CENTRAL FLORIDA

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm after noon on Wednesday, but has since been weakened to a Category 1 storm. The storm is expected to bring significant impacts to Central Florida. See live updates below:12:10 a.m.A flash flood warning is in effect for southeastern Orange and north central Osceola County until 2:45 a.m.VIDEO: Why is the lightning we're seeing during Hurricane Ian so unusual? Hurricane Ian has begun to produce unusual amounts of lightning in Central Florida. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Hurricane Ian is cutting a path through Florida, heading toward the northeastern portion of Central Florida, sending bands of wind and rain throughout much of the state.

Wild Adventures, a theme park in Valdosta, Georgia, is offering free admission this weekend to evacuees displaced by Hurricane Ian.

Video taken in Orange County near Orlando International Airport shows the impact of Hurricane Ian on Central Florida after the storm made landfall earlier Wednesday.

Maitland Fire Rescue and the Maitland Police Department are assisting with active power lines on the ground, according to the fire department.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Central Florida, a variety of cruise lines have announced major changes to voyage s scheduled for the coming days. Disney Wish: (Original Departure: Friday, September 30, 2022, sailing from Port Canaveral)This cruise has been canceled due to the closure of Port Canaveral. Read: Hurricane Ian: Curfews to take effect in some Central Florida countiesNorwegian Getaway: 10-day Caribbean Voyage: (Original Departure: Thursday, September 29, 2022, sailing from Port Canaveral)This cruise has been canceled due to the closure of Port Canaveral. Mariner of the Seas: (Original Departure: Thursday, September 29, 2022, sailing from Port Canaveral)This ship will now depart on Saturday, October 1, and return as planned on Monday, October 3. Independence of the Seas: (Original Departure: Friday, September 30, 2022, sailing from Port Canaveral)This ship will now depart on Saturday, October 1, and return as planned on Monday, October 3.

As Hurricane Ian lashes Florida, the heavy downpours are causing flooding across the state.

While Seminole County has not enacted an official curfew, law enforcement officials are warning drivers to stay off the road as Hurricane Ian moves north and Central Florida feels its impact.

As Hurricane Ian moves up through Central Florida and continues to impact local counties, we will likely see more road and bridge closures.

Hurricane Ian made landfall around 3:05 p.m. in southwest Florida, and the International Space Station watched it happen from Earth’s orbit.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida this afternoon as a near category 5 Hurricane flooding cities along the gulf coast as the eye makes its way to Central Florida later Wednesday night. Hurricane Charley made landfall in nearly an identical spot with 150 mph wind speeds when it hit the Florida Peninsula on Aug. 13, 2004. AdvertisementAccording to FoxWeather.com, Ian is the fourth strongest hurricane to hit Florida in recorded history with only the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 (185 mph) Andrew of 1992 (165 mph) and Michael of 2018 (160 mph) having stronger wind speeds. This is way, way, way bigger than Charley. I think we all know there’s going to be major, major impacts.”Flooding is expected throughout the Central Florida are with spots as high as 24 inches.

As Hurricane Ian nears landfall along the southwest coast of Florida, Central Florida counties are feeling the effects of the feeder bands.

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian continues to impact Florida’s coasts, local residents have seen receding waters in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Photos: Why did the waters of Tampa Bay recede as Hurricane Ian approached? Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Tampa Bay waters receded as Hurricane Ian approached (Tammy Grossman Thompson /Tammy Grossman Thompson)Meteorologist Kassandra Crimi said that hurricanes have a circular direction to their winds. Read: Hurricane safety: 15 tips that could save your life during a stormThe “offshore” pull of the winds is bringing the water with it, leading to the draining of Tampa Bay. Read: Hurricane Ian: Curfews to take effect in some Central Florida countiesSEE: Water receding ahead of Hurricane Ian’s arrival Officials with the National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay office warned people not to try to visit the coasts.

As Hurricane Ian was pounding Florida’s southwest coast, firefighters were having a tough time getting to their equipment.

Using a satellite, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration captured stunning video of Hurricane Ian as it made landfall on Florida’s west coast.

Curfews are in place in different Central Florida counties as of Wednesday, meant to keep people safe as Hurricane Ian risks exposing them to hazardous downed power lines, flying debris, flooding and more dangers.

