Hurricane Ian has barreled through Florida, devastating many communities in its wake. Along with the loss of homes and personal property, it has made it difficult for people who live in these communities to travel.
In Lee County, bridges have been damaged resulting in road closures. And, as the county inspects the bridges, they urge residents to not cross any bridge until it is inspected.
Big Hickory Pass Bridge has been closed by the Lee County Department of Transportation due to damage from Hurricane Ian. The closure of the bridge, which is on the south end of Estero Island between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, is effective immediately. During a bridge inspection Thursday, engineers identified deficiencies. County transportation officials are working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The Sanibel Causeway has extreme damage caused by the hurricane, having five sections of the bridge fall away in the storm. It is unclear when this bridge will reopen.
On Pine Island, the hurricane has destroyed all of the bridges, and there is no way to drive into the island according to officials.
Throughout Central Florida, many counties are experiencing road and bridge closures, advisories, and flood impacts.
Orange County has flooding on the highways including the Florida Turnpike North, Interstate 4 East, and Interstate 4 Express Lanes West.
For a full list of road closures in Central Florida, click here.
Ian has moved off the east coast of Florida and is heading north, approaching the Carolinas. It will turn north-northwest by Friday night, according to the National Hurricane Center. The center of Ian will reach the coast of South Carolina on Friday, then move farther inland across North Carolina Friday night and Saturday. The storm is then expected to dissipate Saturday night.
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Source: Yahoo.com, ClickOrlando.com
