HURRICANE IAN Live Blog: Ian Heads to South Carolina

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - We’re covering the impacts of Ian after it moved across the state of Florida causing damage in North Central Florida. Ian is the first storm of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane season to threaten the state.

This story will be updated with the latest news regarding the storm.

5:00 a.m. Hurricane Ian update

Hurricane Ian continues to pull away from Florida. The storm is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast by Friday afternoon as a Cat 1 Hurricane. A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect along the NE Florida coast, including the St. Johns River. Weather conditions begin to improve across north-central Florida today.

11:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Ian update

Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen east of St. Augustine as it spins away from Florida. Ian is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina Coastline by Friday afternoon as a Cat 1 Hurricane with a storm surge of 3-7 ft.

7:55 p.m. DeSantis recounts damage caused by Hurricane Ian

Gov. Ron DeSantis says he toured the damage caused by Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida on Thursday. He says the damage was “almost indescribable” with many homes being total losses. He says the worst of the damage he saw was in Fort Myers Beach

According to the governor, more than 700 confirmed rescues have been performed and more will be reported. On Thursday night, first responders are going home by home in some areas to determine if anyone needs assistance.

The confirmed number of fatalities will not be released for several days, DeSantis says. He anticipates many casualties and some people are still in harm’s way.

Lee County had a water main break causing the water system to go down. The state is shuttling water to health care facilities in the county. The state has also set up fuel depots to aid in recovery efforts.

As of 6 p.m., 2.6 million power outages were reported. Hundreds of thousands of customers’ power have been restored. About 42,000 linemen are working to restore power. In some areas, the governor says, infrastructure will have to be rebuilt.

FEMA is offering help to those impacted by the storm at disasterassistance.gov. Those who plan to apply should collect evidence of the damage including photos and video.

The first lady is spearheading the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to offer assistance to those in need. The fund has already raised more than $10 million for relief efforts. A number of companies donated to the fund along with small-dollar donors.

7:15 p.m. Gray teams with Salvation Army for Hurricane Ian relief effort

Gray Television, the parent company of TV20, is teaming with The Salvation Army to support relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Ian.

The best way to support survivors is with a financial contribution, which allows The Salvation Army to meet immediate and long-term needs. During emergency disasters, 100 percent of designated gifts are used to support specific relief efforts.

People can donate to the Support the Sunshine State effort by visiting Give.HelpSalvationArmy.org, calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or by texting STORM to 51555.

5:30 p.m. People from across the country help those devastated by Hurricane Ian

The American Red Cross is asking for volunteers and donations to help those impacted by the storm. 730 trained Red Cross disaster workers are assisting the recovery effort with hundreds more on the way.

83 truckloads of additional cots, blankets, and comfort kits, along with tens of thousands of relief supplies, are being prepared to help as many as 60,000 people. The Red Cross has also sent several hundred blood products to ensure blood remains available for patients in areas impacted by the storm.

If you need a safe place to stay, find open shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Click here to find out how you can help the Red Cross’ effort.

The state has also activated the Florida Disaster Fund to help communities recovering from the hurricane. Click here to donate.

5:00 p.m. Ian returns to Hurricane status

Ian has now been upgraded back to a hurricane with sustained winds of 75mph.

A landfall in South Carolina is expected during the day on Friday with conditions deteriorating there as early as Thursday night.

4:30 p.m. Storm surge floods Atlantic Coast of Florida

The Gulf Coast of Florida wasn’t the only place in the state impacted by the storm surge from Ian. The Atlantic Coast, including Daytona and St. Augustine, went underwater on Thursday.

Pictures from Crescent Beach show Highway A1A underwater.

In downtown St. Augustine, a restaurant showed floodwaters up to the front door.

2:15 p.m. Tropical Storm Ian update

Tropical Storm Ian has exited the Florida peninsula and out in the Atlantic Ocean with winds of 70mph. It is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane and make landfall in South Carolina later in the day on Friday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also gave an update on the emergency response efforts.

1:25 p.m. North Central Florida fire rescue crews headed to Southwest Florida

According to Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant, Florida USA Task Force 8 is being deployed to Charlotte County to help those most impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The 26-member team includes 10 Marion County Fire Rescue crew members, and 8 members from both Ocala Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue.

