After tearing down Jamaican lands and causing heavy rainfall through the Caribbean, Hurricane Ian entered Cayo Costa, Florida as a category four storm September 28. With winds of 150 mph, the natural disaster spread through the Sunshine and Peach states as they sought the help of other states such as Louisiana. Florida residents in specific endured high winds and ample amounts of wreckage that prompted an evacuation for the majority of the state.

“Louisiana knows all too well the chaos and destruction a hurricane as strong as Ian can bring, and we will do everything we can to help our neighbors in Florida and other states impacted by this storm. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and my senior staff will remain in regular contact with their counterparts in Florida. I also ask that you join your prayers to mine for the people of Florida and surrounding areas as they endure this devastating storm,” Louisiana Governor John Edwards said.

By the next day, The National Hurricane Center (NHC) demoted Ian into a tropical storm with extremely destructive rainfall. Places such as Placida received over 15 inches of rain within 12 hours, and Lake Wales roughly 17 inches of rain within a day.

With the Cobb County School District (CCSD) hosting its annual fall break, Ian threw their trips for a whirlwind. Tourists questioned their travel plans as airlines canceled over 3,000 flights in Miami, Tampa and Orlando. Unfortunately, Ian forced several Georgia families to abandon their fall break plans and settle for a staycation instead. 

“We had actually started our long drive to Orlando. We left that Friday night because we wanted to arrive that Saturday morning. Originally Ian was not going to hit Orlando but my mom had a bad feeling about it. We had just touched Florida when my parents decided to return to Georgia to avoid the storm. Thankfully we did because it ended up hitting Orlando really bad,” freshman Mia Lee said.

As Ian took over Florida, residents looking for security flooded highways and interstates. Airports such as the Orlando International Airport (MCO) ceased commercial operation September 28, and the infamous Walt Disney World closed for two days but proceeded with phased-in park activities Friday, September 30.

Ian’s notable entrance reminded the nation of its most recent category four hurricane to touch Southwest Florida, Hurricane Charley. Charley struck Southwest Florida in August of 2004 with the same strength as Ian, but Ian moved at a slower pace which caused significant rainfall to the affected areas. 

In the sight of South Carolina, the tropical storm emerged back into a hurricane September 30 marking the first hurricane the Palmetto State witnessed in over five years. Ian eventually weakened into a post-tropical cyclone but unfortunately took on Southern Virginia October 1.

The affected states began dealing with the horrific damage caused by Ian ranging from power outages to flood damage. Florida’s death toll recently ascended as the missing person reports pile up. Fortunately, organizations such as the American Red Cross, now accept donations to help those affected by the awful natural disaster.