Former Berlin resident loses everything to Ian

On Friday, Sept. 23, Ian, a tropical storm, which later intensified into a hurricane, initially developed in the central Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center's definition of "rapid intensification" is when a hurricane gains at least 35 miles per hour in wind speed in less than 24 hours, and Ian officially met this standard when it became a hurricane.

Michael Sandro, a native of Berlin, New Jersey, resides in Fort Myers, Florida with his parents, son, and daughter. He lost his 1964 Mustang, which was totaled, and other possessions that were submerged under at least five feet of water.

His son, Michael Sandro Jr., organized a Gofundme to help with future costs and to re-establish a home for him and his family.

"I know people are hurting worse than us, but I wouldn't be the son he raised me to be if I didn't at least try to do something for him," his son said in the fundraiser.

With maximum winds of 105 mph, it was the most powerful hurricane to impact the Caribbean in September (west of 75 degrees) since Hurricane Felix in 2007.

Over $2,300 has been raised as of this writing.

To make a donation visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ian-took-my-dads-home?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer