On Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, Hurricane Ian touched down in Florida as a Category 4 storm. It hit hard and fast, bringing winds of 150mph to the southwest coast, and by Wednesday night, over 2 million people in Florida were left without power. The National Hurricane Center warned Floridians of a “life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds and flooding”, and just as expected, Ian was relentless in its destruction.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most shocking and surreal photos of the impacts of Hurricane Ian that have been shared on social media this week. Our hearts are with all of our pandas in Florida, Cuba and anywhere else that has fallen in Ian’s path, and we hope that you have all been able to find safety amidst this frightening storm. Be sure to upvote the photos that you find most powerful, and then feel free to share about your experiences in the comments if you have been personally impacted by Hurricane Ian.
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Image credits: NaplesPolice
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Floridians are tough, and they are great at keeping a sense of humor during difficult times, as we have seen through the many Hurricane Ian memes they have shared online. But a storm like this is an extremely traumatic and devastating event to experience. Hurricane Ian hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, meaning there is only one category (5) that would be more powerful. According to ABC, “Category 4 storms can cause ‘catastrophic damage’ with their 130-156 mph winds. A Category 4 storm can cause severe damage to well-constructed homes, including damaging most of the roof and exterior walls.”
“Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed,” the National Hurricane Center explains on their site. “Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
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Image credits: BojorquezCBS
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Although Ian did not reach Category 5 level, the storm is not to be taken lightly whatsoever. Category 5 storms are actually extremely rare, as there have only ever been 4 in history. To put it into perspective, Hurricane Katrina of 2005, which caused extreme devastation to the city of New Orleans destroying over 800,000 housing units and causing over $81 billion in damage, was only a Category 3 storm. Hurricane Maria of 2017 which brutally impacted Puerto Rico was a Category 4 storm.
Hurricane Ian has caused a great amount of damage and devastation as well, but the only reason it has not been deemed a Category 5 storm is because the maximum sustained winds did not exceed 155mph. They certainly came close, though. The United States receives a Category 5 hurricane about once every 20-30 years, with the most recent one being Hurricane Michael of 2018. Michael may have had maximum sustained winds of 161mph, however, Hurricane Ian will certainly go down in history as well, as one of the most brutal and destructive hurricanes in recent US history.
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Image credits: lambo9286
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Image credits: TWCChrisBruin
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Image credits: Astro_FarmerBob
Since Thursday, Ian has weakened to a Category 1 storm, but residents can’t rest easy just yet. There is still a risk of flooding, with up to 30 inches of rain expected in certain areas of northeastern and central Florida. And as we all know, flooding can cause plenty of damage and destruction on its own as well, wiping away homes, vehicles, ruining buildings and leaving individuals stranded. Yesterday, MSNBC reported that Florida resident Terry Mazany became trapped on the 22nd floor of his high-rise condo in Fort Myers Florida, along with his wife and 91-year-old mother. Due to power outages leaving the elevators unable to function, the three of them were left surrounded by 8-feet of water and unable to escape.
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Image credits: LaFlame6ix9ine
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Water creeping up to the first floor our our hotel. Looks like the inside of the Titanic. Cars are fully underwater #Ian pic.twitter.com/kp1v73bgf6
— Taylor Wirtz (@TaylorWirtzWINK) September 28, 2022
Florida is not the only place that has been impacted by Hurricane Ian though. Cuba has also seen devastating effects, as 11 million people have been left without power, after the storm ripped through the island’s western tip earlier this week. Cuba’s entire electrical grid collapsed after the hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 storm, devastating some of the nation’s most valuable tobacco farms. “A blackout this big has never occurred in my lifetime,” Yamila Morena, a 51-year-old homemaker who lives with her son in central Havana, told AP News. “We can’t sleep at all without a fan, without air entering.”
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The natural disaster of flooding due to heavy rainfall has kept us in constant watch for people's lives. #HurricaneIanupdate #HurricanIan #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/LyTIDAT2Lv
— Dai manna (@lambatlangon23) September 29, 2022
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Image credits: OCFireRescue
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Image credits: lambo9286
Many images of trees ripped apart and homes destroyed in Cuba have been shared online to show the world the devastation that this small country now has to deal with. And while power has begun to return to the citizens of Cuba, their lives will sadly not be back to normal any time soon. “I spent the hurricane at home with my husband and the dog. The masonry and zinc roof of the house had just been installed. But the storm tore it down,” Mercedes Valdés, who lives along the highway connecting Pinar del Río to San Juan y Martínez, told AP News. “We couldn’t rescue our things … we just ran out.”
