News ‘Floridians up and down Gulf Coast’ warned as Hurricane Ian strengthens to Category 2 September 26, 2022September 27, 2022John Bacon, USA TODAYComments Off on ‘Floridians up and down Gulf Coast’ warned as Hurricane Ian strengthens to Category 2 Ian was forecast to intensify rapidly and become a major hurricane, Category 3 or greater, as soon as late Monday, forecasters said. Live updates.