In addition to the impact of the winds, the cyclonic phenomenon caused deaths, a strong storm surge and extensive material damage in central Florida.
DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS, which has reporters in the area, describes the damage as “devastating.”
Meanwhile, authorities report that more than 1.5 million homes and businesses in central Florida are without power and are waiting for the storm to end before maintenance work can begin.
Likewise, both the authorities of the state of Florida and the federal government, under the auspices of FEMA, await the passage of the hurricane to help the victims.
In Miami, 150 miles from Fort Myers, minor tropical storm winds were felt, with gusts of 40 mph, regarding 64 km/h, where the most populous urban center on the peninsula is located.
In fact, public transportation service in Miami-Dade County has been suspended.
On the other hand, along the west coast of Florida, from Naples to Tampa, the authorities urged to evacuate homes and go to the authorized shelters, although now it is too late and they must protect themselves with their own means.
Meanwhile, South Florida received heavy bands of rain. In addition, there was a warning of tropical storm winds, as well as the danger of tornadoes, both in Miami and in the Keys and Broward.
Thousands of people in Miami went to supermarkets to stock up on groceries, but according to the weather report, Miami is now out of the cone of probabilities.
The powerful hurricane first hit the Cuban province of Pinar del Río, with sustained winds of 120 mph, regarding 193 km/h, where it caused extensive material damage and left virtually the entire island of Cuba, home to some 12 million people, without electricity.
Many ask why Hurricane Ian’s path changed so much in five days. The initial trajectory report indicated that the then minor hurricane would cross the Cuban province of Havana and continue its route through southwest Florida.
Later there was talk of the western end of the Pinar del Río province heading to the northwest of the Florida peninsula, but finally the immense storm Ian heads towards the center of the Sunshine State.
The National Weather Service explains that the wind currents that control the movement of the cyclonic phenomenon have been very unstable, in part due to the large size of the storm.
In fact, the cloud layer of the hurricane extended from Havana to the vicinity of Washington DC, some 1,130 miles away, approximately 1,800 kilometers.
In any case, meteorology experts remind us that we are in the days of greatest cyclonic development, when the temperature of the sea reaches its maximum temperature and aligns with the atmospheric pattern to generate more storms, so they recommend being aware of the Periodic reports.
Tips
As a first piece of advice, the federal, state and county authorities advise you to have your home insurance documentation on hand if this is the case.
Remember, keep all important papers, documentation and more in a safe and accessible place that you can take with you, such as a plastic box with a lid.
Please note that, depending on weather conditions, banking, supermarket, bus, train, garbage and recycling collection services, as well as airport and port operations are likely to be affected.
In addition to protecting your assets, know that you must bear in mind the importance of collecting water, at least five gallons per person to supply five days.
You also need durable canned foods, such as rice, meat and vegetables, as well as bread, cookies and other products to cover at least five days.
Don’t forget to have cash, at least $100 per person, as well as enough gas in the tank of your vehicle. Remember that the absence of electricity makes service difficult at some gas stations and ATMs and you might find yourself in a difficult situation.
Also, keep a portable radio handy to stay informed if the power goes out. Don’t overlook the need for extra batteries, a flashlight, and a propane-powered backyard stove.
Also, don’t forget the medications you usually take and the first aid items, which you should buy before the wake-up call to avoid long lines at pharmacies.
