Floridians brace for Hurricane Ian, some taking refuge in Wisconsin

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) — Tampa Bay is on hurricane watch as Ian steamrolls nearer to Florida’s gulf coast. 

Tuesday evening Wisconsinites with Florida ties are reacting to warnings that this may very well be Tampa Bay’s most devastating storm in 100 years.

Passengers passing by way of Concourse C off a Southwest Airways flight expressed massive aid. Their 4:05 p.m. flight to Milwaukee was among the many final to get out of Tampa Worldwide earlier than all airport operations shut down.

“It is panic mode, typical Florida hurricane panic mode,” mentioned Brooke Anderson, who lives in Tampa.

Brooke and Josh Anderson have combined emotions in baggage declare, getting excited to go to household in Southeast Wisconsin, but in addition nervous as they present us the Tampa Bay dwelling they left behind.

“And we took our total first flooring of furnishings and put it right into a transferring truck as a result of we stay on the water and we expect it is a excessive likelihood that our total house is gonna be flooded,” mentioned Anderson.

The gulf coast’s making ready after Hurricane Ian pounded Cuba. Forecasters predict the storm to strengthen to a Class 4 with life-threatening storm surges and winds to 150 miles an hour.

“All of the grocery shops are out of water. Residence Depot is out of plywood and turbines,” mentioned Anderson.

Bert Bengtson grew up in Inexperienced Bay and moved to St. Petersburg in 2018.

“They’re limiting folks to love two issues of water and like important toiletries,” he mentioned. “So I believe that is accomplished a superb job of like ensuring everybody will get sufficient for themselves and nobody’s hoarding all the things.”

Evacuation orders are posted for sure zones. Bengtson, his girlfriend and their beloved pets are in a single.

“I believe he hates it. He undoubtedly hates the state of affairs,” mentioned Bengtson.

They determined to remain put, however they’re taking precautions.

“You guys really caught us within the center. We had been transferring like all the things on our floor flooring, actually like 5 toes in order that it would not get flooded and all the things,” mentioned Bengtson.

Pink Cross chapters all around the nation are actually heading south. One van left from Milwaukee.

“After which we drive round to areas which might be affected, particularly within the first couple days, for individuals who’re out of energy, who do not have meals — a pleasant, heat meal could make a giant distinction,” mentioned Bob Nelson of American Pink Cross, Southeast Wisconsin.

The Andersons plan to fly again to Tampa Sunday, hoping to be simply as fortunate with the flight dwelling.

“We’re simply blissful we’re protected and collectively, as a result of the most vital factor is correct subsequent to me,” mentioned Anderson.

And this notice to vacationers with inbound or outbound Florida flights within the coming days — main airways are waiving change charges proper now.