Ian is now officially a hurricane and hurricane conditions are possible in the next 48 hours for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. For those who live along the coast, a Storm Surge Watch is up for Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota Counties… as well as the coastal area of Hillsborough County. Greg Dee from ABC Action News has been monitoring the overnight data and here are some of his thoughts as well as some observations from other weather experts.

• Another nudge east at 11am...

  11am Ian Update: Another slight nudge east for the track. Slower forward motion is expected as it moves parallel to the coast. This will prolong potential impacts from storm surge, rain and wind impacts across west-central Florida late Tuesday through Thursday. pic.twitter.com/ePB3G7D5yV

  — Denis Phillips (@DenisPhillipsWx) September 26, 2022

• Ian is officially now a hurricane...

  MON 5 AM UPDATE: Ian is now a hurricane with winds of 75 mph. Not much change in the track of the storm with this update. Hurricane watch has been issued for our coast, including Tampa Bay. #Ian #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/4EQK2vSXe9

  — Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) September 26, 2022

• Surge Explained...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Yfmobwq6E

• Impacts on inland cities and towns of Tampa Bay...

  The chances of strong tropical storm winds (greater than 58 mph) now greater than 50% in Tampa and greater than 60% in Pinellas County. #Ian #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/7tAEraL9Zf

  — Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) September 26, 2022

• You have a full day today to prepare...

  Hurricane Watch is now in effect for West Central Florida & a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for portions of SW Florida!
  
  Actions:
  📜 Have a Plan!!
  🧐 Keep monitoring the forecast
  🥤 Be sure have enough water & food
  🗣️ PREPARE NOW!#FLwx https://t.co/2satGVG8ZM

  — NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) September 26, 2022

• Hurricane Ian's Timing For Tampa Bay...

  UPDATED THREATS FOR TAMPA BAY | The greatest threat for the Tampa Bay area for all hurricane hazards will be from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. #Ian pic.twitter.com/uyJRYs8p1s

  — Meteorologist Grant Gilmore (@GrantGilmoreWX) September 26, 2022

• Surge is a big concern...

  A storm surge watch has been issued for coastal Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties including the bay (Hillsborough County). #flwx pic.twitter.com/TJlb0qFgFn

  — Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) September 26, 2022

• Ian's Arrival Time Nears...

  Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties have been placed under a hurricane watch meaning hurricane conditions are possible in the next 48 hours. #Ian pic.twitter.com/DOvJp6Dfrg

  — Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) September 26, 2022

• Where Landfall Could occur...

  The early-morning models continue to show a notable difference in the track. Most models keep the center of the storm either right along the Tampa Bay coast or a little farther west. That said, some bring landfall south of Tampa Bay. We have to prepare for all scenarios. #Ian pic.twitter.com/4mCjION14d

  — Meteorologist Grant Gilmore (@GrantGilmoreWX) September 26, 2022

• Could it turn like Charley did?

  Could #Ian pull a #Charley and turn? Yes. BUT, the average position error from the NHC in 2004 was 153 miles. Right now it's about 80 miles. The forecasts have gotten MUCH better. #flwx

  — Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) September 26, 2022

• Notes from the National Hurricane Center...

  Here are the 5 am Monday Key Messages for Hurricane #Ian. Latest information at https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/536aVhLwl5

  — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 26, 2022

• Just a slight move makes such a difference...

  This is going to be close Tampa Bay #FLwx By model standards the GFS and Euro are in good agreement, but slight wobbles could make the difference between 100mph winds and/or 60mph winds. We need to prepare for worst but hope it stays west #Ian pic.twitter.com/r4DbXa3RMW

  — Brian McClure (@mcclureWX) September 26, 2022

• He is right.

  Do not put yourself in a situation where you are trying to survive being inundated by water from Bay or Gulf. Water always wins. Regardless of what happens, the right thing to do is to put yourself in a position to be safe. Your stuff can be replaced. You and your family can not.

  — Paul Dellegatto⚡️FOX (@PaulFox13) September 26, 2022

• The good news...

  We have nice weather for today… lots of time to finish preparations.

  FORECAST | Good morning! It's currently September 26, 2022 at 06:16AM Here is how to plan your day. #Tampa #Forecast #flwx pic.twitter.com/HjskRD569g

  — Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) September 26, 2022

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