Status: 09/27/2022 1:20 p.m
Hurricane Ian made landfall off the coast of Cuba. The extent of the damage is still completely open. According to meteorologists, the storm could even gain strength on its way towards the USA.
Hurricane Ian hit Cuba. According to the US Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm has now reached Category 3 out of a total of 5 warning levels.
“Ian” hit land with wind speeds of up to 205 kilometers per hour in the province of Pinar del Río in the west of the Caribbean island. Meteorologists had warned that the hurricane could bring life-threatening storm surges, hurricanes, flash floods and landslides. As a precaution, around 50,000 people were brought to safety in regions near the coast. According to Cuban state media, 55 emergency shelters have been set up.
The first signs of the storm could already be felt in Cuba on Monday evening. The first light floods occurred in the coastal regions in the west of the island. On the southern Isla de la Juventud, the power went out at times, as reported by the Cubadebate portal. About 40 percent of the customers of the local utility in Pinar del Río were without power on Tuesday, the Cuban news agency ACN reported. The strong gusts would have damaged lines and knocked over power poles.
All of Florida in a state of emergency
According to forecasts, “Ian” will continue to move towards the USA and is expected to hit the Florida coast here on Wednesday or Thursday. The state governor, Ron DeSantis, declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties as a precaution. He also warned of “heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surges and isolated tornadoes” in connection with the hurricane. The NHC reckons that “Ian” could still gain strength and reach Category 4.
Residents should prepare emergency supplies as a precaution, DeSantis appealed to the population. Sandbags were distributed free of charge in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and other places so that the population could protect their homes against possible flooding.
“Artemis” rocket back in the hangar
The signs of the hurricane had already led to NASA having to postpone the launch of the unmanned rocket of the “Artemis I” moon expedition planned for today. The missile has since been returned to a hangar.
The start of the first of a total of three “Artemis” missions could even be delayed until November. The aim of the “Artemis” expeditions is to send a human to the moon again.