12:00 p.m. Clean-up efforts are underway in NCFL

Crews are out cutting up fallen trees and repairing power lines in North Central Florida after Ian brought strong winds and rain to the region.

In Gainesville at the Creek Wood Apartment Complex, a tree fell onto a resident’s pickup truck. The truck suffered denting and damage to the tailgate.

11:30 a.m. Power outages across North Central Florida

Electric Utility crews are out working to restore power across North Central Florida following the storm.

Nearly 9,000 customers are reporting outages in Alachua County. Marion County is reporting 11,00 outages. The most severe outages in the region are in Putnam County where nearly 13,000 people are without power.

Columbia County is reporting about 1,500 outages. Union county reports less than 400. State-wide more than 2.6 million outages are reported. The most impacted areas of the state are Southwest Florida and Volusia County.

The power outages have caused intersections lights to go out. In Gainesville, a number of lights were out on University Avenue and along 13th Street, they have since been restored. According to guidance from the state of Florida, if traffic signals are out of order, “stop as you would for a four-way stop sign.”

11:00 a.m. Ian moves into the Atlantic

The center of Tropical Storm Ian exited the Florida east coast and is now located about 25 miles offshore of Cape Canaveral.

The storm is forecast to remain off the coast, heading towards South Carolina where a Hurricane Warning is now in effect.

Gusty winds and some rain remain in the forecast for North-Central Florida on Thursday.

10:50 a.m. Levy and Marion County shelters to close

Both Marion County and Levy County are preparing to close their shelters and are no longer accepting new people.

10:00 a.m. GPD searches for missing woman from the Tampa area

The Gainesville Police Department is aiding in the search for Ann Bigham, 81, of Tarpon Springs. Her family says she left home to avoid Hurricane Ian on Monday and has not been seen since.

Officers have reason to believe she was in Gainesville. She may be traveling in a 2014, white Honda CRV, FL tag number Z633KG.

9:15 a.m. Alachua County deactivates shelters as the storm moves past

Alachua County is no longer accepting new shelter residents as they begin to deactivate the shelters. County officials say because Ian shifted dramatically to the east, they are deactivating the shelters.

Officials warn the county is still expected to receive some strong winds throughout the day.

Alachua County Fire Rescue is preparing to send crews and equipment to help people in the areas hit hardest by the storm in Southwest Florida.

Alachua County’s 311 Critical Information Line will be deactivated at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

9:00 a.m. DeSantis explains the damage caused by Ian

While speaking from the Emergency Operations Center, Gov. Ron DeSantis said rescue efforts are underway by the National Guard and Coast Guard in Southwest Florida including the barrier islands and coastal areas.

Millions of power outages were reported across the state with the largest amount in Southwest Florida. He says Lee and Charlotte counties are “basically off the grid.” Linemen and crews are on the way to those areas.

FDOT is working to ensure roadways are open. Most of I-75 is open, however, parts of the interstate near Fort Myers are still closed. Work is underway to reopen bridges once they are determined to be safe. At least two bridges will need to be repaired.

Waters are rising on the St. Johns River especially in Seminole County. The governor says the river will flood in Northeast Florida as well.

The federal government has made a major disaster declaration for seven counties so far, but DeSantis is asking for more counties to be declared disasters. Florida has been approved 100% federal assistance.

8:00 a.m. Ian moving offshore as a tropical storm

The 8:00 a.m. update shows the storm’s center of circulation west of Cape Canaveral. North Central Florida is still expected to feel Ian’s effects throughout Thursday, whether or not the storm strengthens in the Atlantic.

7:30 a.m. Deltona man drowns after going outside during storm

Ian can now be described as a deadly storm after the death of a man in Central Florida. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a 72-year-old man drowned after going outside to drain his pool around 1:00 a.m. while the storm was hitting. Deputies pulled him from a canal behind his house and performed CPR, but were unable to revive him.

5:00 a.m. Ian downgraded to a tropical storm, headed toward Atlantic Ocean

The storm is still expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of North Central Florida throughout the day.

2:00 a.m. Ian Holding On As a Cat1 Hurricane

Hurricane Ian is now 50 miles Southwest of Melbourne.

Wind speeds have dropped to 75 mph as it moves NE at 9 mph across central Florida.

Heavy rain and strong winds could impact portions NCFL through the day on Thursday.

