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35 Of The Most Surreal Pics That Sum Up The Catastrophe Followed By Hurricane Ian
On Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, Hurricane Ian touched down in Florida as a Category 4 storm. It hit hard and fast, bringing winds of 150mph to the southwest coast, and by Wednesday night, over 2 million people in Florida were left without power. The National Hurricane Center warned Floridians of a “life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds and flooding”, and just as expected, Ian was relentless in its destruction.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most shocking and surreal photos of the impacts of Hurricane Ian that have been shared on social media this week. Our hearts are with all of our pandas in Florida, Cuba and anywhere else that has fallen in Ian’s path, and we hope that you have all been able to find safety amidst this frightening storm. Be sure to upvote the photos that you find most powerful, and then feel free to share about your experiences in the comments if you have been personally impacted by Hurricane Ian.
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ShaZam Beaubien 4 years ago
I always feel sorry for Cuba. The get hit every time. They repair the damage and then another storm comes again and destroys their buildings.
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Lizard Queen 4 years ago
I would shiit myself if I saw that in my street. But it's also kinda cute.. ngl
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Katy McMouse 4 years ago
There had been talk about this year's hurricane season being slow to start. The above is what happens when you say the "S" word out loud. DON'T utter the "S" word. Don't spell the "S" word thinking that the hurricanes can't spell - obviously, they can. When are people going to realize that the "S" word is the kiss of doom?
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Rachel Ashwell 4 years ago
Those poor people are now stranded on the island, and with no electricity.
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Ronda News Channel 4 years ago
The devastation is like a tsunami disaster. The 2004 tsunami was the only major disaster I have ever witnessed.
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Jason Mills 4 years ago
This is a good reminder that nothing mankind builds is ever permanent.
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Sheila Stamey 4 years ago
One of the scariest things you've ever seen is this drawing out of the water before it all comes back in at one time.
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M O'Connell 4 years ago
There are only two safe places for small craft during a situation like this: Another port somewhere else, assuming you took the advance warning seriously and set sail with enough time to get out of the way, and on a trailer somewhere away from the storm surge.
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Katy McMouse 4 years ago
I've been reading #hurricaneIan as #hurricaineLan. I'm glad that's been straightened out now.
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ShaZam Beaubien 4 years ago
They are from the weather channel. Like first responders, they stay.
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Cold Contagious 4 years ago
30 minutes isn't long for the devastation that was caused in that area. Sending everyone in Florida thoughts of strength, courage, and healing 💙
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Jason Mills 4 years ago
Summer down in the Gulf states area has been insanely hot this year raising water temperatures to unbelievable levels. I'm honestly surprised we haven't had more and stronger storms this year. They also usually form one after the other and follow each others' path so only having this one is incredibly lucky because it could've been much much worse.
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Katy McMouse 4 years ago
That is sad. I have only been there once, but it was a surprisingly good time.
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Jason Mills 4 years ago
Sorry to burst your bubble but only one hurricane in the Gulf for this entire season is actually quiet. Past several years have actually been abnormally quiet. I've lived on the Gulf coast for decades and the number of storms we get has actually gone down and their strength has remained the same. The only difference is human encroachment/development on top of coastal population explosions so it seems worse cost wise. There's way more stuff to destroy by storms on the coast because we keep putting it there. There were years when I was much younger where I lost count the number of times we had to evacuate. Now its been so extremely dry and hot that a storm is actually needed to prevent everything from going up in flames.
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Cold Contagious 4 years ago
Looks like some kind of creepy creature's face under the words "view replies" after I watched the video. It almost reminds me of the vampire/bat hybrid from Bram Stoker's Dracula movie.
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" Flooding like this is being seen throughout the Keys, Southwest and West Central Florida from significant storm surge and torrential downpours. The devastation of this storm is currently unable to be predicted, but as of now we have seen many uprooted trees, downed traffic signs and lights, flying debris, more than 1.8 million currently without power (including myself all the way on the East Coast), flood and tornado watches ongoing throughout Florida. More dangers and after effects are still to come.
