Hurricane Ian pushed boats around like ‘toys,’ Florida’s mayor says

A local mayor stated on Friday that Hurricane Ian tossed enormous boats around as if they were “toys” in the southwestern region of Florida, where it brought catastrophic winds, rain, and storm surges.

Fort Myers’s mayor, Kevin Anderson, told CNN that the devastation left by the fierce storm was “horrific.”

“Just observe the boats. These are substantial vessels. And they have been treated as if they were toys “While standing at a harbor heavily devastated by the hurricane, Anderson stated the following.

During the storm, according to Anderson, some cement docks weighing “as much as a ton” were torn off and discarded carelessly.

Wednesday afternoon, Ian made landfall in southeastern Florida as a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc in the Sunshine State.

It was accompanied by gusts over 150 miles per hour, as well as hazardous storm surges and flooding.

The hurricane left millions of people without electricity and a path of destruction across Florida, while trapping hundreds of residents in their flooded homes.

Anderson told CNN that he believes it is “good for people to see” the enormous damage inflicted by the hurricane so that “when future storms come, they take our advise seriously.”

More than 200 individuals have been rescued by authorities in the Fort Myers region, Anderson said, adding that no fatalities have been recorded in the city.

The mayor advised residents to remain inside for the time being.

“Until we can clear the roads and secure the power lines, I’d love for everyone to stay inside,” he said, adding, “It’s not safe outside.”

Approximately 80% of the city is without power, according to Anderson, who said that electricity and water are the city’s most pressing requirements at this time.

MSNBC reported at 2 a.m. Friday that at least a dozen people have been confirmed deceased in Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian’s devastation.

Officials anticipate an increase in fatalities.

President Biden stated on Thursday that Hurricane Ian “may be the deadliest in Florida’s history.”