Rainfall potential of 5-15″ of rain in some areas across NCFL. The threat of storm surge and tornadoes

will continue through mid-day along the NE Florida Coast.

12:30 a.m. Power outage maps across North Central Florida and the state

You can stay up to date on where power outages are across North Central Florida and across the state by clicking on these links HERE

http://outagemap.clayelectric.com/

https://gru.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/53a6c6788b9641d483a05223d3d5ec63

http://www.fplmaps.com/

http://outages.ocalafl.org/

http://nsa.cfec.com:81/

https://stormcenter.secoenergy.com/

https://outages.svec-coop.com/

Here is our 11 p.m. update on power outages across North Central Florida.

11:00 p.m. Ian Downgraded to a Cat1 Hurricane

Hurricane Ian is now 70 miles South of Orlando.

Wind speeds have dropped to 90 mph as moves NNE at 8 mph across central Florida.

Heavy rain and strong winds will impact NCFL through Thursday.

Rainfall potential of 10-15″ of rain in some areas across NCFL. Isolated tornadoes will be possible as well.

11:20 p.m. Hundreds of people take shelter in Marion County

Emergency management officials say about 300 people are taking shelter at one of the seven emergency shelters located in Marion County.

8:00 p.m. Ian Approaching Sebring Florida as It Holds on as a Cat3 Storm

Hurricane Ian is now 95 miles South-Southwest of Orlando.

Wind speeds have dropped to 115 mph as slides NNE across the state.

Heavy rain and strong winds will impact NCFL through Thursday.

Flooding could be a factor late Thursday and beyond with the potential of 10-15″ of rain in some areas.

7:32 p.m. Flights canceled at Gainesville Regional Airport

American Airlines is canceling flights on Wednesday and Thursday at the Gainesville Regional Airport due to Hurricane Ian. American Airlines planes to resume flights on Friday.

Delta Airlines will operate their flight at 7:56 p.m. on Wednesday. All flights afterward will be canceled through Thursday

7:00 p.m. Hurricane Ian Moves Inland Across SW Florida

Hurricane Ian is now 100 miles South-Southwest of Orlando.

Wind speeds have decreased to 125 mph as the storm moves further inland.

As Ian continues NNE through the state, impacts will be felt here in NCFL with heavy rain and strong winds through Thursday.

Earlier on Wednesday, water receded along the North Central Florida coastline as Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida.

5:30 p.m. Gov. Ron Desantis gives update on Hurricane Ian

4:25 p.m. More than a million without power in Florida

As Hurricane Ian moves across the state, more than 1 million electric customers are without power. Most of the outages are in Southwest Florida with Lee County reporting the largest percent of outages.

For more information about outages click here.

4:15 p.m. Tree falls on house in Gainesville

Gainesville Fire Rescue crews rescued someone trapped in a home after stormy weather brought a tree down.

Crews responded to the home on Northwest 12th Terrace on Tuesday afternoon on reports someone was trapped inside. Crews were able to rescue the resident. No injuries were reported.

3:30 p.m. FEMA teams in Lake City, Miami

Two FEMA teams are in Lake City waiting to respond to the areas hardest hit by the storm according to Manatee County Emergency Operations Center officials.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday morning that it is ready to respond to the potentially devastating major hurricane. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said, “Search and rescue remains a top priority.” Criswell said search and rescue teams are staged in Miami. She urged people to listen to local evacuation orders, but said for some it is now too late.

RELATED: “Search and rescue remains a top priority,” - FEMA

2:22 p.m. Hurricane Ian officially makes landfall

2:00 p.m. Hurricane Ian forecast update

Hurricane Ian is still intensifying as it approaches areas of southwest Florida with landfall at this time imminent.

An incredible storm surge is happening in areas near Ft. Myers at this time.

The track still brings Ian up through central Florida with heavy rain and winds up and over tropical storm force to NCFL through the day on Thursday.

1:00 p.m DeSantis gives Ian update at Emergency Operations Center

12:00 p.m. Hurricane Ian eyewall impacts Southwest Florida coast

The eyewall of Hurricane Ian is scraping the coastline of Lee County, west of Fort Myers, with winds of around 155 mph.

The strongest winds and highest storm surge will be affecting the coastline of Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties over the next few hours.

The storm will begin to move inland this afternoon.

