Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the U.S., swamped southwest Florida, flooding streets and buildings, knocking out power to 2 million people and threatening catastrophic damage further inland. A coastal sheriff’s office reported that it was already getting a significant number of calls from people trapped in flooded homes. Some video showed debris-covered water sloshing toward the eaves of homes. The hurricane made landfall Wednesday afternoon near Cayo Costa, a protected barrier island just west of heavily populated Fort Myers. Though expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it marches inland, Ian’s hurricane force winds are likely to be felt well into central Florida.
Hurricane Ian Swamps Southwest Florida
- By VOA News
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A man livestreams as gusts from Hurricane Ian hit Punta Gorda, Florida, on Sept. 28, 2022.
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An airplane overturned by a likely tornado produced by the outer bands of Hurricane Ian is shown Sept. 28, 2022, at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
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A blown-down street sign is seen as the eye of Hurricane Ian passes by in Punta Gorda, Florida, on Sept. 28, 2022.
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An uprooted tree, toppled by strong winds from the outer bands of Hurricane Ian, rests in a parking lot of a shopping center, Sept. 28, 2022, in Cooper City, Florida.
