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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Floridians are tough, and they are great at keeping a sense of humor during difficult times, as we have seen through the many Hurricane Ian memes they have shared online. But a storm like this is an extremely traumatic and devastating event to experience. Hurricane Ian hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, meaning there is only one category (5) that would be more powerful. According to ABC, “Category 4 storms can cause ‘catastrophic damage’ with their 130-156 mph winds. A Category 4 storm can cause severe damage to well-constructed homes, including damaging most of the roof and exterior walls.”
"Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed,” the National Hurricane Center explains on their site. “Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
Although Ian did not reach Category 5 level, the storm is not to be taken lightly whatsoever. Category 5 storms are actually extremely rare, as there have only ever been 4 in history. To put it into perspective, Hurricane Katrina of 2005, which caused extreme devastation to the city of New Orleans destroying over 800,000 housing units and causing over $81 billion in damage, was only a Category 3 storm. Hurricane Maria of 2017 which brutally impacted Puerto Rico was a Category 4 storm.
Hurricane Ian has caused a great amount of damage and devastation as well, but the only reason it has not been deemed a Category 5 storm is because the maximum sustained winds did not exceed 155mph. They certainly came close, though. The United States receives a Category 5 hurricane about once every 20-30 years, with the most recent one being Hurricane Michael of 2018. Michael may have had maximum sustained winds of 161mph, however, Hurricane Ian will certainly go down in history as well, as one of the most brutal and destructive hurricanes in recent US history.
Since Thursday, Ian has weakened to a Category 1 storm, but residents can’t rest easy just yet. There is still a risk of flooding, with up to 30 inches of rain expected in certain areas of northeastern and central Florida. And as we all know, flooding can cause plenty of damage and destruction on its own as well, wiping away homes, vehicles, ruining buildings and leaving individuals stranded. Yesterday, MSNBC reported that Florida resident Terry Mazany became trapped on the 22nd floor of his high-rise condo in Fort Myers Florida, along with his wife and 91-year-old mother. Due to power outages leaving the elevators unable to function, the three of them were left surrounded by 8-feet of water and unable to escape.
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.
I would shiit myself if I saw that in my street. But it's also kinda cute.. ngl
Florida is not the only place that has been impacted by Hurricane Ian though. Cuba has also seen devastating effects, as 11 million people have been left without power, after the storm ripped through the island’s western tip earlier this week. Cuba’s entire electrical grid collapsed after the hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 storm, devastating some of the nation’s most valuable tobacco farms. “A blackout this big has never occurred in my lifetime,” Yamila Morena, a 51-year-old homemaker who lives with her son in central Havana, told AP News. “We can’t sleep at all without a fan, without air entering.”
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?
Many images of trees ripped apart and homes destroyed in Cuba have been shared online to show the world the devastation that this small country now has to deal with. And while power has begun to return to the citizens of Cuba, their lives will sadly not be back to normal any time soon. “I spent the hurricane at home with my husband and the dog. The masonry and zinc roof of the house had just been installed. But the storm tore it down,” Mercedes Valdés, who lives along the highway connecting Pinar del Río to San Juan y Martínez, told AP News. “We couldn’t rescue our things ... we just ran out.”
Those poor people are now stranded on the island, and with no electricity.
The devastation is like a tsunami disaster. The 2004 tsunami was the only major disaster I have ever witnessed.
More news on Hurricane Ian is still coming in constantly, as it is hard to report the exact level of damage when it is this overwhelming. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis referred to the impact as “indescribable” and stated in a briefing Wednesday evening, “We absolutely expect to have mortality from this hurricane.” Thankfully, there have been over 700 confirmed rescues thus far, but only time will tell how many lives were unfortunately lost due to this devastating storm.
While Florida has been hit worst by Ian as of now, the relentless storm is not over yet. “Hurricane-force winds are expected across the coasts of South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina beginning early Friday, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect,” the National Hurricane Center wrote. They also warned of a “life-threatening storm surge through Friday along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina”. It is still unclear when Ian will finally leave the southeastern coast of the United States alone, but millions of people are hoping and praying that this nightmare will come to an end soon.
For those whose homes have been hit by the storm already, President Joe Biden, Governor DeSantis, FEMA and the CDC are urging citizens not to rush back. The damage from the storm is extremely dangerous, and it may take some time before it is safe to return to the places that have been hit hardest. Citizens should wait for clearance before re-entering their homes and be sure to wear protective clothing from sharp objects and disease. And if something has been touched by floodwater, it should be disposed of, as it may have been in contact with toxic chemicals and sewage waste. “When in doubt, throw it out,” the CDC urges.
We sincerely hope none of you pandas have been impacted by Hurricane Ian, but if you have, our hearts are certainly with you. No one should ever have to experience their home being torn apart or their city being battered by a violent storm, and we cannot begin to imagine how it feels to have to rebuild your life. Feel free to share in the comments below how this storm has affected you, if you or your loved ones live in the areas hit hardest, and then if you’re looking for ways to help the victims of Hurricane Ian, you can find organizations to donate to the relief efforts right here.
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.
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.
I've been reading #hurricaneIan as #hurricaineLan. I'm glad that's been straightened out now.
They are from the weather channel. Like first responders, they stay.
30 minutes isn't long for the devastation that was caused in that area. Sending everyone in Florida thoughts of strength, courage, and healing 💙
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.
That is sad. I have only been there once, but it was a surprisingly good time.
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.
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.
" 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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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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.
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.
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! 🌀😎✌️💪
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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.
"Gee, did you ever think of retiring to Florida?" say people to me. Hell no, I'll stick with Nor'easters in New England.
And yet there are still people who are all "but climate change is a hoax! fake news!"
As a kid I watched this stuff on TV and was amazed. Now I see death, pain, financial and emotional loss.
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.
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?
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.
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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
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.
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... 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!
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... 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.
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.
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... 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.
"Gee, did you ever think of retiring to Florida?" say people to me. Hell no, I'll stick with Nor'easters in New England.
And yet there are still people who are all "but climate change is a hoax! fake news!"
As a kid I watched this stuff on TV and was amazed. Now I see death, pain, financial and emotional loss.
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.
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?
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... 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
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.
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...