Tropical Storm Ian has developed in the Caribbean Sea and may become a serious hurricane threat for the northwestern Caribbean and Southeast U.S. next week, including Florida.
Ian became the ninth named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season late Friday night south of Hispaniola.
As the state prepares for Ian, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 24 counties. This will make more resources available for storm preparation and will also activate members of the Florida National Guard to be put on standby ahead of Ian's arrival.
Tropical storm and hurricane watches have been issued for parts of the Caribbean.
We are still in the very early stage of tracking this latest storm. There are aspects of the forecast in which we have more confidence, while others remain uncertain, which is typical for tropical forecasting this far out in time.
Here's a look at everything we know right now about Ian.
Latest Status
Tropical Storm Ian is located in the central Caribbean Sea and is moving west-northwest.
Wind shear over the system is now lessening. This has allowed the system to first become Tropical Depression Nine early Friday morning then Tropical Storm Ian late Friday night.
[The Waether Channel]
The Cayman Islands remains under Hurricane Watch, as Tropical Depression Nine has now developed into Tropical Storm Ian.
In the current forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Ian is forecast to move across the Central Caribbean Sea through Saturday. It will then pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday before passing over Grand Cayman from Sunday night through early Monday. Tropical Storm Ian is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday night.
Overcast skies with widespread thunderstorms are expected from Sunday as the system nears the Cayman Islands. Hurricane force winds are expected for Grand Cayman. Extremely rough seas accompanied by storm surge are also expected.
Stay informed and be prepared by visiting www.gov.ky and caymanprepared.ky or tune in to Radio Cayman 89.9FM.
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