When will Hurricane Ian’s worst effects hit Bradenton, Manatee County? Here’s latest timeline
Residents in Manatee County should be prepared to feel the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian from Wednesday to Thursday afternoon, according to the latest forecasts.
The storm is expected to batter Southwest Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, just shy of Category 5 strength. According to the latest forecast, the National Hurricane Center predicts Ian will make landfall near Venice around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
In a press briefing Wednesday morning, Manatee County officials warned residents that the storm will have a lasting impact as it tears through the Bradenton area.
“Very shortly, a majority of Manatee County will start to feel the effects of strong tropical-force weather, winds and rain,” said County Administrator Scott Hopes. “That will be followed early this afternoon when the southern and eastern areas will start to feel the impacts of the hurricane-force winds.”
Hurricane Ian’s severe weather forecast
The NHC’s weather forecast predicts the Bradenton area will see the strongest storm impacts around 4 p.m., when the area is set to see sustained wind speeds of up to 46 mph and gusts up to 82 mph.
In Sarasota, forecasts show higher wind speeds. Around 7 p.m., the area will see sustained winds of up to 59 mph, with gusts up to 91 mph.
Both Bradenton and Sarasota are expected to see about 11 inches of rain over the next 48 hours, with most of that rain expected to occur this evening.
Strong wind conditions will remain in place overnight in Manatee and Sarasota counties, NHC said. Emergency officials are warning residents to remain sheltered in their homes until they announce that it is safe to go outside.
“These winds are going to be out there between 12 to 36 hours,” said Steve Litschauer, Manatee County’s deputy director of public safety. “A lot of times with hurricanes, you see a lull in the winds. Don’t be complacent. That’s just the eye (of the hurricane) moving through. Don’t go outside because you never know what might go flying by.”
Ahead of the incoming severe weather, Manatee County locked down its evacuation shelters and the Emergency Operations Center, where public safety officials are monitoring the storm.
“As soon as the news starts talking about a storm looking like a Category 5 — not that there’s a lot of difference between a strong (Category) 4 and a weak (Category) 5. They are strong hurricanes. Any time they say it’s a major hurricane, you can expect devastation,” Hopes added.
A storm surge warning of anywhere from 4 to 10 feet also remains in place for coastal areas through Manatee and Sarasota counties.
This story was originally published September 28, 2022 at 12:51 PM.
