Hurricane Ian: Dangerous and Costly

Floridians are scrambling to prepare for the potential destruction Hurricane Ian might bring as the storm passes through Cuba.

Forbes reported that over 1 million homes along the Florida Gulf are at risk of destruction brought on by Hurricane Ian. 

Additionally, Hurricane Ian has the potential to be one of the costliest storms in US history with a reconstructive cost value of approximately $258.3 billion (estimated by CoreLogic). 

Hurricane Ian is expected to hit central Florida, as a category 4 storm. Residents of the Tampa area are estimated to be the first to receive a direct hit. The last major hurricane that made a direct hit to the Tampa area was in 1921, over 100 years ago. Residents in Orlando, Tallahassee and Jacksonville are also at risk of receiving at least tropical storm-force winds. 

Cuba is already experiencing the devastating effects Hurricane Ian left in its wake. At least 40,000 people were evacuated before the storm triggered floods, mudslides and blackouts on Tuesday. 

Hurricane Ian is predicted to make landfall along the southwest Florida coast between Wednesday and Thursday.