fort myers florida hurricane 2020 fort myers florida hurricane 2020

The water was 4 or 5 feet deep within 30 minutes and reached the top of Browns SUV, which was parked in the garage and which they could see from the attic. After you have documented the post-storm damage, its your duty to do what you can to prevent additional damage to your property. Meet residents and loyal visitors who are passionate about the Fort Myers area and have had great experiences here. FORT MYERS, Fla. - Video of rising water at Fort Myers Beach was caught on a storm chaser's livestream as Hurricane Ian neared landfall Wednesday. It was just wild.. Residents of Florida and the Carolinas are combing through the wreckage after Hurricane Ian made landfall last week, leaving a path of destruction in its wake and killing at least 125 people.. Earlier this week, some postal operations were temporarily suspended, due to Hurricane Ian. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? the methods below. What they found was that the house they bought two years ago was still standing, but the lower level was destroyed, blanketed with mud and mold. According to the Lee County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to a home on Caisson Lane for a report of a stolen dog. 12 guests "Carpe Diem III" 55' Searay 510 Sundancer in Beautiful Fort Myers . Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. The residents say they were among the last to get their power restored and shelters and relief centers are being set up too far away for people who dont have access to vehicles. He just kind of looked around, you know, a little kind of wide-eyed like What is happening, Mom. Ticket holders in California and Florida matched all six numbers. Marine Connection - Vero Beach. Business Damage Assessment Survey The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. If it is not, it causes the potential to back feed, causing significant hazards. In Naples, city council authorized the city manager to spend up to $100,000 to expedite the cleanup of dead fish within the city waterways []. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. At least 127 people in the state have died due to Hurricane Ian, local officials said. They only went a few houses down the street, but it felt like forever. For about the last decade, Dr. Moses Shieh, founder of the practice, has been [], A Saturday night water main break on Fort Myers Beach put a boil water notice into effect for a community trying to get back up and running after Hurricane Ian. You must make all damaged property available for inspection by your insurance company. Victims of #HurricaneIan in Florida now have until Feb. 15, 2023, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. See the latest news on the storm here or read the posts below. The strongest hurricane to hit the state during the time period was Hurricane Michael, which was a Category 5 on the SaffirSimpson scale, the highest category on the scale. How am I advised if I need to boil water? The following is a list of hurricanes with all known deaths in the state associated with a storm. 'There's no words to describe it, it's complete devastation,' resident says. Oh my God, the debris, its unbelievable. Florida Strong Hurricane SVG GraphitiEverything (253) $3.50 SW Florida hurricane Ian T-shirt, graphic tee Goodvibesgraphictees (7) $14.99 Stronger Fort Myers, FL Hurricane Ian Florida Strong 2x3, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 & 16x20 DIGITAL DOWNLOAD BalloonElevations (20) $4.95 More colors Fort Myers Florida Strong Community Strength Prayer Support Shirt Our live coverage has ended. Michael, Thank you so much for all of our support and diligence over the past seven months. Duckwall punched a hole in the screen so they could get into the porch. The recovery effort has been a painful and a painstaking process for residents . Duckwall and Brown said Charlie was unfazed by the experience. Home built by "Arthur Rutenberg Homes" with a protected premium power/sailboat dock with 150ft of water frontage. 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 2,980 Square Feet for sale for $879,995 - If you're looking for your piece of paradise, take a look at this beautiful pool home with a newly remodeled guest house in the heart of the McGregor corridor. Even if operated for a short time, generator exteriors can quickly become hot. A HUGE wrap around boat dock with an all-aluminum 30,000 lb lift with remote control, water & power. Tropical Storm Eta was a hurricane as is passed by Southwest Florida Wednesday. Fort Myers Beach, Florida beach camera capturing Hurricane Ian in LIVE TIME. SAIL hotline: 800-342-3557. "Pulling up here we can already see the vegetation is in tatters. One of the biggest issues people are dealing with when it comes to insurance after Hurricane Ian is property damage. Please check the, Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 14:25, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Debby August 19-24, 2000, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Gordon September 14-18, 2000, Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Leslie September 14-18, 2000, "Detailed Damage Assessment Summary in Florida", "Tropical Storm Allison Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Barry Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Arthur - July 9-15, 2002", "Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Cyclone Report", "This weekend, Atlantic coastline harbors a hazard", "Tropical Storm Edouard Tropical Cyclone Report", Tropical Storm Hanna Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Isidore Tropical