Hurricane Ian Nears Florida

Residents in Florida are anxiously bracing for life-threatening tidal surges, floods and winds as Hurricane Ian approaches.

The storm has already thrashed western Cuba and is expected to intensify before it makes landfall in Florida.

According to the associate director of the International Hurricane Research Center Erik Salna, Low elevation, rising sea levels, and a large population increase the risk of a catastrophic tidal surge.

The Tampa Bay region, which is home to more than three million people, is among the most vulnerable places in the US for severe flooding.