Tropical Storm Ian is making its way toward the state of Florida, expected to turn into a hurricane on Monday 26 September.
Ian gathered pace towards western Cuba on 25 September. The national government evacuated tourists amid expectations of life-threatening storm surges.
The US National Hurricane Centre said Ian was expected to evolve into a major hurricane on the eastern Gulf of Mexico by midweek, but noted that uncertainty in the track and intensity of Ian was higher than usual.
The Port of Key West will transition to port condition YANKEE on Monday at 10.00 am EST in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian.
Port/Condition YANKEE means gale force winds are expected within 24 hours, and the port will close.
The U.S. Coast Guard has set port condition WHISKEY for Port Panama City, the Port of Pensacola, JAXPORT, and Port Canaveral.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in all 67 of the state’s counties.