While this shot is somewhat comical, I want to reiterate, no matter if you are in the thick of it or experiencing the outer bands, please do not go fishing, do not walk around outside, do not put yourself at risk. Wait to assess damage until the worst is over. While us Floridians are seemingly tough and calloused to the extreme and dangerous, it only takes the right (or more accurately, wrong) circumstances and a few seconds to be thrust into life-threatening situations. A cool story or a quick thrill is never worth the risk.
While many think Florida is ripe with kookie people and risky stunt-pullers, real Floridians know our heart comes from the way we stick together in trying times. Lending a hand, sharing supplies, looking out for your fellow man: that’s where we really shine. The struggle is not over, but together, we will stand strong.
Please be safe out there, be smart, hunker down and be ready to extend a helping hand when things cool down in the next few days.
If you are religious, a few prayers sent our way wouldn’t hurt either.
Stay safe, and save the tight lines for another time."
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M O'Connell 4 years ago
Risky, but rewarding strategy. If the USCG interdicts migrants en route they can be sent back to Cuba, if they put their feet on US soil, they can apply for asylum and stay. I imagine the CG had much bigger concerns in the leadup to a major hurricane.
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M O'Connell 4 years ago
I would think emergency equipment would have been moved to high ground, since they'll definitely need it to be in working order after the storm clears.
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Jason Mills 4 years ago
Due to the cost of air rescues and it being illegal to ignore a mandatory evacuation my state has decided to charge people for air rescues. Its insane to stay and put other people's lives at risk.
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ShaZam Beaubien 4 years ago
I would want to get out too if I had no water, electricity, food, transportation, or medical supplies. I think the people who could have got out .... and did not get out intentionally ... need to stay.
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What do you think ?
Ezigma 4 years ago
I've lived in Florida for 35 years and JUST moved out west and this is the one thing I don't miss. Everyone I know has been affected by this differently because their all spread out in Florida, Venice, Port Orange, Central Florida, Winter Haven, etc. Knowing from my experience with hurricanes, my thoughts are with everyone in Florida right now. Hang in there and good luck!
Pheebs 4 years ago
Port Orange here. We got an entire month of rain in 24 hours, which wouldn’t have been so bad if we hadn’t already had a rainy month. Nowhere near the devastation in South Florida, thankfully. We do have entire neighborhoods that can’t leave due to flooding. Been through everything from a cat 1-cat 4 for direct hit, and a freaking tropical storm causes the most issues.
Load More Replies...
Madeleine Flowers 4 years ago
Three days we were joking about how you don't have to worry until the Pancake House closes. Look, you guys, this is when we have to go full stop. We're screwed. We're so, incredibly screwed and we have to do something about it, or else THIS is going to happen ten times over and ten times worse. There's a pattern and we can't ignore it anymore.
Dre Mosley 4 years ago
I live in Clearwater, Florida, which is one of the Tampa Bay cities. Ian was initially projected to travel farther up the western coast of Florida and hit us(Tampa Bay) directly. We dodged a bullet here, didn't even lose power. Irma from five years ago was another story. That was far worse for us. The stuff that happened south of me is apocalyptic. Fort Myers, Naples, and Sanibel are beautiful places that have become hellscapes. Devastating.
Weirdest Bi You’ll Ever Meet 4 years ago
I live in Ocala, Florida (Lake Weir area). We barely dodged the bullet to with only a little rain, a couple black outs, internet going on and off, cold temperatures, and horrible wind. Oh god, Irma was horrible. I’ve heard stories of people in Puerto Rico waiting a year for their electricity. Where I used to live, more Gainesville, a HUGE tree was knocked from its root and we were stuck without electricity for around a week. For Hurricane Ian, I was literally able to go outside with a jacket (which is rare for me) and walk my neighbor’s dog and play with another neighbor. I hope everyone is fine, even Spondge Bob, and I wish y’all are safe and sound. All we expected was a chair to fall and that was it. I GOT A 5 DAY WEEKEND! I hope y’all the best and us Floridians are tough! Floridians love for all! 🌀😎✌️💪
Load More Replies...