10:15 a.m. Hurricane Ian approaches the coastline

Powerful Hurricane Ian is approaching the coastline of SW Florida.

Max winds are now near 155 mph near the center. The area of strongest winds will affect the Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota County coast over the next few hours.

A storm surge of 12 to 16 feet is possible in that area over the next few hours.

10:00 a.m. DeSantis gives Hurricane Ian update in Lake City

Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a briefing at the fairgrounds in Columbia County where utility crews are being processed.

6:35 a.m. Hurricane Ian is nearing Category 5 status

Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen. Ian has wind speeds of 155 mph. Pressures continue to drop as it approaches the Southwest coast of Florida.

A storm surge of 10 to 12 ft will affect the coastal communities along Florida’s Southwest Coast as the storm moves onshore just after Noon.

5:00 a.m. Hurricane Ian reaches Category 4 status

Hurricane Ian is now 75 miles South-Southwest of Naples.

The latest advisory states that there has been a drop in pressure in the center of the hurricane and increased winds.

As expected, the storm has reached Category 4 status. It is projected to make landfall by the afternoon.

2:00 a.m. Hurricane Ian SW of Ft. Myers

Hurricane Ian is now southwest of Ft. Myers with winds estimated at 120 mph with gusts to 150 mph.

A storm surge of 10 to 12 ft will affect the coastal communities along Florida’s Southwest Coast as the storm moves onshore just after Noon.

During the day on Wednesday, gusty winds along with some damaging winds are possible along with isolated tornadoes.

12:00 a.m. Hurricane Ian 100 miles SW of Naples

Hurricane Ian is now southwest of Naples with multiple tornado warnings being issued for SE and SW Florida.

High seas and a storm surge will precede landfall which is forecast to occur just after Noon.

A rain shield will overtake NCFL during the day on Wednesday with some damaging winds late in the day with isolated tornadoes.

11:30 p.m. Hurricane Ian moves past the Florida Keys

Hurricane Ian is now northwest of the Florida Keys but rainbands are already reaching the state. Those bands have caused tornado warnings to be issued in Southwest Florida.

The rain is likely to last for three days as it slows down and moves up the state.

Winds were recorded at 120 mph. The storm is expected to reach Category 4 status before reaching land.

11:00 p.m. Gov. DeSantis gives update on Hurricane Ian

Gov. Ron DeSantis says now is the time to evacuate as the storm approaches the Sarasota area.

The storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday.

DeSantis expects widespread power outages and is working with utilities quickly restore power after the storm.

8:00 p.m. Ian heads towards Southwest Florida

Hurricane is maintaining a Category three status with 120 mph windspeeds. Ian is headed in a northern trajectory headed toward the Southwest Florida coast.

Landfall is still anticipated Wednesday afternoon as a Category 4.

North Central Florida will begin to be impacted during the day Wednesday.

7:00 p.m. Ian Passing Just West of Key West

Tropical Storm force winds over 65 mph are now moving through Key West. Hurricane Ian is expected to strengthen to Cat 4

before making landfall along SW Florida in the early afternoon of Wednesday.

6:15 p.m. millions in Florida are under evacuation orders

According to Gov. Ron DeSantis, more than 2 million Floridians are under orders to evacuate

Levy County has a mandatory evacuation order for coastal communities, RV parks, mobile homes, and low-lying areas.

For Gilchrist County, there is a voluntary evacuation for low-lying areas and mobile homes.

Clay County will be starting voluntary evacuations of zones A, B and C, North Prong and South Prong on Wednesday at noon.

Click here to view your evacuation zone.

5:30 p.m. Gov. DeSantis gives a hurricane update

Gov. DeSantis announces emergency interstate shoulder use on some roadways, but not I-75. Toll roads have been suspended in Central and South Florida.

About 100 shelters have opened in the state so far and more are set to open.

5:00 p.m. Hurricane Ian update

The latest forecast for Hurricane Ian has the projected track shifting east. The storm is expected to make landfall south of Tampa.

The Category Three hurricane has windspeeds of 120 mph.

The storm is expected to move north after making landfall. North Central Florida could receive tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall.

4:15 p.m. Columbia County Declares State of Emergency

Columbia County leaders have declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Ian approaches.