ORLANDO, Fla. — With Hurricane Ian on its way to Central Florida, power outages are expected across our area. Here are ways to track power outages when the lights go out, depending on your electricity provider:OUCClick here for an outage map for OUC. Read: Tracking Ian: How to stay informed if the power goes outDuke EnergyClick here to see Duke Energy’s Florida outage map. Read: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central FloridaWinter Park Electric UtilityTo report a power outage, please call 877-811-8700. WATCH: Power outages & storm safety What you need to know about power outages in Central Florida.

As Hurricane Ian nears landfall on Florida’s west coast, streets in downtown Naples are being flooded.

Two Central Florida counties have announced curfews for residents on Wednesday and Thursday night. The curfews in both counties will begin at 8 p.m. and...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 is committed to keeping you informed as we track Ian. We have composed a comprehensive list of the multiple ways you can access our coverage of the storm. While we hope your lives will be disrupted as little as possible, we want you to know we’ve got you covered, whether you lose power and the television or computer won’t turn on, lose your connection to cable or satellite-TV, or are forced to evacuate your home and stay in a shelter. Did you know you can stream weather 24/7? Mobile Apps:WFTV Mobile News app:Free in the app store, but you can also download it by clicking on this link.

Carnival and Disney offer refunds and credits after pulling the plug on sailings planned from now-shuttered ports.

Carnival and Disney offer refunds and credits after pulling the plug on sailings planned from now-shuttered ports.

Starting in South Florida, Hurricane Ian knocked out power to tens of thousands of Floridians even before making landfall along the Gulf Coast.

Brevard County officials are delivering an update on final preparation ahead of Hurricane Ian making landfall in Florida.

One of the things Trooper Steve recommends Florida drivers be prepared for is the possibility that their vehicle hydroplanes while driving in wet conditions.

PORT SAINT JOHN, Fla. — A large tree fell onto power lines in Port Saint John on Wednesday. The tree fell onto power lines in the Royal Palm area. Watch: HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: Winds hold at 155 mph; storm to make landfall near Sanibel IslandFlorida Power & Light crews are working to clear the debris. Homeowner Mark Fordham said his wife called him in a panic after the tree fell. Read: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central Florida“She said she heard popping and the tree fell, so it was kind of scary,” Fordham said.

>> Read more trending news11am Wednesday Ian Update: Winds holding at 155mph as Ian should make landfall near Sanibel Island within the hour. Hurricane Camille that struck Louisiana and Mississippi in 1969, reaching maximum sustained winds of at least 175 mph before knocking out wind speed recording devices at landfall. Hurricane Andrew that killed 61 people when it made landfall near Homestead, Florida, in 1992, with sustained winds of 165 mph. that killed 61 people when it made landfall near Homestead, Florida, in 1992, with sustained winds of 165 mph. Hurricane Michael that killed 40 people after it made landfall near Mexico Beach, Florida, in 2018.

Cities along the coast of southwest Florida are feeling the effects of Hurricane Ian.

Water is seen receding from the Tampa Bay shores at the Florida Gulf coast as Hurricane Ian closes in. The water is being pushed away by Ian's strong winds and will return with the storm surge.

Video shows water receding from Tampa Bay along with low water level line with the Hillsborough River at top of Tampa Bay.

Hurricane Ian rapidly intensifies off Florida's coast with maximum winds of 155 mph, just shy of a Category 5 hurricane.

Here are some options if you are having issues with a roof, or if you need a new one installed.

Hurricane Ian is prompting severe weather warnings in Central Florida.

City of Deltona officials are set to deliver an update on Hurricane Ian preparations.

As Hurricane Ian continues to make its way toward Central Florida, the storm’s impact is being felt all across the state.

Hurricane Ian nears landfall near Port Charlotte with catastrophic storm surges, winds and floods that will radiate into Flagler County as tropical storm impacts.

Ron DeSantis is set to give an update on Hurricane Ian at 7:30 a.m. in Tallahassee. HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: Storm strengthens into Category 4 as early impacts felt in Central FloridaIt’s expected to make landfall on Florida’s southwest coast Wednesday. Hurricane Ian’s current track will cause significant impacts to Central Florida on both Wednesday and Thursday. Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central FloridaChannel 9 will bring you live coverage of Gov. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian approaches the west coast of Florida on Wednesday, the threat of tornadoes will persist in Central Florida. The threat of tornadoes in our area will continue to increase Wednesday morning and into the afternoon. HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: Storm strengthens into Category 4 as early impacts felt in Central FloridaA tornado watch is in effect for Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard and Polk counties until 5 p.m.Several tornadoes touched down overnight in South Florida. Read: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central FloridaThe tornados are believed to have flipped several planes over at the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport. Florida activates price gouging hotlineChannel 9′s meteorologists will continue to monitor any potential tornadoes in Central Florida and will provide live coverage on Eyewitness News.

