Hurricane Ian is currently a Category 4 with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, and is 120 miles south of Sarasota, Florida, moving North at 10 mph. Heavy and nearly stationary rain band setting up along the Interstate 4 corridor. The eyewall is 53 miles across, and the storm is twice as wide as the Florida peninsula. Areas that don’t normally experience flash flooding, could. Lives and property in greater danger. Urban, small stream, and overland flooding can happen quickly and catch people unaware.

Embedded tornadoes will continue within Ian’s outer rainbands across the Southern and Central Peninsula this morning (Wednesday), with the risk expanding northward through the day.

Watch, Warnings, Advisories for Hernando County

• Hurricane Watch
• Tropical Storm Warning
• Storm Surge Watch
• Flood Watch

Hurricane Ian Projected Impacts:

• The Withlacoochee River is in action stage. Residents in this area should continue to monitor for updates and be prepared to seek higher ground if needed.
• Possible significant tornado event expected as Ian interacts with a cold front in Central Florida.
• Possible wind speeds of 39 – 73+ mph
• Storm Surge possibility at 4 – 6 feet
• Rain possible forecast for 12” – 18”.
• Rapid onset flooding (flash floods) probability of 40%

Recommended Actions for Hernando County Residents:

• Evacuation Orders and Public Shelter Voluntary Evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county wide, are included. Residents are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday September 27, 2022 at the below addresses for residents in these areas.
  • Challenger K-8 – Special Needs 13400 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609
  • The Mining Association Enrichment Center – General Population and Pet Friendly 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601
  • Explorer K-8 – General Population and Pet Friendly 10252 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34608
• Do not drive through standing water and flooded areas, turn around. Once in a safe location please call in any flooded areas to the EOC at 352-754-4083. “Turn around don’t drown”.
• As wind speeds increase the chance of downed power poles and power lines increases. Do not approach and/or touch downed poles and lines.
• Take this opportunity to refresh your emergency supply kit. For more information, visit http://www.HernandoCounty.us/EM
• Register for automated severe weather notifications at http://www.AlertHernando.org

• PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER: (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111 (Recorded)