How Hurricane Ian compares to Florida's most destructive storms
While the full extent of Hurricane Ian's devastation is not yet known, here is how the storm compares to the most destructive hurricanes in Florida’s history.
Hurricane Ian pummeled Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, becoming one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S.
The storm caused extensive flooding in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda and other parts of Lee and Charlotte counties, leaving 2.5 million people in the state without power. The number of deaths is unconfirmed, but President Joe Biden said Thursday that the storm may result in “substantial loss of life” and could end up being the deadliest storm in Florida history.
Ian, now downgraded to a tropical storm, continues to lash parts of Florida with heavy rain and wind. The National Hurricane Center said Thursday that Ian will likely gather strength as it charges toward South Carolina, where it is expected to make landfall again Friday as a hurricane.
Across the Florida peninsula, where Ian was one of only 15 Category 4 or 5 hurricanes to make landfall in the state since record-keeping began in 1851, recovery efforts are just beginning.
The hurricane’s 150 mph winds verged on Category 5 intensity, generating life-threatening storm surge and widespread flooding. It may take weeks or months to assess Ian’s damage, including the storm’s rainfall totals and flooding.
Rating: 5