Cyclone Report", "Event Report for Tropical Storm Isidore", Tropical Storm Bill Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Claudette Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Depression #7 - July 25-27, 2003", "Tropical Storm Grace - August 30-September 4, 2003", Tropical Storm Henri Tropical Cyclone Report, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Tropical Storm Bonnie Tropical Cyclone Report", Hurricane Charley Tropical Cyclone Report, Costliest U.S. tropical cyclones tables updated, "Hurricane Frances Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Jeanne Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Jeanne Leaves Path of Destruction", "Tropical Storm Matthew Tropical Cyclone Report", "Tropical Storm Arlene Tropical Cyclone Report", "Hurricane Dennis Tropical Cyclone Report", Hurricane Katrina Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Moves Over Gulf After Soaking Southern Florida", Hurricane Ophelia Tropical Cyclone Report, Tropical Storm Tammy Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Wilma Tropical Cyclone Report", Tropical Storm Alberto Tropical Cyclone Report, "Hurricane Ernesto Tropical Cyclone Report", "Subtropical Storm Andrea Tropical Cyclone Report", "Barry Downgraded After Soaking Central Florida", "Lifeguards Rescue More Than 35 Off Siesta Key", "Surfer Drowns, 200 Rescued In Gabrielle-Churned Seas Off Coast", "Hurricane Humberto - September 11-15, 2007", "Tropical Depression Ten Tropical Cyclone Report", "System Likely to Deliver More Rain to Polk", "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Dolly", National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, "Tropical Storm Fay Tropical Cyclone Report", East Central Florida Region Technical Data Report, "Hurricane Gustav Tropical Cyclone Report", "Family sues Delray over death of son who was surfing at city beach", "Hurricane Hanna Hits Bahamas, Threatens US", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Paloma, "Tropical Storm Claudette Tropical Cyclone Report", "Alex weakens, but rain pounds coastMatamoros, Mexico, 'is practically under water,' official says", "Alex spreads tar balls, oily water along Gulf", "Little flooding, damage as Tropical Storm Bonnie passes South Florida", "Deaths show secluded beaches carry some risk", Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Danielle, "Swedish sailor missing after tropical storm Earl", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Nicole, "Storm surf expected to subside but not rip currents", "Tropical Storm Bret producing strong rip currents", "Hurricane Irene's rough surf kills two off Florida coast, officials say", Tropical Storm Lee September 111, 2011, "Tampa man killed while swimming at Ormond Beach", Summary of Heavy Rainfall/Flood Event of October 2831, Tropical Storm Beryl Tropical Cyclone Report, "Surf Off Central Fla. Coast Still Dangerous Today", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Debby, "As residents cope with major flooding, more rain threatens", "Obama, feds, approve Scott's 2nd try for Hurricane Isaac assistance", "Hurricane Sandy brings rain, strong winds to Central Florida", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Andrea, "Event: Lightning in Miami-Dade County, Florida", "Tropical Storm Karen - October 3-15, 2013", "Bertha passing, but still poses dangers", "Beachgoers warned of high risk of rip currents", "Rip currents cause Kissimmee man to drown at beach, officials day", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Colin, Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Hermine, "Hermine claims estimated at $80 million", "FPL customers to be billed for Hurricane Matthew costs starting in March", "7 Deaths, 2 in Miami-Dade, Related to Hurricane Matthew: Officials", "Jacksonville man falls off roof while doing repairs during Hurricane Matthew, dies", "2nd death reported during Hurricane Matthew", "Florida woman is 1st Hurricane Matthew-related death in U.S.", "Two storm-related deaths in St. Lucie County, fire rescue says", "Hurricane Matthew: Florida couple dies of generator fumes; U.S. death toll at 4", "Hermine, Matthew damages near $1.6 billion", "King tides arriving in South Florida with extra swell from Hurricane Nicole", "Hurricane Irma caused over 400 senior deaths in Florida, study says", "Dangerous surf pounds Brevard; rescues of swimmers, surfers", Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Philippe, "Gordon drenched South Florida. Its just totally devastating., From CNN's Nicquel Terry Ellis and Justin Gamble. At that point, it was a Category 4 storm, with winds around 150 mph. Track the latest tropical systems with the NBC2 Interactive Hurricane Tracker. Dont run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Other neighbors say this is the first storm they remember where theyve had to relocate their cars to avoid damage. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Tropical Storm Elsa has left her mark on Fort Myers Beach, leaving standing water behind past the shore, right in front of the . All rights reserved. Everywhere from minor to total devastation, Johnson told CNN on Wednesday. DIRECT deep-water access to Caloosahatchee River. The following year, Irma in 2017, was the first major hurricane to strike the state in 12 years. While our community rebuilds in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce stays committed to helping our business community. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or work on a generator while it is on or plugged in. Please call the Police Departments non-emergency number at (239) 477-1000. Duckwall and Brown spent the night there with the baby and cat and three other neighbors who came to the Younts house for shelter. