Just recently, Hurricane Ian hit and devastated South Florida on Wednesday afternoon. It hit as a category 4 hurricane and reached wind speeds of up to 155 mph. Severe flooding also hit Southern Florida and four casualties have been reported so far. The storm was 2mph wind speeds away from being considered a category 5 hurricane, which makes it one of the strongest hurricanes to hit mainland United States. 6 of the 9 category 4-5 hurricanes to hit mainland U.S. in the past 50 years have happened since 2017, a horrifying statistic that leaves many wondering if it will only get worse. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa, Florida, the exact same spot in which Hurricane Charley hit. To have two hurricanes hit a single spot is exceptionally rare. Rainfall up to 25 inches also devastated Florida, creating multiple flash floods and in many places record breaking. In the most devastated spots from the Hurricane, floods reached up to 12 feet high causing billions of dollars in damages. 

The statistics of damages to human life is also heart breaking. As I mentioned before, four casualties have been reported so far. Two casualties are confirmed on Sanibel, an island south of Florida from major-surge flooding. Another casualty was reported due to a hydroplaning crash. The final casualty reported so far was a man found dead in Deltona, Florida. President Biden stated, “This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida’s history.” He also stated, “we’re hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life.” In another interview, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated, “We absolutely expect to have mortality from this hurricane.” With words like this from leaders, more casualties are expected to come. More than 700 rescues have been reported due to rescuers coming in from all over. As of now it has moved through the mainland and is expected to make landfall again in South Carolina, with more devastating winds and flooding to come.