The Citizens Information Center (CIC) will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning and will remain open 24/7 throughout the duration of the storm. The hotline number is 386-719-7530.

Special needs and general population shelters open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday

• Pinemount Elementary School - 324 SW Gabriel PlaceLake City, FL 32024. Special needs and general population hybrid shelter.
• Winfield Community Center - 1324 NW Winfield St.Lake City, Fl. 32055
• Fort White High School - 17828 SW State Road 47Fort White, Fl. 32038

Waste pickup service will run normal operations until noon Wednesday and will resume normal operating hours when storm conditions have ceased.

2:00 p.m. Hurricane Ian update

Hurricane Ian is approaching Central Florida as it gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico. Wind speeds were measured at 120 mph.

The latest forecast shows the storm is most likely to make landfall south of Tampa, but North Central Florida is still in the cone of uncertainty.

The region is expected to get heavy rainfall.

1:30 p.m. Schools Cancel Classes on Friday

Several schools district that had chosen to cancel classes only on Wednesday and Thursday, like Marion and Levy counties, are now also canceling school on Friday.

Santa Fe College will close on Tuesday by 5 p.m. All evening classes that start at 4 p.m. or later are canceled.

The college will remain closed through Sunday.

1:10 p.m. Utilities use Lake City as a Staging Ground

Hundreds of electric utility trucks are waiting at the fairgrounds in Lake City. When it is safe to do so, the trucks will travel to the areas of the state hit hardest by the storm to restore power.

12:45 p.m. Orlando International Airport to shut down

In preparation for Hurricane Ian, the Orlando International Airport will cease operations on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. It is expected to remain closed through Friday.

12:20 p.m. Citrus County Mandatory Evacuation

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners has issued a mandatory evacuation for Zone A of the county. This zone includes all low-lying areas west of U.S. Highway 19 and some areas additional areas east of U.S. Highway 19.

All other areas of Citrus County are advised to voluntary evacuate, especially those citizens living in mobile homes, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles.

Click here to view your evacuation zone.

12:00 p.m. UF Game Day Rescheduled

Due to Hurricane Ian, the University of Florida vs. Eastern Washington football game will not be held on Saturday. It has been rescheduled for Sunday at noon. All tickets will be honored.

Classes at the Unversity of Florida are also canceled from Wednesday through Friday.

11 a.m. Hurricane Ian Update

Ian, after spending much of the morning over Cuba, has now moved off the Cuban coast into the SE Gulf of Mexico.

Max winds are now near 115 mph, but some strengthening is likely now that the center is over water. Ian’s forward progress will slow as it approaches the SW coast of Florida later Wednesday.

9:52 a.m. Flights will be canceled in Tampa

Tampa International Airport will suspend all operations beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday due to the storm which is threatening the Tampa region. The airport will use the early closure time to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft.

The airport will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.

9:45 a.m. Alachua County Schools to Close

Alachua County has announced schools will be closed from Wednesday through Friday.

RELATED: NCFL schools, colleges set close due to Hurricane Ian

4:30 a.m. Ian makes landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane.

Hurricane Ian has made landfall over western Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane. Ian made landfall with wind speeds of 125 mph.

After entering the Gulf, Ian could grow even stronger before approaching the west coast of Florida late Wednesday/early Thursday where it is expected to slow its forward speed to 5 mph or less and slowly lose some strength.

Areas of NCFL are now under a Hurricane and/or a Tropical Storm Watch. Storm Suge Watches are also in effect for the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.

2:30 a.m. Ian Now a Category 3 Near Landfall in Cuba

Hurricane Ian wind speeds have increased to 115 mph with higher gusts just off the coast of western Cuba.

After entering the Gulf, Ian could grow even stronger before approaching the west coast of Florida late Wednesday/early Thursday where it is expected to slow its

forward speed to 5 mph or less and slowly lose some strength.

Areas of NCFL are now under a Hurricane and/or a Tropical Storm Watch. Storm Suge Watches are also in effect for the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.

2 a.m. Ian Just Shy of Category 3 South of Cuba

Hurricane Ian wind speeds have increased to 110 mph with higher gusts as the storm approaches the coast of Cuba.

The storm will continue to intensify before approaching the west coast of Florida late Wednesday/early Thursday where it is expected to slow its forward speed to

less than 5 mph and lose some strength.

