Evacuations: City of Marco Island issues mandatory evacuation amid Hurricane Ian

Tomas Rodriguez, Naples Daily News
·1 min read

UPDATE 

Marco Island has issued a mandatory evacuation ahead of Hurricane Ian.

"Given most recent estimates of storm surge predicted to be 6-9 feet and continuing to increase, conditions warrant an evacuation," read the release from the city. "There is a potential threat to life and property. Now is the time for residents to leave the Island."

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The “Big Flag” that usually islanders and visitors to the island has been removed in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Ian on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Marco Island, Fla.
The “Big Flag” that usually islanders and visitors to the island has been removed in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Ian on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Marco Island, Fla.

The threat is not yet imminent, officials say, but it's fewer than 36 hours until the island becomes subject to 4-7 feet of storm surge, flooded roads and power outages.

City officials say now is the time for residents to consider leaving the island and head inland toward Florida's east coast.

They add this is also the time to prepare for a potential mandatory evacuation.

The city won't close the Jolley Bridge or block exits from the Island.

Before 8 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, water had been restocked at the Publix at 1089 N. Collier Blvd., in Marco Island, Fla.
Before 8 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, water had been restocked at the Publix at 1089 N. Collier Blvd., in Marco Island, Fla.

When sustained winds reach a dangerous level, police, fire rescue and emergency medical response may be suspended, the release says.

"First responders may not be able to respond in the event of an emergency," the release says in part. "Residents should not drive on flooded roads and should not be outdoors when tropical storm winds begin."

Marco Island is expecting tropical storm winds to begin around 8 p.m. Tuesday.  Hurricane force winds are expected Wednesday morning.

The RaceTrac at 6170 Collier Blvd. had gas on Tuesday morning, Sept. 27, 2022, and was receiving a delivery of more fuel.
The RaceTrac at 6170 Collier Blvd. had gas on Tuesday morning, Sept. 27, 2022, and was receiving a delivery of more fuel.

On Monday, Sanibel issued a similar order, advising residents of the worsening weather conditions and potential threat.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and TikTok @tomasfrodriguez.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurricane Ian: Marco Island issues mandatory evacuation ahead of storm