A few months ago, Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida as a Category 4 storm. The storm brought intense winds, heavy rainfall, and catastrophic surges throughout the state. Hurricane Ian caused the loss of lives and homes, leaving a huge mess behind. This blog discusses Hurricane Ian’s strength, the damage it caused, and how to help or what to do if you were impacted.
Hurricane Ian’s Strength
Tropical Storm Ian formed in the central Caribbean on September 23rd, 2022. By the 26th, it had already strengthened into a hurricane. Wind speed reached 105 mph, making it the strongest September hurricane in this region of the Caribbean since 2007. While making its transition into a hurricane, Ian reached “rapid intensification.” According to the National Hurricane Center, rapid intensification is an increase in the maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone of 35 mph in 24 hours. The hurricane traveled north-northwestern, and by the time it entered the southern Gulf of Mexico, it had formed into a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph. On the morning of September 28th, after hitting western Cuba and continuing towards Florida, Hurricane Ian reached Category 4 status. Ian had maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, just 2 mph below Category 5 status. Ian came ashore near Cayo Costa, Florida, at 3:05 p.m. EDT with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, tying the record for the fifth-strongest hurricane ever to hit the US. Southwest Florida has not been affected by a Category 4 Hurricane since 2004.
The Damage Done
In total, Hurricane Ian caused power loss to more than four million people in Florida. 1.1 million homes/businesses lost power when the storm flew through the Carolinas. There are currently still over 10,000 electronic customers without power in Florida. Hurricane Ian took the lives of at least 127 people in Florida alone. It was the deadliest hurricane ever hit the US in the 21st century, behind Katrina. Wind losses are estimated to cost between $22 billion and $32 billion. Insured storm surge losses are expected to be an additional $6 billion to $15 billion.
What to Do Now
There are still tons of ways that you can help those who were affected by Hurricane Ian. If you were affected by Hurricane Ian, keep accurate records of expenses and save bills and receipts from temporary repairs. You should try not to make any permanent repairs until your Claim professional has reviewed the damage. Roof Pros is a family-owned and accredited Florida roofing company. Our staff is trained in assessing storm-related damage to roof systems, and we are experienced in working with insurance adjusters. If Hurricane Ian damaged your home, we want to help as much as possible! Visit roofprosflorida.com/contact to schedule a FREE inspection today.