Hurricane Ian is blowing its way to Florida, expecting to make landfall this mid-to-late this week. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has already declared a state of emergency for all 67 Counties and called for the deployment of 2,500 National Guard. Monday morning, Gov. DeSantis tweeted a reminder to Floridians to have proper preparation and supplies ready for the coming days.
#Ian has strengthened into a hurricane and is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves through the Gulf. I encourage Floridians to ensure they are prepared and that their emergency supply kit is stocked with supplies.
Follow @FLSERT for updates. pic.twitter.com/emuw7fBzgJ
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 26, 2022
"#Ian has strengthened into a hurricane and is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves through the Gulf. I encourage Floridians to ensure they are prepared and that their emergency supply kit is stocked with supplies. Follow @FLSERT for updates," state DeSantis
Sen. Rick Scott (R) urgently calls on residents in areas marked as evacuation zones to leave immediately, reminding us that "Florida has the best emergency management pros in the world."
?If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone: GET OUT. Florida has the best emergency management pros in the world. Please listen to them as #Ian approaches.
Storm surge is deadly. You can't hide from rising water. Remain alert, follow local orders & keep your family safe! https://t.co/t4QVtuPszn
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 26, 2022
Similarly, Sen. Marco Rubio (R) says that the threat of storm surges expected to come with Ian's arrival "is one of the most potentially dangerous scenarios hurricane experts have long feared," and emphasizes the need to "PLEASE TAKE THESE ORDERS SERIOUSLY"
The threat of storm surge from a direct hit to #TampaBay is one of the most potentially dangerous scenarios hurricane experts have long feared
PLEASE TAKE THESE ORDERS SERIOUSLY https://t.co/Ycwq0Fuxjf
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) September 26, 2022
Finally, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis also points out that the speed of Ian's wind is expected to slow down upon making landfall, "that means prolonged storm surge and more rainfall."
The speed of Hurricane Ian is expected to dramatically reduce as it gets closer to Florida. That means prolonged storm surge and more rainfall. Take this storm seriously. Listen to your local officials. Follow their instructions. Visit https://t.co/4nzxzlakox for tips. pic.twitter.com/ICrALBWQdX
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) September 26, 2022
Tampa Bay's Rep. Kathy Castor (D-14) reminds her constituents to receive text updates at 888-777 from the City of Tampa Bay and provides a link for Hillsborough area residents.
As #HurricaneIan approaches, the time to prepare is now to ensure you get necessary messages from local officials:
?Text TAMPAREADY (or TAMPALISTA for Spanish info) to 888-777 @CityOfTampa
?Sign up for @HillsboroughFL’s official notifications here: https://t.co/ce8BZE0oBz pic.twitter.com/t4jzkiha0t— US Rep Kathy Castor (@USRepKCastor) September 26, 2022
Meanwhile, Rep. Darren Soto (D-9) says that thanks to President Biden's emergency authorization, FEMA and DHS will be able to coordinate relief efforts. "We are grateful for President Biden's quick response to help our state."
As Florida anticipates the arrival of #HurricaneIan, @DHSgov and @fema will be able to coordinate relief efforts thanks to the emergency declaration authorized by @POTUS.
We are grateful for President Biden’s quick response to help our state. https://t.co/f6o6h45lLd
— Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) September 26, 2022
Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-49) informs Orange County residents that Barnett Park, Bithlo Community Park, Downey Park, Meadow Woods Park, and West Orange Recreational Complex are offering sandbags to stop flooding.
ICYMI: @OrangeCoFL has self-serving sandbag locations in preparation for incoming weather.
Locations and other preparation info listed at: https://t.co/cz4Hin3tUn pic.twitter.com/Cd5LVGge4V
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) September 26, 2022
The Floridian would also like to remind our readership to pay attention to local officials' advice, make necessary preparations, and follow as many updates as you can.
