the cities of Fort Myers and Tampa. Hurricane force winds are expected from late Tuesday evening (local time).
On Monday evening (local time) there were already gusts of wind and light flooding in coastal areas of the island of Isla de la Juventud and the western province of Pinar del Río in Cuba, as reported by the state media. According to the Communist Party newspaper "Granma", the evacuation of around 50,000 people has started in Pinar del Río. According to a report by the Cubadebate portal, there were power outages on the southern Isla de la Juventud.
The governor of the southeastern US state, Ron DeSantis, had already declared a state of emergency at the weekend as a precaution and called on the population to take precautions. Floods are expected, he said on Monday. Several thousand National Guard soldiers were mobilized. He hopes his state won't be hit too hard. However, people should expect power outages - these could last for several days. "Safety is paramount," warned DeSantis.
