The National Hurricane Center now expects Hurricane Ian to be just off the west coast of Florida from Tampa Bay to Cedar Key. GRAPHIC/THE WEATHER CHANNEL

The National Hurricane Center now expects Hurricane Ian to be just off the west coast of Florida from Tampa Bay to Cedar Key. GRAPHIC/THE WEATHER CHANNEL
Potential storm Ian pushes governor to issue emergency declaration for 24 counties, including Osceola. GRAPHIC/NHC
GRAPHIC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER The National Hurricane Center is the source for storm graphics, including the infamous “cone of projected movement” that is disseminated by other media outlets.
PHOTO/METRO It can take just a matter of days for a hurricane to form if the temperature is warm and there is a lot of water vapor rising from the ocean.
PHOTO/METRO Before you ever have to make a storm claim, get familiar with certain policy details like your deductible and how your payout is calculated.
PHOTO/UNICEF If your family or area is affected by a major storm, set aside time to talk with your children about how they feel once things settle down. Emotional trauma can take months to heal at any age.
PHOTO/ACCUWEATHER Despite not being a named storm over Florida, the disturbance that became Tropical Storm Alex dropped heavy rain, up to 11 inches, over South and Southwest Florida.