Floridians brace for Hurricane Ian as sustained winds reach 155 mph, storm nears coast

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Hurricane Ian intensified to a Category 4 storm on Tuesday with top wind speeds reaching 155 mph.

The sustained wind speeds, as of the latest update, are very close to a Category 5 strength.

Landfall is expected between the afternoon and early evening in the area near Port Charlotte and Sarasota.  The hurricane’s track, timing and intensity may change.

Residents south of Port Charlotte, in the Fort Meyers area, may see peak storm surges between 12 and 18 feet.  Many of which received mandatory evacuation orders throughout Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties.

The National Hurricane Center is reporting catastrophic wind damage along the shore where the storm is expected to make landfall.

The Red Cross established 29 shelters and is prepared to open 60 more shelters if needed.