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Donates $100,000 to Support Southwest Florida Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts. It starts with a complete gutting of homes and structures. No hurricane damage whatsoever to this well-built DR Horton home that was c. Hurricane Irma was the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history! 500,000 open heart surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and half of those patients require a blood transfusion. After the storm, its critical to thoroughly document your damage. If debris is not removed in a reasonable time the City will remove the debris and bill the property owner. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. Firefighters are battling several brush fires in Charlotte County; the one off McCall Road threatens several buildings, including a church. hit in 2022. Hurricane Ian demolished the Fort Myers Yacht Basin with its severe winds and storm surge, leaving show organizers to pivot and move it to Jan. 5 through Jan. 8. If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning light-headedness, dizziness, tiredness, or nausea go outside immediately for fresh air, and seek medical attention. Its important to understand what your insurance covers and what it doesnt. Manuel Bojorquez reports from Fort Myers, Florida, one of the counties where mandatory evacuations are in effect as Hurricane Ian nears. A fish kill is filling up the water in Southwest Florida. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. The wind, rain, and storm surge sank boats, damaged some roofs and cars, and caused flooding in some areas. The show will run Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday). They thought they were going to be OK as the winds raged around them last Wednesday, but then saw water seeping in under their door. The strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on the state was the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, which crossed the Florida Keys with a pressure of 892 mbar ( hPa; 26.35 inHg ); it is also the strongest hurricane on record to strike the United States. Everywhere you turn structures are leveled or stand in time from that fateful day on Sept. 23rd, when a nearly 20-foot wall of storm surge pulverized everything. According to Collier County Schoolswebsite,freebreakfast andlunch will be available to all students through Oct. 31. While they don't have their boats on display, they do have booths inside the Convention Center.". At least 125 people died from Hurricane Ian after it tore through the southeastern US last week, according to CNN's tally, based on data from local and state agencies. Disaster Assistance SBA Disaster Loan Businesses of all sizes located in declared disaster areas, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters affected by declared disasters, including civil unrest and natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires can qualify. Good also highlighted the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, which will be teeming with boating accessories from engines and electronics to services and swag. The FIS report and new flood insurance rate map (FIRM) for the Town of Fort Myers Beach will become effective on November 17, 2022. The plastic bins held the familys Christmas ornaments and were big enough to hold Charlie and his car seat after they were emptied out. Fort Myers' islands, beaches and neighborhoods have a way of leaving a lasting impression. Hot. Unfortunately, this tourist season will be nonexistent. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Lee County Government can only provide updates on behalf of Lee County Utilitiesregarding water restoration progress and boil water advisories. Common hazards include shocks and electrocution from incorrect use, carbon monoxide (CO) from a generators exhaust, fires from improper refueling or fuel storage, and noise/vibration hazards. $1,000. Feb. 13, 2023 On Sept. 28, Hurricane Ian made landfall on Cayo Costa, a barrier island northwest of Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Fla., as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of more than. Great test of the shutters. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. In Naples, city council authorized the city manager to spend up to $100,000 to expedite the cleanup of dead fish within the city waterways []. According to AAA, gas prices have dropped 10 cents since last week, and they []. Awareness is key to safe generator use. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers who may be able to assist. Lush landscaping and an outdoor kitchen and bath make lazy days by the pool a breeze. Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362). In Southwest Florida, the storms up north are already impacting travel. