As Floridan horse owners get ready for the arrival of the “very dangerous” Hurricane Ian, more than 2,000 horses have been evacuated.
The “life-threatening storm surge” touched down over Cuba yesterday morning (September 27) at around 4.30 a.m. EDT (9.30 a.m. UK time), and forecasts believe it will continue across Florida before moving up the east coast until Friday evening (30 October).
Hurricane Ian, which is currently a category 3 storm, has the potential to hit isolated areas of the state with gusts as high as 51,4 m/s and up to 609,6 mm of rain. By Wednesday morning local time (September 28), the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) predicted that southwest and west-central Florida will experience hurricane-force winds, with tropical storm conditions following by the evening.
By Thursday and Friday, it’s anticipated that the Florida Keys, south Florida, central Florida, and the southeast coast will all be seeing an increase in heavy rain. Flash, urban, and minor stream floods are all likely to result from this. Widespread, protracted moderate to significant river flooding is anticipated from central Florida through southern Georgia and coastal South Carolina.
Evacuation of Horses
More than 2,000 evacuated horses were taken in by the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, northern Florida, and it is currently at capacity.
In the interview with Horse&Hound, US Equestrian (USEF) stated that it is “actively monitoring” the developing situation and any potential consequences on horses in Florida. The spokesman of USEF said, “We commend the World Equestrian Centre’s efforts in accommodating more than 2,000 horses in need by kindly opening their facility. In times of crisis, the equestrian community always rallies together.”
USEF is prepared to activate the disaster relief fund and instantly supply resources to non-profit organisations to fund supplies and horse care if necessary. Donations are still welcome today and in the future to support the USEF Disaster Relief Fund.
Source: Horse & Hound
Hey wait a minute, we have another tip for you!
You want to win cool prizes? ehorses gives away great prizes every month! Check it out here!