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday night the bridges leading to the barrier islands in Manatee County were closed.

Hurricane Ian made landfall as a major Category 4 hurricane.

As Hurricane Ian continues across Florida, video shows heavy wind and rain coming down on the Florida Keys.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Ian strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm Wednesday morning. Ian continues to move toward the southwest coast of Florida and is expected to bring significant impacts to Central Florida. Read: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central FloridaThough the storm is still far from Central Florida, it is triggering tornado watches. Forecast still brings Ian to Central Florida, with hurricane and tropical storm conditions for our area. pic.twitter.com/Ex5GHvNt3j — Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) September 28, 2022The forecast still brings Ian to Central Florida, with hurricane and tropical storm conditions for our area.

Various counties across central Florida are opening up various shelters for the general population. Here are some of the resources being made available for the homeless.

Florida's governor and emergency management officials said Wednesday it was too late to evacuate from certain areas as Hurricane Ian closed in.

Hurricane Ian strengthens into a Category 4 Hurricane.

With Hurricane Ian's expected to impact Florida by Wednesday, Royal Caribbean announced Tuesday it will postpone two of its cruises.

Pictures shared on social media show several planes overturned at North Perry Airport in Broward County Tuesday near where a possible tornado touched down.

Central Florida hospitals are implementing their safety plans ahead of Hurricane Ian’ arrival.

The University of Central Florida announced that its football game against Southern Methodist University that was originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 has been moved to Sunday, Oct. 2.

South Florida relocated its Saturday game against East Carolina from Tampa, Florida, to Boca Raton. Although South Carolina is a safer distance from the major storm, the Gamecocks didn't want to wait to make a decision regarding their game against South Carolina State. South Carolina State also relies on its “paycheck game” from South Carolina. “There’s no perfect plan, but we’re trying to put together the best thing for our team at this moment,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said. ___AP Sports Writers Pete Iacobelli in Columbia, South Carolina, and Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Utility crews across Central Florida are preparing for Hurricane Ian. OUC is going to have at least 200 crews ready Wednesday going into the storm, with another 400 crews on standby. HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: Category 3 storm moving faster with winds at 120 mphDuke Energy officials said it will have almost 10,000 utility crews ready. READ: Hurricane Ian: School closures in Central FloridaIf power needs to be restored, crews can’t head out until after winds are below 35 mph. READ: Universal, Disney World announce temporary closures ahead of Hurricane IanCategory 3 Hurricane Ian now moving faster toward Florida with winds at 120 mph Hurricane Ian is continuing to strengthen.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County residents were busy Tuesday getting their last-minute preparations in place as they braced for Hurricane Ian. Osceola County resident Robert Wietor says he lives directly across from a lake in a low-lying part of Kissimmee. “This is a critical time,” Osceola County Emergency Manager Bill Linton said. READ: Power companies prepare for outages before Hurricane Ian impacts Central FloridaThere are also specific shelters for those with special needs. Separate from those, all registered sex offenders must go to the Osceola County courthouse if they need shelter.

Flagler County leaders are urging residents to prepare for "eventual" evacuations in the county as Hurricane Ian bears down on Florida.

As Hurricane Ian gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida counties are preparing for the storm impacts it will bring.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Theme parks across Central Florida are announcing changes to their operations as impacts from Hurricane Ian draw near. READ: How many times have Walt Disney World, Disneyland closed? Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Walt Disney World Resort Update on Hurricane Ian – For the latest information, visit: https://t.co/tFCa0AbSUv pic.twitter.com/i2VPT4zpAq — Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 27, 2022SeaWorld OrlandoSeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian. HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: OCPS extends school closures; OIA to halt commercial flightsBusch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday through Thursday.

