Hurricane Ian has weakened slightly after making landfall on Florida’s west coast this afternoon.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Ian, which is currently classified as a category 4 hurricane, has weakened to 140 mph winds and is situated just 120 miles southwest of Orlando.
Despite the weakening, the hurricane has brought flooding, heavy rainfall, and catastrophic winds to the west coast of Florida. Residents of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and multiple west coast cities have reported heavy damage and the loss of power.
Currently, hurricane-force winds are extending outward over 50 miles from the center of the storm, and tropical-storm-force winds are extending out over 175 miles.
The effects of those winds and rainfall have started to make their way to Central Florida and Orlando. The hurricane is expected to reach the area this evening, and will move over to the east coast by sometime tomorrow.
Orange County officials have instituted a voluntary evacuation, and Seminole County officials have instituted a mandatory evacuation, of mobile homes and trailer parks that are most at risk.