Tropical Storm Ian has developed into a hurricane that is expected to trigger strong winds, flash flooding and mudslides in Florida, Cuba and Jamaica, weather experts have warned.
The weather system is about 90 miles (150 km) southwest of the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea, according to the latest advisory released Monday by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Authorities in the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, about two hours southwest of the capital Havana, are preparing to evacuate people before the storm hits the western part of the island en route to Florida.
A hurricane warning is in place for Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, as well as Pinar del Rio and other Cuban provinces, including Isla de Juventud and Artemisa.
The NHC tweeted Monday morning: “Storm surge and potentially deadly hurricane-force winds are expected in parts of western Cuba beginning later today, and Ian is expected to be at the force of a major hurricane when near western Cuba.
“Efforts to protect life and property must be carried through.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency amid growing concerns about the hurricane’s impact, residents are urged to monitor the changing storm track and prepare for heavy rain, high winds and rising tides, causing widespread disruption, especially power outages.
Weather models predict the hurricane will track toward the west coast of Florida or the Panhandle region – but forecasters currently don’t know where it will make landfall.
Governor DeSantis said at a press conference on Sunday, “We will continue to monitor the trail of this storm.
“But it’s really important to highlight the degree of uncertainty that still exists,” he warned.
“Even if you’re not necessarily in the eye of the storm’s path, there will be fairly broad impacts across the state.”
US President Joe Biden also declared an emergency, as authorities begin to coordinate disaster relief and provide assistance to protect lives and property.
Mr Biden also delayed a planned trip to Florida on Tuesday due to the storm.
NHC senior hurricane specialist John Cangialosi has urged people to start gathering supplies – amid reports of a rush for water and generators.
“It’s a hard thing to say, stay tuned, but it’s the right message right now,” he said.
“But for those in Florida, there’s still time to prepare.
“I’m not telling you to put up your flaps or do anything like that yet, but there’s still time to refuel.”
The approaching storm also delayed another attempt scheduled for Tuesday to launch NASA’s Artemis lunar mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Meanwhile in Canada, Storm Fiona swept away homes and knocked out power in two provinces after turning from a post-tropical storm to a hurricane on Saturday.