Hurricane Ian is set to slam into Florida along the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain and wind to large swaths of the state.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Publix locations in seven Central Florida counties will close early on Wednesday due to Hurricane Ian. Publix officials said locations in Sumter, Orange, Lake (717 N. 14th St., Leesburg and 1120 Bichara Blvd., The Villages), Seminole, Marion, Osceola, and Volusia counties will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Those locations are expected to stay closed through Thursday and reopen on Friday. Read: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central FloridaClick here for the latest updates. Video: Last-minute shoppers find some shelves empty as Central Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian As many in Central Florida make last-minute preparations ahead of Hurricane Ian, stores are starting to fill up with last-minute shoppers.

As Hurricane Ian gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida counties are preparing for the storm impacts it will bring.

Hurricane Ian is getting closer and now is the time to get your pool ready to protect your home during the storm.

Publix Supermarkets announced store closing information for hundreds of Florida stores Tuesday, including most Central Florida counties, because of Hurricane Ian.

A 38-year-old woman from Bushnell was killed in a crash in Sumter County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

The 'Rideout Crew' will be staying with the animals over the next few days as Hurricane Ian hits Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As many in Central Florida make last-minute preparations ahead of Hurricane Ian, stores are starting to fill up with last-minute shoppers. As the hurricane approaches, the time to get ready is running out. Photos: Last-minute shoppers find some shelves empty as Central Florida prepares for Hurricane IanExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Last-minute shoppers find some shelves empty as Central Florida prepares for Hurricane IanChannel 9 crews visited Ace Hardware on South Orange Avenue Tuesday morning, and the store was packed. LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Ian moves into Gulf as track shifts east into Central Florida“It’s been about three days now of just chaos. Watch: Ian threatens FL gas supply, but leaders say they’ve preparedAt local grocery stores, some of the shelves are low on certain items like paper towels and toilet paper.

As Hurricane Ian continues on a path toward Florida, Orlando International Airport and other area airports announced they are stopping operations on Wednesday morning.

Florida, South Carolina and South Florida are taking steps to salvage home football games as Hurricane Ian approaches.

See the list of locations below:Apopka High School opens Wednesday at 8 a.m. and will house general population and is pet friendly. Oak Ridge High School opens Wednesday at noon and will house general population and is pet friendly. Timber Creek High School opens Wednesday at noon and will house general population and is pet friendly. Video: Power companies prepare for outages before Hurricane Ian impacts Central Florida Power outages are one of the big concerns as Hurricane Ian is projected to impact Central Florida. That shelter will open at 3 p.m.Other general population shelters will open as needed.

Deputies say a woman was found dead inside a home in Orange County.

A 23-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Osceola County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to give an update on Hurricane Ian at 9 a.m. in Tallahassee. DeSantis suspends tolls in Tampa Bay, urges Floridians to prepare, not panic for Hurricane IanLeaders in Orange and Osceola counties are also preparing to address the community on Monday. READ: Hurricane Ian: School closures in Central FloridaMonitor WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News at Noon for the latest on these and other Hurricane Ian-related updates. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Hurricane Ian is expected to wreak havoc on Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Power outages are one of the big concerns as Hurricane Ian is projected to impact Central Florida. Heading into the hurricane season, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether utility companies in the state, could get the supplies they need. Watch: Ian threatens FL gas supply, but leaders say they’ve preparedHurricane Ian has that kind of potential. Watch: Hurricane Ian: How to find the evacuation zone you live in; evacuation routesSome items, including transformers, are in short supply. In Central Florida, power companies like OUC and KUA said they are ready to get the power back on if outages occur.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian approaches, Florida’s price gouging hotline is up and running. State officials said if you think a business has increased its prices for things like gas, food, water, ice or lodging — you can report it by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM. Hurricane Ian: School closures in Central FloridaYou can also make a complaint online. Video: Power companies preparing for widespread outages during Hurricane Ian Power companies across Florida are preparing for major outages due to Hurricane Ian. (Shannon Butler, WFTV.com)To learn more about price gouging or report a business, click here.

A strengthening Hurricane Ian's rain and winds lashed Cuba's western tip, where authorities have evacuated 50,000 people.

