Jamaicans in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida in the United States are making preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Ian.

The hurricane which is expected to make landfall in the US as a category four storm, is lashing sections of western Cuba with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Irie FM News spoke to some Jamaicans in Florida, who noted that their preparations are well advanced.

Troy Allen, a resident of Tampa, Florida which is forecast to be in the direct path of the hurricane, said items such as water have sold out in his area.

And Florida Governor Ron Desantis, while noting that it is unclear where the eye of the storm will make landfall, said there could be catastrophic flooding in the state.