Hurricane Approaching Florida, U.S. Gains Strength... "Nearly Category 5"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The power of Hurricane 'Ian,' which is moving northward through Cuba toward Florida in the southeastern United States, is strengthening to nearly the highest category 5 level as of the 28th (local time), according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

According to reports, Hurricane Ian was initially classified as category 3, but its power increased to category 4 as it passed through the warm Gulf of Mexico. It is currently accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 250 km/h, approaching category 5. Ian is expected to make landfall in Florida this afternoon.

Florida and nearby areas are already on high alert. Following evacuation orders for residents, power outages have affected 95,000 households due to heavy rain and strong winds. Operations at some airports, including Tampa Bay, have also been suspended. Disney World in Orlando, Florida, announced it will remain closed until the 29th.

In the past 30 years, only two category 5 super hurricanes have made landfall in the United States. Previously, real estate information company CoreLogic estimated that recovery costs from a category 3 hurricane would reach $69 billion (approximately 98 trillion won), but as the storm's power increases, recovery costs are expected to be much higher.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised residents who have not yet evacuated this morning to find a safe place near their homes.