Florida pummelled by the most powerful storms in US history

Florida, The Gulf Observer: One of the most powerful storms in US history has barrelled into Florida’s southwest coast with sustained winds of up to 150mph (241kph) and torrential rain.

Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa as an “extremely dangerous” category four storm but was close to being the maximum level of five (when there are winds of at least 157mph/252kph).

US President Joe Biden said Ian is incredibly dangerous, and he urged residents to obey all warnings related to the category four storm.

The storm surge, which has likely peaked, was as high as 12ft (3.6 meters) above ground level in some areas, and “life-threatening” flooding was predicted.

Ian was expected to dump 12-18in (30-45cm) of rain across a broad area including Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville in the state’s northeast corner.

The town of Fort Myers Beach was almost submerged by floodwaters, and some homes could be seen floating downstream, along with cars.

US President Joe Biden said Ian is incredibly dangerous, and he urged residents to obey all warnings related to the storm.

More than two million people were under evacuation orders. Cayo Costa is about 90 miles (145 km) south of Tampa and just west of Fort Myers.

The landfall zone has miles of sandy beaches, scores of resort hotels and numerous mobile home parks.

Even as Ian lashed the coast in the final hours before it swept ashore, authorities put residents on notice that it was too late for anyone who had yet to evacuate to safely do so.

The storm has now been downgraded to a category 3 hurricane, but residents in central Florida could still experience severe winds.