Millions of people left without power as Ian downgraded to tropical storm; Fatalities could be in the hundreds

By Breaking Belize News Staff: More than 2.5 million people across Florida were without power this morning after Hurricane Ian, now a tropical storm battered the state as one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S., NBC News is reporting.

The storm caused widespread devastation and flooding that trapped hundreds of residents in their homes.

This morning, Sheriff Carmine Marceno of Lee County told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that “fatalities could be in the hundreds” after Hurricane Ian struck. Sheriff Marceno added that 911 received thousands of calls of people needing rescuing. 

At its peak, Hurricane Ian had top winds of 155 mph, making it a very strong Category 4 storm. Ian’s winds weakened to 65 mph this morning as it moved over central Florida.

Ian’s center is expected to move off the east-central coast of Florida later Thursday before approaching the coast of South Carolina tomorrow.

President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Florida over the devastation caused by Ian.

The White House said that President Biden has ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the storm.

Today, officials in Florida will begin to assess the damage left by Hurricane Ian.

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