Tropical Storm Ian is currently still over the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean and is heading for Cuba. In the water, which is up to 31 degrees warm, the storm has already developed into a category 4 hurricane by Tuesday, with wind speeds between 200 and 250 km/h.
Hurricane Ian’s path will most likely be north along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm will not lose momentum over the American mainland until Saturday. Until then, the situation remains life-threatening. And one thing is already certain: there will be a landfall in the USA – and that this week.
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Hurricane brings 500 to 800 liters of rain
One of the biggest problems with hurricanes is the rain. In Florida there are regions where 500 to 800 liters of rain per square meter are predicted. There is a risk of flash floods, high water and flooding. According to current forecasts, the region from Tampa to Jacksonville will be particularly hard hit.
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There is also a storm surge on the coast, the size of which cannot yet be precisely quantified. However, the tidal wave can be several meters high. Then there are the all-destroying winds. Up to 250 km/h are possible on the water. The wind decreases a bit on land, but it can still be destructive.
When landfall, tornadoes threaten
In the event of a landfall, there are not only power cuts, but also the helpers can no longer get through. The National Hurricane Center is already calling for emergency plans to be reviewed and activated if necessary.
And as if that weren’t enough, when it makes landfall, tornadoes always occur – often on the right side of the storm. Hurricane Ian becomes a life-threatening threat for millions of people – especially in Cuba and Florida.
It is not yet clear where the hurricane will make landfall. But probably between Tampa and Tallahassee.
Environmental damage as a side effect
In Florida there is also Lake Okeechobee, which has been heavily polluted by decades of pollutants from agriculture. Although attempts have been made to clean up the lake for a good 10 years, there are still considerable amounts of pollutants in the water. A hurricane like Ian can overflow the lake and further pollution is inevitable.
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