Ian: NHC warns of 18 feet storm surge

Hurricane Ian is close to making landfall along the southwest Florida coastline, between Englewood and Bonita Beach, including Charlotte Harbor, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Ian has intensified in strength in the Gulf of Mexico and is now a category 4 storm with windspeeds up to 155mph, not far off Cat 5 status according to RMS.

NHC is warning of storm surge inundation of between 12 and 18 feet above ground level along with destructive waves as the powerful hurricane hits land.

“Hurricane force winds are expected to extend well inland along near the core of Ian,” it said. ”Preparations to protect life and property should be urgently rushed to completion.”

Industry losses ranging between $15 billion and $35 billion are an increasing possibility, according to Guy Carpenter.