On Friday, September 23rd, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency as Tropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Ian. By Tuesday, September 27, DeSantis issued an evacuation order for 12 counties, including Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, and Sarasota.
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Fort Myers, Florida on Wednesday, September 28th at 3:10pm as a Category 4 hurricane. With wind speeds up to 150mph (241km/h), Ian caused destructive storm surges and an estimated $100 billion in damages.