Hurricane Ian – A case study of a tropical storm in a developed country

The Birth of a Monster Storm

Hurricane Ian began as a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea in late September 2022. Warm waters—close to 30°C, well above the threshold needed for hurricane formation, provided the perfect fuel for rapid intensification.

On 26 September, Ian strengthened from a tropical storm into a Category 3 hurricane as it approached western Cuba. After crossing the island, Ian entered the Gulf of Mexico, where extremely warm sea-surface temperatures allowed it to intensify again.

By 28 September, Ian had become a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h), making it one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States in the 21st century.

At 3:05 p.m., Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, bringing catastrophic winds, torrential rainfall, and a storm surge exceeding 12–18 feet (3.6–5.5 m) in some coastal areas.

What Made Milton So Powerful?

Hurricanes thrive on warm water, and in 2022, the Gulf of Mexico recorded some of its warmest temperatures on record. This allowed Ian to strengthen extremely quickly.
Scientists reported that climate change made conditions more favourable for rapid intensification events like this, increasing the risk of destructive landfalling storms.

Did you know?
Ian was responsible for the third-costliest hurricane in US history, after Katrina and Harvey.

The Destruction Left Behind

Hurricane Milton left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Primary Effects:

• Hurricane Ian left a huge path of destruction across Florida, the Carolinas, and parts of Georgia.
• 149 people were killed, most in Florida, primarily due to storm surge.
• Entire coastal communities, including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Pine Island, were devastated by the storm surge, which swept away buildings, cars, and boats.
• Over 2.6 million people in Florida lost power as winds flattened power lines and damaged substations.
• More than 19 inches (48 cm) of rainfall fell in some inland locations, triggering widespread flooding.
• Over 5,000 buildings were completely destroyed, and tens of thousands more were damaged.
• Airports, bridges, ports, and major highways closed as flooding and debris made travel impossible.
• Damage to property and infrastructure reached an estimated $113 billion.

Secondary Effects:

• Flooding polluted rivers and coastal waters with sewage, fuel, and debris, creating public health risks.
• Inland flooding cut off entire neighbourhoods, delaying rescue and recovery efforts.
• Insurance systems came under heavy pressure, with tens of thousands of claims filed within days.
• Supply chain disruption, especially petrol shortages and road closures, slowed the return of services.
• Schools and hospitals were damaged or closed for extended periods, affecting education and healthcare access.
• Tourism, a key economic sector in southwest Florida, suffered significant losses as beaches, hotels, and marinas were destroyed.

How Did People Respond?

Immediate responses:

Because the USA is a developed country with advanced forecasting systems, authorities monitored Ian closely from the moment it formed.

• Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for over 2.5 million people along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
• Emergency alerts were sent via mobile phones, radio, TV and social media.
• The Florida National Guard mobilised over 5,000 troops and positioned high-water vehicles, helicopters, and boats before landfall.
• After the storm, Urban Search and Rescue Teams conducted rooftop rescues and helped evacuate residents trapped by flooding.
• FEMA delivered food, bottled water, temporary shelters, and power generators to badly affected communities.
• The US Coast Guard carried out hundreds of air and sea rescue missions within the first 24 hours.

Long-term responses:

• Shelters were set up across Florida to house thousands of displaced families.
• The federal government approved over $1.6 billion in emergency relief funding for housing, repair grants, and temporary accommodation.
• The American Red Cross provided meals, medical supplies, mental health support, and thousands of clean-up kits.
• Florida’s damaged bridges and causeways—including the vital connection to Sanibel Island—were rebuilt or temporarily replaced in record time.
• Debris removal took several months, with over 30 million cubic yards of rubble cleared.
• State authorities reviewed building codes and flood-risk maps to reduce vulnerability to future storms.
• Long-term funding supported the rebuilding of coastal defences, damaged schools, and major infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture

Hurricane Ian highlighted that even developed countries with robust emergency systems remain vulnerable to powerful storms, especially when rapid intensification occurs near the coast.

The disaster emphasised the importance of:

• Strong building codes
• Effective evacuation planning
• Climate adaptation strategies
• Protecting natural storm barriers such as mangroves and wetlands

Ian’s legacy serves as a reminder that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more damaging as global temperatures rise.