Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/jhs-storm-troopers-hurricane-ian/
Hurricane Ian is approaching Florida and predicted to make landfall Wednesday afternoon on the west coast. The storm has gained strength overnight after it tore through Cuba and knocked out power to the entire island. The most recent report shows the storm is just 2mph short of a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds at 155 mph.
The National Hurricane Center posted, “EXTREMELY DANGEROUS EYEWALL OF IAN MOVING ONSHORE…
…IAN WILL CAUSE CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE, WINDS, AND FLOODING IN THE FLORIDA PENINSULA SOON.”
“The center of Ian is forecast to move over Central Florida Wednesday night and Thursday morning and emerge over the western Atlantic by late Thursday,” shared local news station, WESH.
11 AM EDT Advisory: Hurricane #Ian will make landfall as a category 4 hurricane over the southwest coast of Florida in the next few hours. The main change in the forecast for the area is an increase in rainfall totals. Please continue to stay weather aware. #scwx #ncwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/aFpdJlNrek
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 28, 2022
The entire state is keeping a close eye on the storm. Even though Jacksonville did not issue a mandatory evacuation, residents and their pets are still urged to take shelter.
Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) has initiated their “Storm Troopers” program and needs temporary fosters.
“We are looking for foster families to take in pets while Hurricane Ian passes. We are asking fosters to keep their storm buddy through Monday, October 3. This is a great opportunity for our pets to ride out the storm with a family inside a cozy home instead of at the shelter,” wrote the shelter.
They encourage people to stop by the shelter today until 7 p.m. to pick up a pet.
“JHS staff members and volunteers will help you pick out the best pet for your home. We encourage our ‘Storm Troopers’ to spoil their sleepover guests and share pictures on social media using the #JHSStormTrooper. If you just so happen to fall in love, you are welcome to adopt!”
The shelter will provide the food and supplies for the fosters. The best-case scenario would be for many to end up as foster fails, but all the dogs and cats will enjoy a few nights away from the shelter.
“There’s no better way to ride out a scary storm than with a loving family,” Denise Deisler, JHS CEO stated. “We are grateful that we can always count on the compassion of the Jacksonville community.”
Learn more here.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
