Ian’s pressure continues to drop, hurricane warning in effect

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - As of 8 p.m. Hurricane Ian’s pressure continues to drop tonight now down to 965 millibars with winds staying the same for now at 100 mph and gusts up to 120 mph.

Tonight It will be moving closer to the Cuban coast, and where it moves from the Caribbean into the SE Gulf waters and how strong it is when it gets there will be valuable information for the future forecast track.

At 8 p.m., the center of Hurricane Ian was located about 130 miles southeast of the southern tip of Cuba. Ian is moving toward the north-northwest near 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds are the same as the 5 p.m. update with 100 mph and 120 mph gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.

A turn toward the north-northeast with a further reduction in forward speed is forecast on Wednesday.

The forecast uncertainty is starting to fade as models come into agreement. It is looking like the Suncoast will see a powerful storm just off the coast that will bring with it multiple hazards.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Charlotte, Hardee, Desoto and Highlands Counties. Sarasota and Manatee are under a hurricane warning and the entire coast has a storm surge warning. Do not judge this storm by how strong it is now, but by how strong it is forecast to become.

There will be multiple threats including heavy rain of 6-12 inches with some higher amounts in isolated areas, dangerous storm surge of 4-10 feet above the ground, and possible hurricane and tropical storm winds for an extended period of time. Expect power outages, roads that become impassable and, possible isolated tornados.

Today will feature a mix of sun and clouds and mostly afternoon and early evening thunderstorms and showers. You should take advantage of today’s weather to complete any errands you need to run to get the last of your supplies or secure your boat. Make sure you have all the parts necessary to install shutters if necessary and closely monitor forecasts.

Even though the current track of the storm suggests the core of the strongest winds will remain offshore, that is not written in stone and our weather in the days ahead will be highly dependent on the location of Ian tomorrow night into Thursday.

Additionally, even a storm at sea can have a large impact far away by sending out thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and large and dangerous wave action.

A tropical storm warning is up from Englewood southward. Sarasota and Manatee have a hurricane warning and the entire coast has a storm surge watch.