Ian Threatens Northwest Florida & Panhandle...Could Become Major Hurricane

Photo: NOAA

(Undated) -- Forecasters say Tropical Storm Ian may impact Florida next week as a Category 4 hurricane. If things stay on track, the storm is likely to peak in intensity on Tuesday or Wednesday before weakening as it encounters a predicted cold front on Thursday.

Florida's panhandle and Northwest parts of the state will most likely experience the greatest impact from Ian but all of 67 Florida counties are still under a state of emergency.

Maximum sustained winds remain at 50 mph with higher gusts. Rapid strengthening is forecast to begin later today. Ian is expected to become a hurricane later today or tonight and reach major hurricane strength by late Monday or Monday night before it reaches western Cuba.

On the forecast track, the center of Ian is forecast to pass well southwest of Jamaica today, and pass near or west of the Cayman Islands early Monday. Ian will then move near or over western Cuba Monday night and early Tuesday and emerge over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...* Grand Cayman & * Cuban provinces of Isla de Juventud, Pinar del Rio, and Artemisa

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque, and Matanzas


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content