Florida Turns To Twitter For Help As Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall In The Peninsula
KEY POINTS
- Hurricane Ian has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm but heavy rainfall is still battering Florida
- Videos posted on social media showed how flood waters quickly made their way into Florida's streets
- Twitter users rallied to retweet posts that called for rescue
Hurricane Ian is expected to continue battering the peninsula of Florida through Thursday and as responders find ways to help trapped residents, social media users are flooding Twitter with rescue posts, urging assistance to families and loved ones caught in the storm's path.
"Widespread, life-threatening catastrophic flooding, with major river flooding, are expected to continue across portions of central FL with considerable flooding" in northern Florida, southeastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina, the National Weather Service (NWS) said in an update late Wednesday evening.
Widespread, life-threatening catastrophic flooding, with major river flooding are expected to continue across portions of central FL with considerable flooding in northern FL, southeastern GA and eastern SC.
— National Weather Service (@NWS) September 29, 2022
Find and follow your local NWS office at https://t.co/GWrG0hTRHN pic.twitter.com/DYWInH71Dz
The NWS added that heavy rainfall is expected across Florida through Thursday. The agency also warned of downed trees and cut power lines through Thursday morning as Hurricane Ian moves to the Atlantic coast.
Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm Wednesday afternoon but was downgraded to a Category 1 storm by Wednesday night, the New York Times reported. Forecasters warned that even if the storm has been downgraded, heavy rain will trigger flooding and strong winds will still make it dangerous for residents and structures.
Meanwhile, Twitter users have rushed to the social media platform, seeking help for their trapped loved ones in Florida.
My 90 year old grandparents are trapped in their home in Ft. myers. Please send help if you can. They have called 911 and are waiting https://t.co/IzuYDUomPy #rescue #FortMyers #HurricaneIan @cityftmyers
— WilBryBo (@WilBryBo) September 29, 2022
One user asked to help his 90-year-old grandparents who are "trapped in their home in Ft. Myers." The Twitter user also included the Google Map location of his grandparents' residence.
Port Charlotte, FL #HurricaneIan #sendhelp pic.twitter.com/e5NT9GDkAu
— Kaitlyn Joe 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@KaitJoe81) September 29, 2022
In hopes of helping a Facebook user who asked to get help for his sister and 100-year-old mother, one Twitter user posted a screenshot of the plea for help. The post detailed the location of the mom-and-daughter duo residing in Port Charlotte.
If anyone has a motorized boat in Bonita Springs, can you reach out to me? We are trying to rescue some people in an area flooded by the surges. #bonitasprings #hurricaneian #swfl
— Vanessa Gamble (@VanessaGambler) September 29, 2022
Another user asked to get help in securing a motorized boat so they can help rescue people in Bonita Springs.
These are my grandparents, missing in Venice due to Hurricane Ian. They couldn’t evacuate due to floods. They were taking on water through the roof and floor 5 hours ago. Our call dropped and there’s been no contact. They’re off Monroe Rd in S Venice. #hurricaneian #rescue #fl pic.twitter.com/isnqQqBzNy
— Anna AKA Red (@tattoomered) September 29, 2022
One user said she was getting in touch with her grandparents in Venice when the call dropped. She said her grandparents couldn't evacuate due to the flood and she has not made contact since the call dropped.
Reports of people trapped in attics due to flooding in Fort Myers, #Florida
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) September 29, 2022
Due to current conditions, #emergency crews are unable to rescue anyone at this time.#IAN #HurricaneIan #floridahurricane #Ian2022 #PineIsland #hurricaneian #stormsurge #Storm #Hurricane #Orlando pic.twitter.com/3bwMpuR4Oe
Journalist Chaudhary Parvez posted a video of the situation in Fort Myers wherein flood waters can be seen in the streets as the strong wind bent trees in the area. "Reports of people trapped in attics due to flooding," Parvez said in his post.
Called @LeeEOC to make sure that my mom is on the rescue list. She is on Egret Street on Fort Myers Beach at the south end of the Island. She is 78 years old & I have not heard from her in almost 3 hours. Her car and house are under water. @NBC2 @winknews @ABC7SWFL
— Beth #GetCaroleHome (@itsbethbooker) September 28, 2022
I need help.
Water continues rising.
— Brittany Hailer (@BrittanyHailer) September 28, 2022
My mom said that there are desperate neighbors with their houses underwater. She asked me to tweet that rescue boats be sent to Judd Park, North Fort Myers. #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/MtEshEHzQh
These came from FB from a friend in Georgia so she sent them to me.
— Tay Austin (@Jasamsdestiny) September 29, 2022
SOS
Anyone have an airboat up by Punta Gorda??
This one needs rescue. Anyone up to it? She's by #PuntaGorda. She has a service dog, it's dark & she's terrified.#FortMyers #Ian #HurricaneIan #Florida pic.twitter.com/3g1h1A6ux1
This is a long shot but my mother in law is trapped in Ft Myers Florida in Lexington Country Club. I need to find out how to get her on a rescue list! I’m in Tennessee and can’t call 911 for her. Please retweet! #FtMyers #FortMyers #hurricaneian
— Taylor Harmon (@harmonator5) September 29, 2022
Many of the posts asking for rescue are centered in Fort Myers, where several storm warnings are in place through Thursday evening. Twitter users rallied to retweet rescue-related posts in hopes of getting word about the stranded individuals.
For those who want to volunteer as part of the #HurricaneIan recovery, we have an official volunteer portal with @VolunteerFla.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 29, 2022
Visit https://t.co/fDtSBRK8K1 to find volunteer opportunities. pic.twitter.com/474WASQKle
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday evening called for volunteers to take part in the recovery and rescue activities.
11 pm EDT Wednesday, September 28 Key Messages for Hurricane #Ian.https://t.co/dxQlLVE7zI pic.twitter.com/c35z0EGMOY
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 29, 2022
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that considerable flooding is expected through "the end of the week." The agency also urged residents to follow safety guidelines as a "life-threatening storm surge" is expected through Friday.

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