Hurricane conditions are expected along the west coast of Florida within the Hurricane Warning area on Wednesday morning, with tropical storm conditions possibly beginning by late today, according to the National Weather Center (NWC).

Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Tropical Storm Warning area along the southwest coast of the Florida peninsula by this evening, and along the west coast north of the Tampa Bay area and along portions of the east coast of Florida on Wednesday.

Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area beginning on Wednesday.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in southeastern Florida in the Tropical Storm Watch area beginning this evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Tropical Storm Warning area on the east coast of Florida beginning early Wednesday, spreading up to Georgia and South Carolina on Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Tropical Storm Watch area in the Florida Big Bend area on Wednesday into early Thursday.

Residents in the Hurricane and Storm Surge Warning areas should rush all preparations to completion and follow the advice and evacuation orders of local officials, states the National Weather Center.

Life-threatening storm surge – one of many expected hazards with Hurricane Ian – along the west coast of Florida has prompted evacuation orders for some communities. Ken Graham, Director, National Weather Service, urges those residents to heed directions from officials!

Residents safety is at the heart of these tough decisions.

STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach significant heights above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.