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Tracking Hurricane Ian: Landfall Wednesday in southwest Florida
As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall in southwest Florida, most likely north of Fort Myers, meaning that area will be on the right side of the eye and face high storm surge levels. FOX 13's meteorologist Dave Osterberg breaks down the forecast path and impacts from Tampa Bay to Fort Myers to Polk County.
Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall along Florida's west coast sometime late Wednesday afternoon or early evening.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian could continue to intensify up until landfall. It was upgraded to a Category 4 storm early Wednesday morning.
MORE: County by county: Hurricane Ian emergency information
Landfall is expected sometime Wednesday afternoon as a Category 4 storm.
Hurricane-force winds were expected in Florida well in advance of the storm’s eyewall moving inland.
By Thursday afternoon, the west coast of Florida is nearly clear of predicted storm activity and FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto said the sunset may be visible around the Tampa Bay area Thursday night.
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Storm surge dangers
Hurricane Ian's 5 p.m. advisory prompted Hurricane and Storm Surge warnings for parts of the Tampa Bay area. But what is storm surge, and why is it such a significant threat to properties and lives?