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Our teachers are cut from a different cloth, Oliver said, many of them coming in on an already scheduled day off to get their classrooms ready for tomorrow. According to their website, they will display boats of all styles and sizes while giving boaters the ability to have their dream shopping spree with hundreds of accessory exhibits at their fingertips. Fort Myers Beach, Florida A destroyed home is seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Oct. 3, 2022, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Arcadia, Florida Flooding along the Peace River is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Arcadia, Fla., Oct. 3, 2022. Residents like Taylor can't put the past behind. Timelapse shows hurricane storm surge flood streets in Fort Myers. A stunning time-lapse video shows Hurricane Ian overwhelming a Fort Myers waterfront street and washing away a home in a 15-foot storm surge. RELATED: Reporting on Hurricane Ian's Devastation from the Field, I Was Struck by Floridians' Will, Faith and Resolve As the powerful hurricane came ashore with sustained winds of 150 mph, storm surges reached nearly 7 ft. high in areas like Fort Myers, while 12 ft. water levels were recorded in . Enjoy the beautiful wide-angle views from the sunroom with vaulted ceiling and a 3-pane . You know, they had a 3-month-old in one bin and a cat in the other bin. Missing roof tiles or branches may later be found to have damaged your building. Public schools in Florida's Collier County are set to open Thursday, although it's unclear how many students will show up for class, according to the school district. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 954-523-2525. The property owner is responsible to coordinate the placement of all hurricane related debris at the curb to be picked-up by the debris removal contractor. ft. 15371 Floresta Ln, FORT MYERS, FL 33908 $549,900 MLS# 222079753 Turnkey! Particularly hard hit by Hurricane Ian, the Fort Myers area in southwest Florida is in shambles. For information specific to your home, consult your utility providers website and social media channels. For residents who do not have internet access they can call 800-621-FEMA. Welcome to Fort Myers. Six municipalities serve Lee County residents including the City of Bonita Springs, the City of Cape Coral, the Village of Estero, the City of Fort Myers, the Town of Fort Myers Beach and the City of Sanibel. The largest hurricane was Unnamed in 1935. Additionally, hurricanes Charley, Jeanne, Dennis, Wilma, Irma, and Ian, made landfall on the state as major hurricanes. As the water rose, they grabbed everything they could carry mostly things that baby Charlie would need and shifted to the attic. The list of Florida hurricanes from the 21st century has been marked by several devastating North Atlantic hurricanes; 79tropical or subtropical cyclones, their remnants, or their precursors have affected the U.S. state of Florida. 2023 Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Hurricanes pose serious threat of damage to property. In addition, damaged property is evidence of your loss and may be needed to prove your claim or case in court. Details on this and other Ian-related relief from #IRS at www.irs.gov/disaster IRS extends deadlines, provides tax relief for victims of #HurricaneIan in Florida. 79 hurricanes have been recorded in the Fort Myers, FL since 1930. Do not use a gasoline-powered generator within 20 feet of any window, door, or vent. Air conditioning, laminate floors, interior doors, baseboards, trim and impact resistant front door installed in 2020. They comprised seven deaths in Monroe County, three deaths in Putnam County, three deaths in Hendry County and one death each in Polk and Sarasota counties. View By Year. The hurricane center said. On Wednesday, the Florida Medical Examiners Commission reported 15 more deaths attributed to the Category 4 storm, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Most of the vegetation including palm trees was ripped apart or on the ground. Latson said the more affluent, predominately White communities seem to be getting prioritized in the storm recovery. This is a. Charlie was sleeping in his car seat during this part of their ordeal and Tucker, the cat, was in a mesh backpack. It is evidence that this Category 4 storm was large, destructive and deadly. Clear 3 to 4 feet around the generator to create airflow space to avoid a fire. One-story homes were either completely flooded or destroyed. Where the bridge . SOUTH FORT MYERS Heavy rains from storms passing through Southwest Florida on Monday triggered a Flood Advisory. In addition to drowning, other causes of death during Ian were delayed medical service due to the hurricane, blunt force trauma and atleast twosuicides, the data shows. A Warner Bros. The couples son Joe helped them clean up after the storm and described removing 25 trash cans worth of mud from the home. [1] After Wilma in 2005, it would be 11 years until another hurricane would strike the state, Hermine in 2016. Emig was very apprehensive about what she was about to see. WATCH 2022 WPTV FIRST ALERT WEATHER SPECIAL. WINK News has reached out to local experts and law enforcement to find out [], A donation program that sent thousands of dollars to Southwest Florida charities over the course of a decade is ending. Main house is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with an open floorplan and views both front and back . It was scary, she said. IRS Excise Tax IRS will waive tax penalties on disasters on a case-by-case basis. