Citirus County, FL Hurricane Ian UPDATE #4, Sept. 28, 9:04 am
HURRICANE IAN - LOCATION AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Citrus County Emergency Management officials continue to track Hurricane Ian as it makes its way south of Citrus County.
At 7:00 am, Hurricane Ian was located 65 miles west-southwest of Naples Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (Category 4) and a minimum central pressure of 937 mb.
Ian is moving toward the north-northeast near 9 mph. This general motion with a reduction in forward speed is forecast today, followed by a turn toward the north on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. On the forecast track, the center of Ian is expected to approach the west coast of Florida within the Hurricane warning area this morning, and move onshore later today. The center of Ian is forecast to move over central Florida tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 28) and Thursday morning, Sept. 29, and emerge over the western Atlantic by late Thursday.
As Ian continues to increase in intensity, the storm will also grow in size. Impacts can and will spread well beyond the center. Due to the slow movement of the storm, wind impacts could last as long as 24 hours. Ian is forecasted to approach Citrus County with tropical storm force winds, including possible tornadoes, at 11:00 am today.
Rainfall will be a major and potentially catastrophic hazard with this storm. These bands of major rainfall can be prolonged and will have the potential to cause street flooding. This will flood localized areas, streets, and rivers. Citrus County is now forecasted to experience a possible 2-4 ft. peak storm surge on the west coast.
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
Currently, all full-service sandbag locations are closed until further notice. However, two self-service locations are still open as weather permits at:
• Bicentennial Park, 501 N. Baseball Point, Crystal River, FL
• Floral Park, 9530 S Parkside Ave, Floral City
For more information on sandbag sites, please call 352-527-7610.
CANCELLATIONS AND CLOSINGS
All community centers, to include the Canning Center; Beverly Hills, Citrus Springs and Central Ridge communiity centers, and Holder Community Building, are closed until further notice.
All Citrus County Parks and Recreation Programs are canceled through Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.
All Citrus County Library System programs are cancelled throughout Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022.
All Citrus County Schools are closed through Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
KEEP INFORMED OF HURRICANE IAN
At this time, citizens are urged to shelter in place, and follow the direction of local officials via radio, television broadcasts, and social media channels.
Please ONLY use 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO FOLLOW OUR UPDATES REGARDING HURRICANE IAN.
Download the CCSO app and click on the Emergency Management feature to find preparedness info, shelter locations, evacuation maps, and more at the following locations:
ANDROID DEVICES: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.citruscountyflsheriff&hl=en_US&gl=US
APPLE DEVICES: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/citrus-county-sheriffs-office/id1481134574