Areas of NCFL are now under a Hurricane and/or a Tropical Storm Watch. These watches are issued 48 hrs before the onset of Tropical Storm conditions for an area.

11 p.m. Ian a Stronger Category Two Hurricane Near Cuba

Hurricane Ian maintains Category Two status as it moves closer to western Cuba. Wind speeds have increased to 105 mph with higher gusts.

Areas of NCFL are now under a Hurricane and/or a Tropical Storm Watch. These watches are issued 48 hrs before the onset of Tropical Storm conditions for an area.

The storm will continue to intensify before approaching the west coast of Florida late Wednesday/early Thursday.

8 p.m. Hurricane Ian Maintains Category Two Status

Hurricane Ian maintains Category Two status as it moves closer to western Cuba. Wind speeds were estimated at 100 mph with higher gusts.

The storm is expected to intensify before approaching the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.

5 p.m. Hurricane Ian upgraded to Category Two

The latest report on Hurricane Ian has it classified as a Category Two hurricane. Wind speeds were measured at 100 mph.

The storm is south of Cuba. The forecast path has shifted east slightly putting Tampa Bay in the center of the cone.

3:45 p.m. Dixie County cancels school

The county is canceling classes from Wednesday through Friday.

Dixie County is offering free pre-filled sandbags. The bags were filed by inmates. They ask people not to take more than they need.

• County Yard Department - 151 S.E. 309th St., Cross City

2:45 p.m. Marion County Public Schools cancels classes ahead of Ian

Marion County issues a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Ian.

Marion County Public Schools are closed from Wednesday through Thursday. A decision on whether to close school on Friday will be made later this week.

The county will open emergency shelters and offer free sandbags.

2:15 p.m. Hurricane Ian moves toward Cuba

Hurricane Ian is southwest of Cuba and headed toward the Gulf of Mexico. Wind speeds were recorded at 85 mph.

The storm is expected to develop into a major hurricane. It may reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.

12:00 p.m. Alachua County issues state of emergency ahead of storm

Alachua County is now under a Local State of Emergency in preparation for Hurricane Ian which is expected to impact the region Thursday or Friday.

Officials are preparing for possible Tropical Storm force winds and more than a foot of rainfall.

Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line.

Sandbags will be available at Wayside Park at 11855 N.W. US 441 starting at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Emergency shelters are also set to open on Tuesday.

Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe and city leaders will host a one-hour telephone town hall meeting tomorrow, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. to update neighbors about local storm preparations in advance of Hurricane Ian.

11:35 a.m. FGC announces campus will close due to Ian

Florida Gateway College is closing campus from Thursday through Sunday due to the approaching storm. Officials say the closure includes all offices, residence halls, and satellite locations.

At this time, FGC is expected to resume normal operations on Monday, Oct. 3.

11:15 a.m. Ian Continues to Get Stronger

The 11 a.m. advisory for Hurricane Ian shows that the storm is slowly gaining strength. Max winds are now estimated at 80 mph...but more rapid intensification is expected later on Monday.

11:00 a.m. Gov. DeSantis Ian Update

Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses the state to provide an update on Hurricane Ian as it approaches the state of Florida.

10:50 a.m. Columbia County announces sandbag locations.

Columbia County will distribute sandbags beginning Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at three locations.

• Columbia County Public Works, 607 N.W. Quinten St., Lake City, FL 32055
• Southside Sports Complex, 1963 S.W. Bascom Norris Dr., Lake City, FL 32025
• Ft. White Community Center, 17579 FL-47, Fort White, FL 32038

ALL SANDBAG LOCATIONS: Free sandbag pickup locations in North Central Florida

Ian Gaining Strength

Ian was upgraded from a Tropical Storm into a hurricane early on Monday morning as the system approached Cuba. The storm was measured with wind speeds of 80 mph.

The storm was forecasted to make landfall somewhere along the Florida gulf coast. North Central Florida sits in the center of the “Cone of Uncertainty.” Ian is expected to make landfall sometime between Thursday and Friday.

RELATED: Ian becomes a Hurricane, North Central Florida is in the cone of uncertainty

Stay tuned to WCJB TV20 for the latest updates and remember to download the WCJB TV20 Weather App so you can follow Ian in real-time with the latest Tracks; Watches; Warnings; Advisories and even Local Radar.

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