Increased rain and wind today Head of Ian

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – As Hurricane Ian intensifies today and moves north into the Gulf of Mexico, we will feel some impact.

Winds will increase throughout the day as some northerly rain bands hit areas south of I-4 this afternoon. Today’s winds are from the east, pushing toward the Gulf of Mexico. This means we may be seeing lower than normal tides tonight.

The rains will increase tonight as Ian advances further north. Tomorrow morning, areas south of I-4 could begin to feel tropical gale force winds and the rain will continue to spread.

Ian is slowing off our coast tomorrow which means we’ll see tropical conditions for a little longer. They should last through Thursday, depending on the storm’s exact track.

Hurricane Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for much of our coastline. The surge of water begins as soon as the eye is north of an area, and the winds begin to blow from the southwest. This wind direction pushes water from the Gulf of Mexico into bays and rivers and onto land.

Conditions improve on Friday.

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