Photo Credit: Luis Santana
Cuban authorities have taken the required precautions as Tropical Storm Ian approaches the western portion of the country. The imminent danger, which is predicted to bring devastating winds and heavy rainfall, has caused the province of Pinar del Rio to cancel classes.
Weather agencies have issued hurricane warnings for numerous provinces in Cuba, including Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Isla de Juventud. In light of Hurricane Ian’s impending landfall, Grand Cayman is also under a hurricane warning. According to the National Hurricane Center of the United States, the storm might reach land in the far western region of Cuba by Monday or Tuesday.
The famed tobacco crops of Cuba may be affected by Hurricane Ian, which might cause damage to the fields. In addition, weather authorities predict that Hurricane Ian may become tougher on Tuesday.
Cuban state media Granma reported that Monday would see the start of evacuations, notably in the western provinces, which include Pinar del Rio. In order to prepare for the mass evacuation, classes had already been canceled.
Using all information available, Hurricane Ian was 140 miles south of Grand Cayman and was heading northwest at a pace of 13 mph at 11 p.m. on Sunday. The hurricane’s top sustained wind speed was 65 mph. Residents of Florida were also forewarned of the potential harm that Hurricane Ian might do as it barrels through the Caribbean Sea and lands on the state.
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Authorities declare a state of emergency
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, quickly announced a state of emergency across the state. Because the danger might result in severe winds, torrential rain, and increasing sea levels, he warned residents to get ready. These elements may harm houses and endanger lives.
The precise position of Hurricane Ian’s potential landfall is unknown because the hurricane’s course is subject to change. However, the west coast of Florida or surrounding areas will be affected if the hurricane continues on its current course without making substantial adjustments.
“We’re going to keep monitoring the track of this storm. But it really is important to stress the degree of uncertainty that still exists. Even if you’re not necessarily right in the eye of the path of the storm, there’s going to be pretty broad impacts throughout the state,” DeSantis said during a news conference.
Authorities issued a warning in Florida, especially in the Florida Keys and the Florida peninsula, where flash floods and urban flooding are very possible. In addition to the southwestern and panhandle regions, significant precipitation is predicted for the northern and northernmost parts of the state in the later half of the week.
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The United States is on alert
Additionally, on Sunday, the meteorological organization issued a tropical storm watch for the Florida Keys and planned in case the hurricane severely disrupted the region.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security were permitted to work with local authorities in relief efforts and probable rescue operations while President Joe Biden alerted various agencies to be on the watch for Hurricane Ian. Additionally, on September 27, the president will visit Florida to evaluate the situation.
Since officials have ruled out no specific region as the path of Hurricane Ian, John Cangialosi, a senior hurricane specialist in Miami, advised residents to get ready. Residents should make all necessary preparations to ensure their safety when the hurricane hits land.
“It’s a hard thing to say stay tuned, but that’s the right message right now. But for those in Florida, it’s still time to prepare. I’m not telling you to put up your shutters yet or do anything like that, but it’s still time to get your supplies,” said the expert.
The media in Florida has reported a bump in purchases of various goods including water, generators, and other supplies in various areas, indicating that inhabitants are planning for the hurricane.
Source: NPR
