New Zealander Steve Roper's boat moored in a Florida marina with Hurricane Ian yet to hit there. Photo: Steve Roper
Florida residents are preparing for Hurricane Ian as it makes its way inland.
The hurricane began lashing Florida's Gulf Coast with powerful winds and drenching rain on Wednesday.
It hit land in Fort Myers earlier today where residents reported it had devastating effects, with the eye of the storm close to Category 5 power.
A New Zealander living in Cocoa Beach, a city south of Cape Canaveral, told RNZ the hurricane had not hit them yet.
Noel Donaghey said throughout the day there had been rain and increased wind, but for residents it was now just "a waiting game".
They have been told the hurricane would likely arrive during the night, he said.
Also yet to be hit by the storm is Kiwi Steve Roper, who is staying on his boat in a marina.
The hurricane is set to hit his area tomorrow morning.
Roper said he and other boat owners had been out today helping each other secure the boats.
But he said none of them were too worried about it "because we're just so used to it".
"Everyone here's just having a cocktail together," he said.