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Image credits: swmurfl
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Image credits: AminaJMohammed
More news on Hurricane Ian is still coming in constantly, as it is hard to report the exact level of damage when it is this overwhelming. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis referred to the impact as “indescribable” and stated in a briefing Wednesday evening, “We absolutely expect to have mortality from this hurricane.” Thankfully, there have been over 700 confirmed rescues thus far, but only time will tell how many lives were unfortunately lost due to this devastating storm.
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Image credits: GoodRobinHood
While Florida has been hit worst by Ian as of now, the relentless storm is not over yet. “Hurricane-force winds are expected across the coasts of South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina beginning early Friday, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect,” the National Hurricane Center wrote. They also warned of a “life-threatening storm surge through Friday along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina”. It is still unclear when Ian will finally leave the southeastern coast of the United States alone, but millions of people are hoping and praying that this nightmare will come to an end soon.
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Image credits: GageGoulding
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Got this from a friend in #Naples – just so sad. @ActionNewsJax #Ian pic.twitter.com/HtC0CtG228
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) September 28, 2022
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Video from Facebook Live of a flooded Naples Fire Station. Thinking of all the first responders working through #HurricaneIan to keep their communities safe. @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/W9NWqx1KC8
— Lauren Pastrana CBS 4 (@LaurenPastrana) September 28, 2022
For those whose homes have been hit by the storm already, President Joe Biden, Governor DeSantis, FEMA and the CDC are urging citizens not to rush back. The damage from the storm is extremely dangerous, and it may take some time before it is safe to return to the places that have been hit hardest. Citizens should wait for clearance before re-entering their homes and be sure to wear protective clothing from sharp objects and disease. And if something has been touched by floodwater, it should be disposed of, as it may have been in contact with toxic chemicals and sewage waste. “When in doubt, throw it out,” the CDC urges.
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Image credits: TampaPD
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We sincerely hope none of you pandas have been impacted by Hurricane Ian, but if you have, our hearts are certainly with you. No one should ever have to experience their home being torn apart or their city being battered by a violent storm, and we cannot begin to imagine how it feels to have to rebuild your life. Feel free to share in the comments below how this storm has affected you, if you or your loved ones live in the areas hit hardest, and then if you’re looking for ways to help the victims of Hurricane Ian, you can find organizations to donate to the relief efforts right here.
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Image credits: JMichaelsNews
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This fuggin guy here 🙄 #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/Fgusqlwg5T
— Chris in KC (@HedgehogKC) September 28, 2022
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We were in the eye wall of Cat. 4 #Hurricane #Ian for over 5 hours and the back side was the worst.
I haven't experienced anything close to this in over 30 years @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/wfEqcuEBAm— Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) September 29, 2022
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” Flooding like this is being seen throughout the Keys, Southwest and West Central Florida from significant storm surge and torrential downpours. The devastation of this storm is currently unable to be predicted, but as of now we have seen many uprooted trees, downed traffic signs and lights, flying debris, more than 1.8 million currently without power (including myself all the way on the East Coast), flood and tornado watches ongoing throughout Florida. More dangers and after effects are still to come.
While this shot is somewhat comical, I want to reiterate, no matter if you are in the thick of it or experiencing the outer bands, please do not go fishing, do not walk around outside, do not put yourself at risk. Wait to assess damage until the worst is over. While us Floridians are seemingly tough and calloused to the extreme and dangerous, it only takes the right (or more accurately, wrong) circumstances and a few seconds to be thrust into life-threatening situations. A cool story or a quick thrill is never worth the risk.
While many think Florida is ripe with kookie people and risky stunt-pullers, real Floridians know our heart comes from the way we stick together in trying times. Lending a hand, sharing supplies, looking out for your fellow man: that’s where we really shine. The struggle is not over, but together, we will stand strong.
Please be safe out there, be smart, hunker down and be ready to extend a helping hand when things cool down in the next few days.
If you are religious, a few prayers sent our way wouldn’t hurt either.
Stay safe, and save the tight lines for another time.”
