The Hurricane Ian 5pm update came with some pretty big changes. Starting with the strength. Ian is now a 100 mph hurricane as it closes in on Cuba. Additionally, as I’m sure you’ve heard, that’s not the mountainous side of Cuba. Cuba is not going to slow this thing down as it ramps up to a major hurricane.
The direction of the cone hasn’t changed much for the Hurricane Ian 5pm update, basically, it’s become a little more clear as to where Ian is going. The Tampa area is now under a hurricane warning. Our status in Southwest Florida has changed as well, we’re under a Tropical Storm Warning. There is a very serious threat of major flooding in the Tampa Bay area.
Hurricane Ian Evacuation Notice in SWFL
Charlotte County Zone A – Red Evacuation Ordered
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2022) – Charlotte County Emergency Management has issued evacuation orders for residents in Zone A – Red areas. This includes those living on the barrier islands of Don Pedro Island, Knight Island (Palm Island), Little Gasparilla Island, Gasparilla Island, and Manasota Key, as well as residents in any zone living in mobile homes and trailers.
To find your zone, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/knowyourzone.
More Hurricane Ian Evacuations in SWFL?
This is unconfirmed info, but from a very reliable source. Lee County could soon see some evacuation notices.
My phone just scared the hell out of me. The EAS went off to announce a STORM SURGE WARNING for us here in SWFL. I’m closely watching Leonardo Arms on Fort Myers Beach. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if those condos fell into the gulf this week. Unfortunate, but possible. I have a friend with a condo there. He’s moved all of his stuff out.
Lastly, I put my hurricane shutters up on my Estero house. I have the metal accordion type ones. You loosen the screws, hang them, tighten the screws. Seems simple, but…. the house was painted 3 years ago and all those screws were painted over. And they’ve had 3 years of sunlight to cook. Not fun. But it’s done.
Check out our guide for more info.
EDIT:
More info from Charlotte County:
Charlotte County State of Emergency Declared, Facilities Closed, Board Meeting Canceled
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2022) – The Charlotte County Commission on Monday declared a local state of emergency due to Hurricane Ian.
Charlotte County offices will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Sept. 27 due to Hurricane Ian. Charlotte County public schools will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 27 with decisions for additional days being made at a later time.
The Board of County Commissioners Regular and Land Use meeting originally set for Tuesday, Sept. 27 meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Fire/EMS stations will remain open. Emergency Management, Public Works and Utilities personnel will continue to perform essential functions, such as water and sewer service, stormwater drainage and storm recovery operations.
2022 Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide
Hurricane Central – Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn’t mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
- Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Make a family emergency communication plan.
- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
Terminology - Hurricane Watch
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
Steps to take:
- Review your evacuation route(s) & listen to local officials.
- Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets.
Terminology - Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
Steps to take:
- Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
- Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
- Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
After The Hurricane
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
- Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
