Hurricane Ian is forecast to make landfall on Florida’s west coast as a Category 3 storm

Hurricane Jan The Category 3 storm is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday, officials said.

“The National Hurricane Center now predicts that Venice will make landfall in 35 hours at 125 mph … making it a major Category 3 hurricane,” said Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Department of Emergency Management. press conference on Tuesday morning.

Tampa and St. Petersburg emerged as among the most likely targets for their first direct hit by a major hurricane in a century. But the latest track projection means Yang is expected to hit further south along the coast.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered Monday in some areas around Tampa Bay, and officials asked others in the area to leave voluntarily.

“It’s important to say that you’re not out of the woods yet in the Tampa Bay region. There’s still going to be storm surge in the Tampa Bay region,” Guthrie said. “You need to continue to heed the warnings that are in effect for Pinellas, Tampa, Manata, Hillsborough. Do not return yet if you have evacuated.”

Forecasters said a tropical storm could develop along Florida’s southwest coast Tuesday evening. According to them, hurricanes are expected on the west coast of the state on Wednesday morning.

“Strengthening is expected later this morning as Ian exits over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico,” the National Hurricane Center said said. “Ian is forecast to approach Florida’s west coast as a dangerously strong hurricane.”

A storm with strong winds and life-threatening storm surge hit Cuba on Tuesday morning, according to forecasters. Some areas could see up to 16 inches of rain, and the storm surge could raise water levels as much as 14 feet along western Cuba.

Contributed by Associated Press