Image credits: floridasportsmanmagazine
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Image credits: OrlandoPolice
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*RARE* first person view of storm surge. This camera is 6 feet off the ground on Estero Blvd in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Not sure how much longer it keeps working. You’ll see it live only on @weatherchannel #Ian pic.twitter.com/WwHtvgVxjY
— Mike Bettes (@mikebettes) September 28, 2022
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Aerial footage showing some of the destruction in Ft Myers… bridges are washed away and streets flooded. #HurricaneIanhttps://t.co/CnF5RTxceo pic.twitter.com/ASQEIw9P3x
— Parker Branton (@ParkerBranton) September 29, 2022
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Here is a time-lapse of the #StormSurge coming in on Sanibel Island, #Florida caught on a live traffic cam. This was only 30mins condensed down, it deteriorated quickly. 😬 #HurricaneIan #Hurricane #Ian pic.twitter.com/JKuNROvMm4
— BirdingPeepWx (@BirdingPeepWx) September 28, 2022
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Yacht Wreckage in Naples, FL #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/HEUD89D0YA
— Hurricane Ian Footage (@IanFootage) September 29, 2022
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Image credits: davidmweissman
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A look inside the @winknews studios. Still flooded out. 😳 pic.twitter.com/d5VVlRTHdk
— John-Carlos Estrada (@Mr_JCE) September 29, 2022
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Image credits: Mr_JCE
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Humanity.#HurricaneIan #doggy #birperimasali #NordStream2 #poundcrash #Deadpool3 #ByeShopee #WelcomeBackChanyeol #พายุโนรู pic.twitter.com/WSvXjqTDOI
— Omer (@OmerShiinwari) September 29, 2022
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𝑾𝒆 𝑪𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: Stay Off The Roads ❌ Stay Indoors✅. TampaPD Officers saw a traffic light 🚦 come crashing down in front of their car in #YborCity. There are live wires down. This is 𝙉𝙊𝙏 the time to venture out. #YourTampaPD #hurricaneian pic.twitter.com/t8pOii18Pf
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) September 29, 2022
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PLEASE SHARE: This is Fort Myers from my friend Rob who lives there! Yikes! 🌀@wkrn @megtomwx @MaryJMays @DavisNolan @Marcus_WX @GMA @Ginger_Zee pic.twitter.com/y4wPewmgZm
— Danielle Breezy (@DanielleBreezy) September 28, 2022
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View as of about 3 hours ago from a friend's house on Fort Myers Beach… Water levels over 6 possibly much higher. If you are on the coast stay safe from #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/Wx77svB2Sf
— The Camdalorian 💫 (@CameronM_Sprole) September 28, 2022
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My friend’s mom is at a hotel in Ft. Myers for Hurricane Ian. This is how it looks: #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/aSC8DGp8kb
— Edward (@EdF1986) September 28, 2022
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Terrifying. This is the view from Englewood Beach in Port Charlotte courtesy of @EarthCam pic.twitter.com/jRPFTJzGMa
— Kyla Galer (@kylagaler) September 28, 2022
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This psycho is trying to outrun the #HurricaneIan in a 56 foot Hatteras motor yacht. Seen departing Sanibel today. Absolutely insane. Godspeed "Captain". pic.twitter.com/3Wk8Su3p4S
— Frank Castiglione (@CastiglioneFrnk) September 28, 2022
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I've been capturing video from this webcam in Fort Myers all day and I've put it into a Timelapse. Check out the storm surge rushing in! Crazy. #Ian #flwx pic.twitter.com/lj7a1wThga
— Brennan Prill (@WxBrenn) September 28, 2022
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More footage of Times Square Fort Myers Beach LEVELED after #HurricaneIan #HurricanIan #Ian #FortMyers pic.twitter.com/v2XglsdMAr
— Smurph (@swmurfl) September 29, 2022
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I asked god for a car & he said 👏 #HurricaneIan #HurricaneIanupdate #Hurricane pic.twitter.com/sC7TqlQsJn
— Hunter Kowald (@hunterkowald) September 29, 2022
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Door buckling and caving in from the strong surge in Naples, FL #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/tw1dagAYFW
— Hurricane Ian Footage (@IanFootage) September 28, 2022
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This morning my family as well as thousands of Floridians are going to wake up to all the devastation #HurricaneIan left behind.
More than 42,000 lineman are on standby ready to go to #Florida to help.
