Warm waters compound storm surge

{O/C} {And for the record}

The warm waters and shallow seabed of the Gulf of Mexico are bound to compound Hurricane Ian's storm surge, now expected at twelve feet.

{RVO}

Experts say when Hurricane Ian roars onshore, the shallow seabed will feed the storm surge, causing high tides and fierce winds to wreck the region and inundate seaside homes.

What's more, storm surge is often a common cause of hurricane-related fatalities.

Now, the warm Gulf waters are setting Ian on collision course with Florida as it further strengthens into a Category 4 storm throughout the day.