Scenes from Ian: See photos, video from Key West and Cuba as hurricane enters Gulf

Hurricane Ian is emerging off western Cuba and the Category 3 storm is entering the Gulf.

Ian is expected to intensify to Category 4 hurricane and sit near the Florida Coast for nearly a day before weakening a big making landfall as a major hurricane near the Tampa area, although the exact track is uncertain.

Bradenton, Manatee County and the surrounding areas are under hurricane warning and mandatory evacuations are in place. Prolonged, life-threatening storm surge is expected.

The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore is in the Tampa Bay area and is tracking the storm. He tweeted out scenes from Cuba earlier Tuesday. Ian is also already causing weather issues in Key West.

Here’s a look at Ian’s impact so far.

Scenes from Hurricane Ian in Key West

Water is already over the sea wall in Key West. Storm surge here will peak at 2-4 feet. Highest wind gusts could range 60-70mph tonight. #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/eGHTHpBXgS

— Brandon Orr (@BrandonOrrWPLG) September 27, 2022

Currently in Key West.

Folks this is 40 mile an hour winds. By the time it makes landfall in Florida it will be 140 mile winds. Please Please take this seriously. I’ll try to keep you all updated since we are getting it first. #hurricane #florida #ian pic.twitter.com/rV0XiPS1i5

— Victoria Bollea (@PerfectHealth_1) September 27, 2022

Scenes from Hurricane Ian in Cuba

This story was originally published September 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Scenes from Ian: See photos, video from Key West and Cuba as hurricane enters Gulf."

Justin Mitchell

Sun Herald

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Justin Mitchell is the Sun Herald senior news editor and works on McClatchy’s audience engagement and development team. He also reports on LGBTQ issues in the Deep South, particularly focusing on Mississippi.