Looking for a Hurricane Ian documentary to stream? WGCU-PBS’s Rising: Surviving the Surge is listed for viewing on PBS.org and the PBS app. The 56-minute-46-second film combines Southwest Florida survivor accounts with reporting on the storm surge and its lasting impact.
Where can I watch the Hurricane Ian documentary?
The strongest exact-topic match is WGCU-PBS’s Rising: Surviving the Surge. WGCU lists it as available to stream on PBS.org and through the PBS app. Catalog access can vary by location and change over time, so check the listing in your region before watching.
The program listing gives the runtime as 56 minutes and 46 seconds and categorizes it under News and Public Affairs. It is a feature-length documentary, not a short news clip.
What does Rising: Surviving the Surge cover?
The documentary examines Hurricane Ian’s effects in Southwest Florida, with survivor stories and perspectives from scientists, first responders, and community leaders. WGCU describes its focus as the storm and the changed reality of storm surge in the region. The film uses dramatic storm footage alongside accounts of Ian’s effects and the ongoing challenge of preparedness.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- Comprehensive Hurricane Kit: This pre-packed hurricane kit includes all the essential hurricane preparedness items for home safety, such as a hurricane lantern, hurricane food, and a hurricane radio weather radio, ensuring you are fully prepared for any emergency.
- Waterproof and Durable Bag: Conveniently packed in a waterproof bag, this hurricane emergency kit is designed to protect your hurricane supplies for home from water damage, ensuring that all your essential hurricane preparedness items remain dry and functional.
- Designed for Two People: Our hurricane kit emergency for home is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of two people, including enough hurricane preparedness items food, water and hurricane lights for indoor use, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Essential Hurricane Gear: This kit includes a variety of essential hurricane items such as a led hurricane camping lantern, hurricane phone charger, and emergency hurricane supplies to ensure that you have all the necessary tools for effective hurricane preparedness.
- Emergency Communication Tools: Stay informed with the included hurricane radio weather radio, an indispensable part of your hurricane supplies. This radio ensures that you receive critical updates and alerts, making it a vital component of your hurricane emergency kit.
WGCU warns that the film includes dramatic storm footage and accounts of Hurricane Ian that some viewers may find distressing. Read the documentary page and viewer advisory if that context would help you decide whether to watch.
Why Hurricane Ian’s storm surge is central to the story
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report, in its March 12, 2026 version, says Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida at Category 4 intensity, bringing catastrophic storm surge, damaging winds, and historic freshwater flooding across much of central and northern Florida. The report records over 150 direct and indirect deaths and over $112 billion in damage. It describes Ian as the costliest hurricane in Florida history and the third-costliest in U.S. history.
Rank #2
- 72-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT FOR 2: Built for disaster preparedness at home, work or on the road, this 2-person survival backpack includes food, water, first aid, lighting, hygiene and shelter essentials for up to 3 days.
- FOOD, WATER & PURIFICATION: Includes two 2,400-calorie emergency food bars, six 4.225 oz water pouches, water purification tablets and a 32 oz BPA-free bottle to help support hydration and nutrition during outages or evacuations.
- FIRST AID & PERSONAL PROTECTION: Packed with a 33-piece first aid kit, 2 N95 dust masks, nitrile gloves, hygiene kits, ponchos, survival blankets and tissues for added protection, sanitation and comfort during emergencies.
- POWER, LIGHTING & COMMUNICATION: Includes a hand-crank emergency power station with flashlight, AM/FM radio, siren and cell phone charging, plus 2 emergency lightsticks and a 3-in-1 whistle, compass and thermometer.
- DELUXE SURVIVAL TOOLS IN ONE BACKPACK: Adds a multi-function tool, duct tape, bio-hazard bag and emergency contact card in a portable backpack. Ideal for earthquakes, hurricanes, blackouts, wildfire evacuation, cars and workplaces.
