As of 8:30 AM, CST, the National Weather Service announces these key points:
Tropical Storm Watches remain in effect from Indian Pass to the Suwannee River A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect from the Aucilla River to the Suwannee River Ian is a strong category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. Further strengthening is expected once Ian emerges into the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Ian could become an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane. Ian has now turned more toward the north and should turn more to the north-northeast tomorrow. Ian is expected to slow down as it nears the West Coast of Florida. Uncertainty has decreased some, though the slow movement of the storm and large size complicate the forecast.