The meteorologist’s sister, who lives in Florida, talks about preparing for Hurricane Ian

ROCHESTER, NY – Uncertainty and fear continue to mount for people in central Florida as the powerful hurricane heads toward the country. News10NBC spoke to a person with ties to Rochester about the concerns she has as she prepares for the storm.

If you’ve experienced a hurricane before, you already know the feeling of how long it will take to end and the kind of destruction it will leave in its wake.

“I have the water. i have the food I have the candles, the lanterns,” said Barbara Johnson.

Like hundreds of thousands of other Floridians, Johnson is prepared for Hurricane Ian heading toward her home in New Port Richey, Florida. Johnson is no stranger to major weather events, her brother happens to be WHEC-TV meteorologist Glenn Johnson. He has given her brotherly advice to help her weather the storm.

“I’m just charging everything. Glenn sent me a quick dam to try and keep the water out. So I’m going to try that,” Johnson said.

It has survived a number of hurricanes in the past. Their biggest concern is flooding in their area. Despite living in an evacuation zone, Johnson says she will weather the storm.

“Yes, I intend to stay. I’ve checked with a few neighbors and some are leaving, others are staying. I’ve made the decision to stay and hopefully it’s the right choice,” Johnson said.

She evacuated once for a previous hurricane. She and her mother took shelter at a local school.

“Everyone was very nice, but the living conditions were not easy. You were there two nights. You had to be there early. I really didn’t want to go back there,” Johnson said.

If things get worse and she has to leave home, Johnson says her mother’s house is nearby.

“If it changes course and comes my way, I can always hop in a car and rush there. It’s 15 minutes from my house,” Johnson said.

As the calm before the storm continues for the next few hours, Johnson remains upbeat.

“I keep my fingers crossed. I have many people who have me in their prayers. It should be fine. I’m positive,” Johnson said.