Hurricane Ian Sets Focus On Florida & Southeast
Good morning everyone. Obviously we have a lot going on and many facets to cover as far as Hurricane Ian. We also have some beautiful weather in the Northeast, but we shift priorities to discuss what to expect down in Florida and the Southeast.
SATELLITE
Briefly, the NYC Metro area has some fantastic weather until the remnants of Ian pay a visit (or a close visit). We’ll have AM sunshine today, then sun & clouds. We could see a popcorn shower or two, with highs in the mid 70’s.
Tomorrow we begin to usher in slightly cooler air with sunshine and low 70’s, then near 70 Wednesday with clouds and sun. We could also see a brief shower as reinforcing shots of cool air head in. We’ll have sunshine and upper 60’s Thursday, then increasing high clouds late Friday with more upper 60’s.
WEATHER RADAR
For our tropical update, Hurricane Ian is looking very healthy aside from some slight shear on the western quadrant of the system. Those are the steering currents guiding it on a more NW/NNW track as it gathers strength. Right now we are looking at winds 75-80mph, and we are expecting it to become a Category 4 Hurricane depending on its interaction with Cuba.
Because of this, areas not directly hit will still see impacts from Ian. We’ll start off with the FL Keys first. We will see winds picking up late tonight/tomorrow morning in the central and western/southern Keys, including Key West. For those in the area, expect heavy rain bands and squalls that will cause flooding in typical, flood prone areas. You will also see tidal departures that’ll cause minor to moderate flooding in low-lying areas.
As Ian spins west of the FL Keys, we will see where landfall is expected. Regardless, those on the west coast of Florida need to take immediate action now if you are in coastal, low lying areas. Areas from Marco Island, to Ft Myers, and up to Tampa & New Port Richey, will experience possible life threatening storm surges in spots, EVEN IF IAN DOESN’T MAKE LANDFALL THERE. You will be on the eastern side of the system, which means even without a direct hit, a lot of water will be coming your way. Expect surges possibly 3-6ft above ground in spots, and even greater if Ian wobbles closer and/or makes landfall on the central W. coast of FL.
Aside from the surge feature, we will see torrential rain, tropical storm force winds at a minimum, hurricane force winds if he wobbles close, and severe weather; including numerous brief tornadoes.
We will go into detail as to where to expect landfall once Ian makes it past Cuba, but we are not done yet with the forecast. Wherever landfall occurs, the Southeast in general is up next for Ian. As our old front is energized and is pushed back north, combined with Ian’s moisture and energy, we can expect flooding rains in the Southeast, tropical storm force winds or gusts, and widespread severe weather. This will mean that even though you’re not in Ian’s immediate path as far as a landfalling hurricane, you can still see flash flooding and downed trees/property damage.
Stay tuned as we work it all out and keep an eye on the situation. Again, the time is now for the west coast of Florida, as well as the Panhandle, to prepare.
BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE METEOROLOGIST JOE CIOFFI WEATHER APP &
ANGRY BEN’S FREE WEATHER APP “THE ANGRY WEATHERMAN!
MANY THANKS TO TROPICAL TIDBITS & F5 WEATHER FOR THE USE OF MAPS
Please note that with regards to any severe weather, tropical storms, or hurricanes, should a storm be threatening, please consult your local National Weather Service office or your local government officials about what action you should be taking to protect life and property.