- October 29, 2024
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Tropical Depression 9 strengthened into Tropical Storm Ian overnight, according to data released by the National Hurricane Center the morning of Sept. 24.
It had sustained winds of 40-mph the night of Sept. 23, according to the National Weather Service, and is expected to continue to strengthen into a hurricane and may enter Florida as a Category 3.
The storm's tracking cone still has it looping around the west coast of Florida, entering around Tampa and crossing eastward over the state.
NHC forecasts are showing that tropical storm force winds could impact the Flagler-Volusia region on Tuesday evening at the earliest if the storm stays on its current track, but would more likely reach the area on Wednesday, with the center of the storm potentially making landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
Local emergency officials have warned that the storm could interact with king tides and the remnants of Hurricane Fiona and to bring heavy rainfall, storm surge and flooding.
The NHC is urging Floridians to prepare for a hurricane. For information on preparedness, click HERE.