US authorities have warned of the dangers of Hurricane Ian heading for the Florida coast. The hurricane poses a threat to life, even in the days after it made landfall, FEMA director Deanne Criswell said today.
Due to the expected storm surges on the coast, flooding in the interior of the country and enormous rainfall, large parts of the state are expected to be affected. The water masses are extremely dangerous, warned Criswell.
24 hours of heavy rain
The director of the National Hurricane Center, Ken Graham, emphasized that it will probably take 24 hours after arriving on land for the hurricane to pass over Florida. That means heavy rain for 24 hours.
In parts of Florida, 50 to 60 centimeters of rain are expected in a very short time. Even if the hurricane pulls away, there is still a risk of debris, broken power lines and the like.
Biden warning
US President Joe Biden emphasized that the federal government is ready to provide all possible help to authorities in Florida and the affected communities – before the storm, during it and for the necessary reconstruction afterwards.
He also warned that the hurricane was life-threatening. Biden urged residents of the affected areas to follow the advice of local authorities.