Summer Mason 4 years ago
I grew up in flordia. Graduated from key west highschool. Went through none stop floods and hurricanes. Katrina was the worst. She sat on top of key west going from a strong cat 3 to almost the biggest hurricane the weather centers have wver seen for 3 days. I sat on my fridge holding my ferrets. I lost everything i owned at age 19 in my own apartment. I had to move north and start over. This is devastating beyond beliefe for alot of people in flordia. Please stop questioning why no one evacuated. Some times that's not a choice. Sometimes your not allowed back home for months. I feel for everyone in fort Myers and cape coral and Port of point. Your in my prayers.
Adele Maestranzi 4 years ago
"Gee, did you ever think of retiring to Florida?" say people to me. Hell no, I'll stick with Nor'easters in New England.
Kimberley McMillan 4 years ago
And yet there are still people who are all "but climate change is a hoax! fake news!"
SirWriteALot 4 years ago
As a kid I watched this stuff on TV and was amazed. Now I see death, pain, financial and emotional loss.
Gavin Johnson 4 years ago
I imagine anyone who is really suffering the worst of the storm is too busy / stressed / got no internet and isn’t reading BP but I’ll throw my hat into the ring and thank all the first responders, utilities workers and anyone who is going above and beyond the call of duty to keep folk safe. I hope that everyone gets home safely or finds refuge whilst this is unfolding. Keep on keeping on.
T5n 4 years ago
I’m saddened to see the devastation but it does make me wonder:In 100 or more when water levels have risen and erosion has happened, what places will be the newest centers/targets of hurricane destruction?
Kayla J 4 years ago
I am a few hours inland and a popular area when people from our coast evacuate. We get tropical storm remnants that can cause flash flooding usually due to the vast amount of rain and dry soil due to drought so it takes longer to absorb in the ground. When Harvey hit, we were basically told to prepare and get ready to spend a few days inside cause it would be more like Cat 1 winds and rains. We were lucky and it didn't cause major destruction, but like you said, its something to wonder what even places that seem "safe" now could look like in the future.
Load More Replies...
Izzy Curer 4 years ago (edited)
You can see the raw power as Ian really picks up speed right before it makes landfall in Florida. Seven day satellite loop: https://www.iweathernet.com/satellite-images-and-loops/fast-7-day-satellite-loop
Al Christensen 4 years ago
We pay all this attention to Florida, but Cuba and Puerto Rico? Yeah, well f### them because they're not Murica (even though Puerto Rico is). We're so ethnocentric it's disgusting.
Honu 4 years ago (edited)
DeSantis, who voted against aid for Sandy as a congressional rep back in 2013 saying it was financially irresponsible, has already held his hand out for federal assistance. He's actually requested 100% of all costs be borne by the federal government for 60 days.
Load More Replies... Ezigma 4 years ago
I've lived in Florida for 35 years and JUST moved out west and this is the one thing I don't miss. Everyone I know has been affected by this differently because their all spread out in Florida, Venice, Port Orange, Central Florida, Winter Haven, etc. Knowing from my experience with hurricanes, my thoughts are with everyone in Florida right now. Hang in there and good luck!
Pheebs 4 years ago
Port Orange here. We got an entire month of rain in 24 hours, which wouldn’t have been so bad if we hadn’t already had a rainy month. Nowhere near the devastation in South Florida, thankfully. We do have entire neighborhoods that can’t leave due to flooding. Been through everything from a cat 1-cat 4 for direct hit, and a freaking tropical storm causes the most issues.
Load More Replies... Madeleine Flowers 4 years ago
Three days we were joking about how you don't have to worry until the Pancake House closes. Look, you guys, this is when we have to go full stop. We're screwed. We're so, incredibly screwed and we have to do something about it, or else THIS is going to happen ten times over and ten times worse. There's a pattern and we can't ignore it anymore.
