Winds near Category 5 as storm approaches Florida

Hurricane Ian strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane this morning, hours before it was expected to make landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast.

Landfall is expected between afternoon and early evening in the area near Port Charlotte and Sarasota, though the hurricane’s track, timing and intensity may change.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency.

Parts of Florida are already feeling the effects of Ian. A tornado damaged several aircraft and a few hangers at a Broward County Airport.

The Mayor says it passed over North Perry Airport Tuesday evening. The facility is temporarily closed, while officials assess the damage.

At least two tornadoes touched down in Broward County between 7:15 pm and 8 pm.

Tornadoes, associated with hurricanes, can occur hundreds of miles from the center of the storm. They are typically short-lived and difficult to predict. A watch is in effect in south Florida until this morning.