Governor Ron DeSantis spoke about the state's preparations for Hurricane Ian, which has strengthened to a powerful Category 4 storm.

Speaking at a news conference in the state's capital, Florida's Governor called Hurricane Ian "the real deal."

This one has just strengthened and strengthened, and it is the real deal.

Hurricane Ian is on the verge of becoming a Category 5 storm ahead of making landfall along Florida's west coast. The effects of the storm can be felt on the east coast, with multiple Tornado Warnings and Flood Watches already being issued in the early morning hours of Wednesday.

DeSantis warned that residents should find shelter and avoid the roads as the storm approaches.

If you're out on the roads, get to a safe place as soon as possible.

Yesterday, Governor DeSantis announced that 5,000 Guardsmen from the Florida National Guard have been activated, with an additional 2,000 from Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina being activated to assist the state, which the governor called a "historic mobilization" during the news conference today.

DeSantis was joined by FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie and Major General James O. Eifert. He is set to speak at a news conference at 10:15 a.m. in Lake City at the Florida Power and Light Processing Site to provide further updates.