Ian, a hurricane again after regaining strength, is heading to South Carolina, where a hurricane warning has been issued for the entire coast.
The National Hurricane Center says Ian could bring a "life-threatening" storm surge to South Carolina and "flooding rains" are "likely across the Carolinas and southern Virginia." Watch conditions at Myrtle Beach below.
Ian is forecast to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane somewhere near Charleston, South Carolina, mid-afternoon Friday. The National Hurricane Center's update at 8 a.m. indicated that the center of Hurricane Ian was located about 105 miles southeast of Charleston, and is moving toward the north at roughly 9 miles per hour.
"This general motion with an increase in forward speed is expected this morning, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest by tonight," the agency said. "Little change in strength is expected before Ian reaches the coast later today."
The combination of storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach heights of 2-7 feet above ground level if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.
"The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the center, where the surge will be accompanied by large waves," the NHC said.
Rainfall up to 12 inches is also expected, which the agency says will cause "considerable flooding."
A few tornadoes are also possible Friday afternoon and evening across eastern North Carolina, shifting northward into southeast Virginia overnight through early Saturday morning. Additionally, parts of North Carolina could see hurricane-like conditions; some areas of the state are under a Hurricane Watch.
After making landfall, Ian is expected to "rapidly weaken" late Friday and early Saturday as it moves inland across the Carolinas.
In advance of the storm, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg urged government agencies and businesses in the city to shut down, but stopped short of ordering any evacuations. Forecasters expect several feet of ocean water to surge into coastal areas of the city.
"Stay home and stay out of harm's way," Tecklenburg urged residents.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden declared an emergency for South Carolina and ordered federal assistance to help with local response efforts.
Ian isn't done with Florida either as major to record river flooding will continue across central Florida through next week. In St. Augustine, for example, the water that's flooded the streets is on the rise as rain and high winds continue to wreak havoc on the city. Around 1.9 million people remain without power.
Six storm-related deaths were confirmed in Florida as of early Friday morning. Meanwhile, more than 800 search and rescue teams continue to scour the state in hopes of finding people who need help, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. There had been 700,000 rescues as of Friday morning, officials said.
Floridians left stranded by Hurricane Ian are turning to the Internet for help. In a Twitter message that tags Orange County rescue crews, one resident wrote, "Can you guys come pick us up? We called the non-emergency line and were told to wait till someone shows up. Family of 3, dog, and pregnant mom with twins."
Residents who have made it out safely -- or who live in other states -- are posting questions about the extent of the damage to their properties.
People who can't reach loved ones are also posting inquiries about their safety: "Does anyone know the status of Wyldewood Lakes Court area?" one user writes. "Trying to find out how my Aunt is doing. We lost contact."
Meantime, swells generated by Ian and a nearby frontal system are continuing to affect the east coast of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and the northwestern Bahamas. The National Hurricane Center says these swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Related
Related