School districts across Central Florida are closing as Hurricane Ian nears a likely landfall in the region. Orange County Public Schools have called off Tuesday...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Ian strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane overnight. The forecast track shifted overnight, bringing the storm’s path closer to Central Florida. Watch: Hurricane Ian: School closures in Central FloridaIan is projected to slow down as it approaches Tampa and become a major hurricane before moving inland. Some areas of western Central Florida could see around 20 inches of rain as Ian moves through. Hurricane Ian Tuesday morning updateHurricane and tropical storm conditions may persist in Central Florida from Wednesday through Thursday as Ian slowly moves through our area.

Drivers were busy filling up gasoline at the Turkey Lake rest stop along the Florida turnpike Monday. However, only a few of the drivers are heading from the Tampa Bay Area, to more inland locations near Orlando.

An Apopka family is bracing for the storm expected to hit Central Florida. The family members worry their property will be consumed by water following heavy rainfall.

LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Ian strengthens into Cat. 2; tropical storm watch issued for Central FloridaWalt Disney World Resort Update on Hurricane Ian – For the latest information, visit: https://t.co/tFCa0AbSUv pic.twitter.com/i2VPT4zpAq — Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 27, 2022As of Monday evening, Disney theme parks are operating under normal conditions. Due to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground’s temporary closure, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue performances have been canceled, and guests with pre-paid reservations will have them automatically canceled and refunded. READ: Hurricane Ian: If you’re in Florida, here is what you need to do nowAlso, as of Tuesday, Universal Orlando Resort said its park operations and hours are continuing as normal. Hurricane Ian: What you need to know Ian strengthened into a hurricane the morning of Sept. 26 as it turned northward toward Cuba Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving south as Hurricane Ian intensifies and threatens Central Florida. Yale Climate Connections meteorologist Jeff Masters projected dire consequences for Tampa Bay in a worst-case scenario while speaking with the Tampa Bay Times. The Tampa Bay Ray played their home finale on Sunday and are scheduled to start a nine-game road trip on Tuesday to finish their regular season. Several Florida schools scheduled to host home games on SaturdayFlorida State is scheduled to host Wake Forest on Saturday in Tallahassee. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman University has issued a mandatory evacuation for students and staff beginning noon Monday. A lot of students left Sunday when the school put the notice out. LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Ian strengthens, tropical storm watches issued for parts of Central FloridaThe school sent out the notice Sunday, ahead of the pending arrival of Hurricane Ian and potential risks of flooding. A university spokesperson said once the storm has passed, the school will assess the damage to determine when students might return. READ: Hurricane Ian: School closures in Central FloridaThe school will make accommodations off-campus for students who cannot leave, the spokesperson said.

An unlicensed contractor accused of defrauding customers throughout Central Florida pleaded no contest to eight felony charges Thursday including grand theft, organized fraud, and contracting without a license during an emergency.

A county by county breakdown of where you can find the closest shelter near you, if you need to evacuate.

ORLANDO, Fla. — With Hurricane Ian rapidly approaching, Rosen Hotels & Resorts said it’s offering “distress rates” to allow Florida residents to have an affordable and safe place to weather the storm. Distress rates (not including taxes) are at :Read: Hurricane tips: What you should do to prepareRead: New to Florida? 9 helpful tips to get you through a hurricaneThese current hotel rates are only applicable to Florida residents and proof of residency. The company said that there is no additional pet fee during distress rates, and offers free Wi-Fi with no resort fee. Video: Central Floridians fill sandbags as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida As Hurricane Ian is forecast to impact Florida this week, residents in Central Florida should be preparing for the storm.

Hurricane Ian formed Monday morning and it is forecast to impact Florida this week.

President Joe Biden will not be visiting Orlando on Tuesday, Sept. 27, as a result of Hurricane Ian. The postponed trip comes after the storm...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Drivers looking to fill their tanks in Florida are paying a little less than last week. Prices across Florida have gone down four cents in the last seven days. The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is now $3.38. Watch: Hurricane Ian forms, expected to rapidly strengthen on track towards FloridaThat’s down about 20 cents in the last month. That is expected to lower prices by about 25 cents per gallon.

