The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Ian has become an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane as it prepares to slam into southwest Florida.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Forecasters say Hurricane Ian has become an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s west coast.
Florida residents rushed to board up their homes, stash precious belongings on upper floors and flee. Ian’s forward movement slowed over the Gulf, enabling the hurricane to grow wider and stronger. A hurricane warning covering roughly 220 miles of the state included Fort Myers as well as Tampa and St. Petersburg, which could get their first direct hit by a major hurricane since 1921.
A couple from England on vacation in Tampa found themselves faced with riding out the storm at a shelter. Glyn and Christine Williams of London were told to leave their hotel near the beach when evacuations were ordered. Because the airport shut down, they could get no flight home.
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