Ian’s outer bands reach Southwest Florida as evacuation orders begin

Ian's outer bands reach Southwest Florida as evacuation orders begin

Tuesday morning sees Southwest Florida met with drizzle and breezy conditions as the ‘calm before the storm’ begins to end.

Hurricane Ian made its first landfall early Tuesday in Cuba at Category 3 strength. It is expected to reach Category 4 winds but lose power slightly, coming back into Category 3 territory before an expected landfall in the Tampa Bay area Thursday.

Dozens of cars could be seen in Punta Gorda Tuesday morning as residents began to evacuate. Charlotte County emergency officials issued orders for residents in Zone A — coastal communities, trailer home parks, etc. — to clear out in advance of Ian.

The county’s four public shelters are now open.

Lee County also activated Zone A evacuations at a Tuesday morning briefing. Portions of Zone B have also been activated and “select shelters” are being opened. Click here for a list of shelters.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno urged residents to stay off the roadways as the storm intensified; law enforcement agencies will pull forces off the roads once sustained winds reach a certain point (40-45 mph and higher).

Tropical storm-to-hurricane-force winds are expected, prompting tropical storm and hurricane warnings along the coastlines.

Flood warnings are already in effect for Southwest Florida. Storm surge caused by the hurricane will also be expected.

Click here for the latest from the Fox 4 weather team and be sure to Know Your Zone for possible evacuation.

See similar https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/ians-outer-bands-reach-southwest-florida-as-evacuation-orders-begin

The post Ian’s outer bands reach Southwest Florida as evacuation orders begin first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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