Impact of Hurricane Ian on the team’s future
Hurricane Ian is making its way toward Florida’s vulnerable Gulf Coast, and its exact path is unclear. But the Tampa Bay area will likely feel its effects sometime this week. The region could experience its first landfall by a major hurricane in over a century. And it could stall right along the coast, bringing heavy rains and storm surges. This could cause severe damage to the region. The storm is intensifying faster than any other hurricane this Atlantic season.
Hurricane Ian’s path is uncertain, but models indicate that the hurricane will move east of the guidance line. That track would keep Ian over the Gulf for a more extended period and increase the possibility of dry air affecting it midweek. While the GFS’s 12Z Monday run has shifted Ian sharply eastward, it is still unclear whether or not the storm will strike Tampa Bay.
Major hurricanes with winds over 111 miles per hour have not made direct landfall in the Tampa Bay area in more than a century. According to Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project, Ian’s predicted impacts are still unknown, especially on coastal communities.
Although Ian is expected to strengthen further during this time, the island’s hilly terrain is predicted to slow Ian’s forward motion and delay its arrival to Tampa Bay. Forecasters expect the storm to reach Category 4 strength early Tuesday evening. And with strong winds and rainfall, it may even get Category 5. But it will be a while before Ian reaches Tampa Bay. Until that happens, Florida will continue to be vulnerable.
While Ian is unlikely to make landfall in Tampa Bay, it has the potential to cause widespread flooding and significant damage. Its wind speeds reached nearly 150 mph on Monday. As a hurricane, Ian is expected to generate substantial coastal flooding, downed trees, and power outages. AccuWeather forecasters predict widespread damage.
The storm will affect the Tampa Bay area for several days. Several major games are already canceled or rescheduled. However, some teams move their practices to other cities or safer locations. That means the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be forced to relocate their next home game to the Superdome. It’s likely that by Sunday, the hurricane will have passed Tampa, but the power could be out for days. Nevertheless, local officials are already warning residents to plan.
Some of the airports in the Tampa Bay region are closed. BP Plc, for example, has shut down its Na Kika and Thunder Horse offshore oil platforms. Meanwhile, Chevron Corp. has evacuated its personnel from the Petronius and Blind Faith offshore oil platforms. However, Shell Plc said it is monitoring Ian closely.
As Hurricane Ian approaches the Tampa Bay area, residents are taking measures to help. One way to help is to volunteer to help in relief efforts. One organization is Convoy of Hope, which sends volunteers with food and supplies to help people who are displaced by the hurricane. It also provides trailers with showers and beds for people who need them.
