Weather models predicted that it would likely hit the west coast of Greece on 17 or 18 September. Ianos gradually intensified over the Mediterranean Sea, acquiring an eye-like feature. Ianos made landfall on Greece at peak intensity on 03:00 UTC on September 18, with winds peaking near 120 km/h (65 kn; 75 mph) and a minimum central pressure estimated at 995 hPa (29.4 inHg), equivalent to a minimal Category 1 hurricane.[5][6] After making landfall, Ianos turned south-southeastward on 19 September, moving back out to sea,[7] where the storm managed to reorganize somewhat.