Dre Mosley 4 years ago
I live in Clearwater, Florida, which is one of the Tampa Bay cities. Ian was initially projected to travel farther up the western coast of Florida and hit us(Tampa Bay) directly. We dodged a bullet here, didn't even lose power. Irma from five years ago was another story. That was far worse for us. The stuff that happened south of me is apocalyptic. Fort Myers, Naples, and Sanibel are beautiful places that have become hellscapes. Devastating.
Weirdest Bi You’ll Ever Meet 4 years ago
I live in Ocala, Florida (Lake Weir area). We barely dodged the bullet to with only a little rain, a couple black outs, internet going on and off, cold temperatures, and horrible wind. Oh god, Irma was horrible. I’ve heard stories of people in Puerto Rico waiting a year for their electricity. Where I used to live, more Gainesville, a HUGE tree was knocked from its root and we were stuck without electricity for around a week. For Hurricane Ian, I was literally able to go outside with a jacket (which is rare for me) and walk my neighbor’s dog and play with another neighbor. I hope everyone is fine, even Spondge Bob, and I wish y’all are safe and sound. All we expected was a chair to fall and that was it. I GOT A 5 DAY WEEKEND! I hope y’all the best and us Floridians are tough! Floridians love for all! 🌀😎✌️💪
Load More Replies... Summer Mason 4 years ago
I grew up in flordia. Graduated from key west highschool. Went through none stop floods and hurricanes. Katrina was the worst. She sat on top of key west going from a strong cat 3 to almost the biggest hurricane the weather centers have wver seen for 3 days. I sat on my fridge holding my ferrets. I lost everything i owned at age 19 in my own apartment. I had to move north and start over. This is devastating beyond beliefe for alot of people in flordia. Please stop questioning why no one evacuated. Some times that's not a choice. Sometimes your not allowed back home for months. I feel for everyone in fort Myers and cape coral and Port of point. Your in my prayers.
Adele Maestranzi 4 years ago
"Gee, did you ever think of retiring to Florida?" say people to me. Hell no, I'll stick with Nor'easters in New England.
Kimberley McMillan 4 years ago
And yet there are still people who are all "but climate change is a hoax! fake news!"
SirWriteALot 4 years ago
As a kid I watched this stuff on TV and was amazed. Now I see death, pain, financial and emotional loss.
Gavin Johnson 4 years ago
I imagine anyone who is really suffering the worst of the storm is too busy / stressed / got no internet and isn’t reading BP but I’ll throw my hat into the ring and thank all the first responders, utilities workers and anyone who is going above and beyond the call of duty to keep folk safe. I hope that everyone gets home safely or finds refuge whilst this is unfolding. Keep on keeping on.
T5n 4 years ago
I’m saddened to see the devastation but it does make me wonder:In 100 or more when water levels have risen and erosion has happened, what places will be the newest centers/targets of hurricane destruction?
Kayla J 4 years ago
I am a few hours inland and a popular area when people from our coast evacuate. We get tropical storm remnants that can cause flash flooding usually due to the vast amount of rain and dry soil due to drought so it takes longer to absorb in the ground. When Harvey hit, we were basically told to prepare and get ready to spend a few days inside cause it would be more like Cat 1 winds and rains. We were lucky and it didn't cause major destruction, but like you said, its something to wonder what even places that seem "safe" now could look like in the future.
Load More Replies... Izzy Curer 4 years ago (edited)
You can see the raw power as Ian really picks up speed right before it makes landfall in Florida. Seven day satellite loop: https://www.iweathernet.com/satellite-images-and-loops/fast-7-day-satellite-loop
Al Christensen 4 years ago
We pay all this attention to Florida, but Cuba and Puerto Rico? Yeah, well f### them because they're not Murica (even though Puerto Rico is). We're so ethnocentric it's disgusting.
Honu 4 years ago (edited)
DeSantis, who voted against aid for Sandy as a congressional rep back in 2013 saying it was financially irresponsible, has already held his hand out for federal assistance. He's actually requested 100% of all costs be borne by the federal government for 60 days.
Load More Replies...
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