READ: Hurricane Ian forms, expected to rapidly strengthen on track towards FloridaLake County:Lake County Schools announced initial plans in preparation for the storm. Video: Central Floridians fill sandbags as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida As Hurricane Ian is forecast to impact Florida this week, residents in Central Florida should be preparing for the storm. *IAN UPDATE* As of now, @volusiaschools has no plans to cancel school or extracurricular activities for Monday or Tuesday. 9.25.22 Tropical Storm Ian Update: https://t.co/EK7SYpoTMBRollins will continue to monitor updates and advisories this evening and overnight as tracks continue to change. pic.twitter.com/6S6ZEl1pIm — Rollins College (@rollinscollege) September 25, 2022UCF:#UCFAlert: Tropical Storm Ian UpdateForecasts for Tropical Storm Ian show significant uncertainty, and it is currently too soon to know whether the storm will pose a direct threat to Central Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian is forecast to impact Florida this week, residents in Central Florida should be preparing for the storm. All Central Florida counties are offering sandbags to residents. Orange County had five sandbag sites open over the weekend and residents took full advantage. Read: Here’s where you can get sandbags in Central FloridaThose who came out filled bags for themselves and others. A valid ID with an Orange County address will be needed to get the sandbags.

It seems increasingly likely that a major hurricane will land in Central Florida this week. The National Hurricane Center's latest track for Hurricane Ian shows...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will see an increased chance of rain and storms on Monday. After a drier weekend, our area will see a 50% chance of afternoon rain and storms. Watch: Hurricane Ian forms, expected to rapidly strengthen on track towards FloridaHurricane Ian formed early Monday south of Cuba and is forecast to move into Florida by mid-week. Ian will increase our rain chances for most of the week. As rain bands move through Florida until Wednesday, there will be a risk of tornados and flooding.

Ian was upgraded to hurricane status as it intensifies on its way to Cuba before potentially becoming the first significant hurricane to hit Florida since 2018.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Ian formed early Monday as it continues its move through the Caribbean. Hurricane Ian formsThe storm is moving into the eastern Gulf of Mexico over the next few days. Hurricane #Ian Advisory 13: Ian Becomes a Hurricane and Additional Rapid Strengthening Is Expected Today. https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 26, 2022Life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-force winds are expected in parts of western Cuba late Monday. Hurricane Ian formsIan will be just offshore of Tampa as a major hurricane Wednesday evening.

Tropical Storm Ian is expected to be a major hurricane and could impact Florida by next week.

APOPKA, Fla. — While most central Florida residents are preparing for possible flooding, one Apopka neighborhood is at a standstill. In the past two weeks, Channel 9 has covered the ongoing flooding issues around Clear Water Lake Estates. Read: Florida Keys under tropical storm watch, Central Florida remains in Ian’s pathThis constant standing water has knocked over 62 trees in this neighborhood. Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson said Clear Water Lake is landlocked and there is not much that the city can do to solve the issue. Neighbors said that as soon as they learned the storm could impact central Florida, they went back to the city for help and got a similar response.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Tropical Storm Ian continues to strengthen, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, the White House said in a release. The move will authorize the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Read: Florida Keys under tropical storm watch, Central Florida remains in Ian’s pathThe agencies will also be able to provide assistance to residents and properties impacted by Ian. DeSantis gives updates on Florida’s emergency response to IanThe president was also scheduled to appear at an event in Florida on Tuesday but has postponed his planned trip because of the storm. Read: Central Floridians fill sandbags as Tropical Storm Ian threatens Central FloridaCentral Florida Spotlight: Hurricane safety August was quiet in the tropics, but we still have a few months left to go of hurricane season.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tropical Storm Ian is expected to strengthen and reach hurricane strength by Monday. Ron DeSantis spoke at the State Emergency Operations Center on Sunday to give updates on how Florida will be preparing for the storm. DeSantis had issued a state of emergency on Saturday for the entire state of Florida, including all 67 counties. The State Emergency Operations Center is also activated to Level One. State preparation and response efforts include the following:Florida Division of Emergency Management- FDEM will be leading the State Emergency Response Team.

The National Hurricane Center on late Sunday afternoon released a new model for Tropical Storm Ian's projected track, nudging it slightly back eastward which means...

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Students at one university will need to make preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Ian. Bethune-Cookman University will enact a mandatory campus evacuation order to start Monday, Sept. 26 at noon. Read: Parts of Cuba are now under hurricane warning, Central Florida remains in Ian’s pathThis is meant to protect the safety of its students, faculty and staff, the university said in a social media post. Read: Central Floridians fill sandbags as Tropical Storm Ian threatens Central FloridaBecause of Tropical Storm Ian’s uncertain path, a return date for students to return to campus is unknown at this time. ©2022 Cox Media Group