The Latest Breaking News from Hurricane

Comes as Hurricane Ian strengthens to nearly a category 5 storm

Nancy Chulla, 72, whose 1963 mobile home lies along the Category 4 Hurricane Ian's path, broke down as she evacuated the home she had shared with her husband Bob since 1999

Tampa Bay Lightning have set up camp in Nashville as they've moved away from their usual base due to Hurricane Ian, meaning that their pre-season schedule has completely changed

Authorities were still assessing the damage, although no fatalities had been reported.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday morning said it is no longer safe for people to evacuate Floridians’ southwest coast and urged them to “hunker down” as Hurricane Ian could make landfall as a powerful Category 5 storm this afternoon.

One of the most powerful storms to hit the US in years makes landfall in heavily-populated Gulf Coast region.

The Met Office warned of flooding in some areas

Pleas for rescue emerge online as storm surge hits coast and millions lose power

MIAMI — Ian strengthened early Wednesday into an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane that is close to Cat 5 strength. The hurricane is forecast to whip Florida with catastrophic winds, flooding rain and life-threatening storm surge as it gets closer to a west coast landfall Wednesday afternoon.