As of 4:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Wednesday, Sept. 28, the eye of Hurricane Ian has touched down at the south west peninsula of Florida near Cayo Costa. 

Hurricane Ian is considered a Category 4 hurricane with winds up to 150 miles per hour (mph). The hurricane is currently moving northeast towards Central Florida at about 8 mph.

Hurricane warnings, tropical storm warnings, and tornado warnings have been issued in multiple counties. 

Update 9/30/22

Hurricane Ian has barrelled through southwestern Florida. According to the National Flood Insurance Program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ian has caused around 47 billion dollars in damage, making it the second most expensive storm in the history of Florida.

Electricity, internet, and water are still unavailable in the counties affected. Responders in cities like Fort Myers are continually going out and helping those affected by Ian. 

As of Thursday, Sept. 29, Ian has downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane and is heading towards South Carolina. Currently, the winds are about 85 mph and Ian is moving at 14 mph. 

Both the Carolinas and Virginia are also under a tornado watch as Ian approaches.

Power in Charlotte County is already down, and all air travel has been cancelled due to the upcoming storm. 

The current casualty count for Hurricane Ian is over 20.

STORY WILL BE UPDATED AS EVENTS UNFOLD