Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian is expected to have a severe impact on Florida over the next two days possibly hitting the state as a major hurricane.

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been issued as officials prepare for widespread damage.

Residents are stocking up on supplies and making preparations.

In the last update from the National Hurricane Center, the storm has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts. Ian is a category 3 hurricane and is expected to strengthen later this morning.

Heavy rain is expected with rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches for the Florida Keys and South Florida. Central West Florida could see 12 to 16 inches and for Northeast Florida and the remainder of the Central Florida Peninsula, rainfall warnings of 5 to 10 inches are possible. Locally rainfall amounts could be higher.

Very strong winds are also expected. Across the western coast of Florida from Spring Hill to Cape Coral including Tampa Bay, winds could gust to 125 mph (200 km/h).

Large swells and storm surge are also expected.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency ahead of the storm.