Those figures are the NHC’s updated estimates; they should not be confused with earlier reports that used different casualty or insured-loss measures. The report also records Ian’s landfalls in western Cuba and South Carolina. Read the National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Cyclone Report for its full account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other films and reports about Ian
Several other titles cover Ian or its aftermath, but they are not interchangeable with WGCU’s documentary. Their focus, format, and streaming access differ.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Removes Bacteria & Parasites: The Microfiltration Membrane Removes 99.999999% of Waterborne Bacteria (Including E. Coli and Salmonella), and 99.999% of Waterborne Parasites (Including Giardia and Cryptosporidium) - Essential for Your Survival Kit
- Removes Microplastics: Removes the Smallest Microplastics Found in the Environment (Down to 1 Micron), and Reduces Turbidity Down to 0.2 Microns - Ideal for Hiking and Camping Essentials
- Rigorous Testing: All Claims Are Verified with Laboratories Using Standard Testing Protocols Set by the US EPA, NSF, ASTM for Water Purifiers
- Long Lifetime: The Microbiological Purification System Will Provide 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons) of Clean and Safe Drinking Water - a Must-Have for Your Bug Out Bag
- Make an Impact: For Every LifeStraw Product Purchased, a School Child in Need Receives Safe Drinking Water for an Entire School Year. Essential Camping Accessory Made With BPA Free Materials
Rank #3
- [7400mWh (2000mAh) POWER BANK WILL KEEP DEVICES POWERED] The FosPower FOSPWB-2376 emergency radio incorporates a 7400mWh (2000mAh) power bank capable of providing emergency power to any small tablet or phone.
- [3 POWER SOURCES POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT] Use the emergency weather radio's 3 power sources when you need a boost of power or need to recharge the radio. The radio's crank lever and solar panel are both capable of regenerating enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go when you need it most. AAA Batteries ensure you have power when not able to regenerate power.
- [2 LIGHT SOURCES ALWAYS POWERED] The emergency crank radio can also provide light. The 4 LED reading light and 1W flashlight provides enough output to keep you and your loved ones out of the dark in an emergency situation.
- [NOAA EMERGENCY WEATHER BROADCAST ACCESS] The radio will dependably receive up to the second emergency weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA and AM/FM stations.
- [LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY] Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please visit FosPower's website for more information.
| Title | What it covers | Format and viewing notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rising: Surviving the Surge | Ian’s impact in Southwest Florida, survivor accounts, and storm-surge science. | 56 minutes 46 seconds; WGCU lists it on PBS.org and the PBS app. PBS program listing |
| Price of Paradise: Surviving Hurricane Ian | Firsthand accounts centered on a couple and their dogs trapped in storm surge on Fort Myers Beach. | Prime Video describes it as a 2023 documentary of approximately one hour. The retrieved listing showed rental or purchase access; check your regional catalog for current availability and price. Prime Video listing |
| Sanibel | A film that began as a portrait of Sanibel’s shelling culture and shifted after Ian struck during production; it is a related Sanibel story, not an Ian-only documentary. | 65 minutes, released in 2025. Its official announcement says it is on Apple TV and Amazon; availability can vary by region. Official on-demand announcement and Apple TV listing |
| Hurricane Ian Coverage | A collection of short WGCU local reports about damage and recovery, rather than one feature-length documentary. | PBS collection: Hurricane Ian Coverage |
| 60 Minutes: “Hurricane Ian: Witnessing the aftermath” | A report with Bill Whitaker on the Florida shoreline after the storm. | A 13-minute news segment listed by Paramount+ with an October 9, 2022 date; it is not a documentary feature. Paramount+ listing |
Choosing what to watch
- For a single feature focused on Ian’s Southwest Florida impact and storm surge, start with Rising: Surviving the Surge.
- For a personal account centered on people caught in the surge at Fort Myers Beach, compare it with Price of Paradise: Surviving Hurricane Ian.
- For a broader story about Sanibel and its shelling culture after Ian, look at Sanibel.
- For shorter reporting rather than a feature, use WGCU’s PBS coverage collection or the 60 Minutes segment.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
