A terrifying video of a tornado hitting Fountainblue in Miami, South Florida, during Hurricane Ian has been viewed more than 1.9 million times on TikTok.
In the footage, user @junomars10 films from their house, which seems to be without power, through the window as high winds can be seen carrying debris through the air, and lighting strikes the power lines outside, scattering sparks across the sidewalk.
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More than 1 million people have been left without power as Hurricane Ian rips through Florida, with 1,031,722 outages reported on Wednesday, according to PowerOutage.us.
Eric Silagy, the president and CEO of Florida Power & Light (FPL), has said that the storm would cause “significant damage,” and there will be sections of the network that cannot be repaired and will require rebuilding.
Hurricane Ian has a political importance, with both President Biden and Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis being observed closely over their handling of the environmental disaster.
As DeSantis faces re-election in six weeks, his reaction to the hurricane will be pivotal. The extreme weather further exposes the property insurance crisis in the state of Florida, as rates soar amid the ever-increasing environmental issues experienced globally.
President Biden on Wednesday warned oil companies that his administration would move to take action if they raised prices at the pump due to Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian brought winds of more than 155 miles per hour on Wednesday, making it a Category 4 storm, approaching a Category 5, bringing high winds and devastating floods.
The extreme weather content is a far cry from what is usually posted to the TikTok page, almost exclusively videos of a Yorkshire terrier named Juno.
One TikToker commented, “Had a tornado rip right down my street tonight. Was insane…..had about a 2 minute warning before it happened. Stay safe.” The creator of the original video replied, “Prayers to all of you and hoping that everyone will make it out safe from this Hurricane Ian.”
TikTok page Mon Tresor Beauty Care, LLC commented: “Oh gosh and it’s just beginning wow and headed to us in Tampa,” to which @Junomars10 replied, “Praying for everyone there and all over the states that’s getting the effects of Ian.”
Emily Pesterfield wrote: “I’m in England and I can’t describe my fear for you. I honestly hope you’re all okay!! Stay safe. please keep us updated.”
TikToker CairanCreates commented: “Crikey! We just got home from Orlando Florida last week and I wouldn’t know how to cope in this !!! – just hope you all stay safe.”
Newsweek has reached out to @junomars10 for comment.