Thank you so much for all the helpers out there!👮🏻♂️👩🏻🚒👩⚕️pic.twitter.com/TH1jh8Bv92— Pixie ✨🧚🏻♀️☀️ (@PixiePi13720126) September 29, 2022
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Migrants arriving from Cuba in hurricane Ian #HurricanIan #HurricaneIanupdate #HuracanIan pic.twitter.com/SvOvX0Zsc2
— NOT FOR EVERYONE (@NFE_Online) September 29, 2022
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#BREAKING: Hurricane #Ian on the cusp of Category 5 status with winds of 155MPH. #TropicalUpdate #flwx 🌀 pic.twitter.com/K8EDYeeqvi
— Dylan Federico (@DylanFedericoWX) September 28, 2022
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Image credits: Cappuccino_o
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Lee County Sheriff's mobile trailer floating by from the storm surge. #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/TUL4lzcmjR
— Chad (@ChadBlue83) September 28, 2022
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The storm surge in #BonitaSprings is unbelievable. #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/28A7yocTiM
— Leonardo Feldman (@LeoFeldmanNEWS) September 28, 2022
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Image credits: MelCarmichael4
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I'm not sure how many truly grasp what just happened tonight with Hurricane #Ian. It went through a full eyewall replacement cycle, hardly blinked, grew by 50% (as measured by its RMW), and delivered the 3rd highest storm surge since 1913 to Key West in the process. Just wow. pic.twitter.com/UmbuA8gJ7v
— Michael Lowry (@MichaelRLowry) September 28, 2022
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More cars underwater in Downtown Naples, FL #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/u0YfeqYWYu
— Hurricane Ian Footage (@IanFootage) September 28, 2022
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Hope everyone in Florida and all other places being hit by #HurricaneIan are keeping safe and well. #HurricaneIanupdate #Hurricane
pic.twitter.com/rarFejlk6Z— HRH Prince William Of Wales ➐ (Not Him) (@HRH_William_) September 28, 2022
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Image credits: swmurfl
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Image credits: GovRonDeSantis
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Here’s another video from Fort Myers from my friend Rob! The storm surge and wind are incredible. pic.twitter.com/2mMPwG84Nw
— Danielle Breezy (@DanielleBreezy) September 29, 2022
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Here’s another video from Fort Myers from my friend Rob! The storm surge and wind are incredible. pic.twitter.com/2mMPwG84Nw
— Danielle Breezy (@DanielleBreezy) September 29, 2022
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A friend just sent me this video from the Oasis in downtown Ft. Myers. Horrific flooding #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/L94KKePuVp
— Devin Turk (@Devin_Turk) September 29, 2022
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#HurricaneOps 🌀#CoastGuard air crews are actively responding to areas that have been impacted by #HurricaneIan as it moves across the state searching for people in distress and assessing storm damages. 🚁#searchandrescue #semperparatus pic.twitter.com/xWPGpl60tF
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) September 29, 2022
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This WAS the entrance to the Double Tree by Hilton hotel at Universal Studios.
And those cars across Major Blvd used to be working cars. Likely not anymore. @MyNews13 #HurricaneIan#flooding pic.twitter.com/CpoHyAqeQD
— Jeff Allen (@News13JeffAllen) September 29, 2022
#81
Holy f**k 😳😳😳😳😳
🌩⚡️⛈️⚡️🌩⛈️⚡️⚡️#Hurricane #IAN 🌀 #Category4 #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/fjmcPDXrmK— GRG | Sentinel 🇺🇸 (@GRGSentinel) September 29, 2022
#82
Hurricane Ian took all the water out of Tampa Bay because climate change is a hoax and these storms are absolutely not getting stronger, more frequent, and more devastating each year. pic.twitter.com/2uP12gAzin
— Andrew Wortman 🏳️🌈🇺🇸 (@AmoneyResists) September 28, 2022
#83
There are no words to describe the devastation we’re seeing here in North Naples.
The bottom floor of several of the buildings are completely destroyed, wiped out.
I’ve been speaking with people this morning who told me they’re just trying to find a way to get out. @winknews pic.twitter.com/UXayMQkdLL
— Annette Montgomery (@AnnettemTV) September 29, 2022
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DARING RESCUE: A Good Samaritan risked his life to save a cat that was stuck, perched on an air conditioner during #HurricaneIan. @NBC2
📍: Bonita Beach, FL
📸: Megan Scavo pic.twitter.com/evFRYzxPES— Gage Goulding – NBC2 (@GageGoulding) September 28, 2022
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Image credits: BradArnoldWX
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First-person view of storm surge from Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach, Florida
The camera is 6 feet off the ground‼️pic.twitter.com/bQSF3MkaPT
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) September 28, 2022
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Image credits: NEWS_ALL_TIME
Source: boredpanda.com