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Fast Sarasota-Manatee Hurricane Ian left:
05:00 | It’s now Hurricane Ian, assault course shifts closer to Sarasota-Manatee
Tropical Storm Ian is now Hurricane Ian. Sarasota and Manatee counties are now under a Hurricane Watch stretching from Englewood to northern Tampa, as well as a Storm Surge Watch.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. update, the storm’s sustained winds are 120 mph, pushing it to hurricane status.
Although the orbit has shifted eastward, there is still great uncertainty about Hurricane Ian’s path. According to the NHC, Sarasota and Manatee counties can expect storm surge of 5-8 feet and rain of 8-10 inches.
Hurricane Ian: Find all our latest coverage of the storm
Shelters: Find a list of hurricane shelters for Manatee and Sarasota here.
“Significant flooding effects are possible in west central Florida later this week,” the NHC said in its update.
The Sarasota-Manatee area can expect rain and tropical storms as early as Tuesday evening, while the bulk of Hurricane Ian’s impact on the area will occur on Wednesday and Thursday. Hurricane Ian is expected to be a major hurricane by mid-week – with winds in excess of 110 mph.
“Ian will likely have a growing wind field and will slow down by then, which will have the potential to cause significant wind and storm surge effects along Florida’s west coast,” the NHC forecast said.
Are there schools open in Sarasota and Manatee counties?
Schools will normally open on Monday, September 26 in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. Both districts are likely to announce closures for the rest of the week early in the day. Since most hurricane shelters in both provinces are located in schools, closures are likely if Hurricane Ian threatens to impact the area.
Where are hurricane shelters in Sarasota and Manatee counties?
If you live in a hurricane evacuation area or a mobile home, you must evacuate when the evacuation order is issued. Your first choice should be to stay with a friend or relative who is nearby but who is not in a flood prone area.
(You can find your Sarasota County hurricane evacuation zone here and your Manatee County hurricane evacuation zone here.)
Do not enter a shelter until they are officially opened by Sarasota or Manatee counties. They will announce when shelters will open on their websites, through social media and through the Herald-Tribune.
Find a list of hurricane shelters for Manatee and Sarasota here.
Preparing for Tropical Storm Ian: Where To Get Sandbags In Sarasota, Manatee Counties
Tropical Storm Ian: See spaghetti models, path and storm activity for Florida
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Live Updates: Now Hurricane Ian’s path is shifting closer to Sarasota-Manatee, hurricane watch in fact