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), authorities spotted vehicles speeding. *Stay Grounded. the methods below. To find tickets, goonline at the Go Boating Florida website. "In our industry, boat shows accounted for probably more than 50% of the remote sales over the course of the year nationally and the reason for that is from the consumer standpoint, they can come to one place," Good said. Several studiesfound that the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides less aid to people of color facing disaster relief compared to White people. Is SWFL law enforcement preparing for protests over the Tyre Nichols body camera video? FEMA Disaster victims can obtain additional information and apply for disaster assistance through FEMA in various ways. Between poor water quality and damage from Hurricane Ian, this years wildlife surveys hold extra weight, and researchers are paying special attention to Floridas winter shorebird count. What is back-feeding? It is the responsibility of the property owner to place all hurricane related debris at the curb to be picked-up by the debris removal contractor. It is varied degrees of damage, but every home on Sanibel has received some level of damage. Today her view is a skeleton of what it once was. The day of the hurricane, the gregarious 59-year-old walked to a friend's house in Fort Myers Beach, just blocks away. Officials in Fort Myers did not immediately provide a response to these concerns when contacted by CNN. We have never seen anything like this in our lives since weve lived here for 10 years. *Proper ventilation is key. Hot. $36,995. An old, abandoned baseball field is now a debris field. The spacious eat in kitchen and both baths have been updated . . Clearing the Citys streets is a top priority. A stunning time-lapse video shows Hurricane Ian overwhelming a Fort Myers waterfront street and washing away a home in a 15-foot storm surge. Its horrific, Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson told CNN Friday morning from the once-scenic towns obliterated marina. As of the NHC's 11 a.m. advisory, the center of Hurricane Ian is located about 550 miles due south of Tampa Bay, moving between northwest and north-northwest at about 15 mph. An alarm bleats endlessly at the tollbooth for the Sanibel Causeway. The Lee County Sheriffs Office says Marcus Chiddister, 23, was sentenced to three years in prison and two years of probation. She armed herself with a weapon known to many storm-hardened Floridians:. Saul Martinez for NPR FORT MYERS, Fla. When a hurricane assaults the coast, as Ian did to Southwest Florida, flip on the TV and the images the cameras have to show are palm trees flailed. The wind, rain, and storm surge sank boats, damaged some roofs and cars, and caused flooding in some areas. The National Guard and police from across Florida are here to assist our officers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He has had to tell several clients that their homes are beyond saving. "It's gonna be a really a great show. Students, staff, family, and friends came together on Friday for the annual unified basketball game at Fort Myers High School. 2023 Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Florida 511 Latest Florida Traffic Conditions. Fort Myers. Below. Residents say theyve never seen anything like it. The people who work in nonprofits have not one but two missions. On Wednesday, about a dozen flights from [], Memphis police are preparing to release the body camera video of the beating that led to the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in early January. Flooding from Hurricane Ian in Bonita Springs, Florida, between Fort Myers and Naples 6 /r/badchoicesgoodstories , 2022-09-29, 15:27:13 Permalink "But he's alive.. As more people start to pile into the area, and beaches reopen, the fish kill will become a bigger problem. Thanks for contacting us. Tucker the cat was less happy about getting so wet. No docking areas were standing, so they pulled up to the shore before walking just under a mile to view the damage that Hurricane Ian left at their address. As a Category 4 hurricane, Irma caused more than $64 billion in damages, with winds of up to 150 mph and huge storm surges around the coast. After Hurricane Ian set it off course from its traditional date in November, the 50th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show is set to take over the historic downtown riverfront this weekend with some. They could weigh as much as a ton and theyve been thrown around like they were nothing., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Florida homeowners upset by insulting hurricane insurance payouts. 500,000 open heart surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and half of those patients require a blood transfusion. One person died from carbon monoxide poisoning after running a generator in a closed garage. With the boat show being one of the major annual events to return after Ian, Good said he believes the residents are ready to return to normalcy. often built in locations that are more physically vulnerable, Residents of Florida and the Carolinas are, President Joe Biden visited Fort Myers and was, Some residents of hard-hit Sanibel Island, More than 255,000 customers in Florida still do not have power, according to. Residents in south Fort Myers say theyve never seen flooding like this, Winds stoke brush fires and prompt evacuations across Southwest Florida, Fort Myers High School hosts annual unified basketball game, Public adjuster answers your hurricane-related property insurance questions, What the number of winter shorebirds means for Florida, Gastric bypass surgery center breaks ground in south Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach residents shrug off issues caused by water main break, Nanny accused of stealing south Fort Myers familys dog after being fired, Man sentenced for beating dog in car at a south Fort Myers RaceTrac, How bloodless open heart surgeries are performed, North Naples woman arrested after dog dies trapped in vehicle, After Hurricane Ian, Lee County reopening beach parks with free parking, Public memorial for Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs. The monstrous Hurricane Ian, nearly a Category 5 storm, was this morning aimed directly at Fort Myers, part of a metro area with more than three-quarters of a million people.