Hurricane Ian: Revived storm pounds South Carolina as death toll rises to 27
Flooding continued in central Florida as storm barrelled through state before gathering strength
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Your support makes all the difference.A revived Hurricane Ian battered South Carolina, bringing heavy rains and flooded streets as the death toll in the US from one of its costliest storms climbed to 27.
The storm barrelled through western Cuba and raked across Florida before gathering strength in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean to curve back and strike South Carolina.
While the storm was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone earlier on Friday, the agency warned river flooding will continue through next week across central Florida. Meanwhile, president Joe Biden has issued an emergency declaration for South Carolina.
The storm hit Florida as one of the most powerful hurricanes in the state’s history, with wind speeds nearly reaching Category 5.
Nearly 2 million people in Florida were left without power – and economic losses could amount to $120bn, according to an estimate.
Ian a ‘1-in-1000 year rain event’ says Florida meteorologist
ICYMI: Hurricane Ian will enter the history books as one of the worst to make US landfall, with a triple threat of impacts: severe surge, wind & rain. The rapid intensification near landfall shown by vivid lightning and a clearing eye. A 1-in-1000 year rain event NW of the track,” tweeted WFLA-TV (Tampa Bay) Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli.
Tom Brady promises to help with Hurricane Ian relief work
Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, has announced that he will donate money towards Hurricane Ian relief efforts.
In a tweet, he said: “Happy we’re able to head home for Sunday night, but so many people in Florida won’t be able to do the same. I’ll be making a donation to the Florida Disaster Fund to get things started, and I’m hoping the rest of the NFL family in our state will follow suit.”
The owners of the team, the Glazer family, also announced donations of $1m to “organisations that are providing support to those who have been most impacted” in Florida.
2.07 million homes in Florida still without electricity
According to PowerOutage.us, nearly 2.07 million homes and businesses in Florida were still without electricity, as of early Friday morning.
On Thursday, there were 2.6 million Floridians who were without power in the state.
Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest energy provider, said in a tweet: “Downed trees, high winds and flooding are posing challenges but we’re working around the clock to repair and restore all areas.”
Florida residents still sheltering-in-place
Residents in North Port, Florida have been asked to shelter in place untill 6am ET on Friday amid flooding from Hurricane Ian.
Officials in North Port issued a citywide curfew for residents from 8pm on Thursday night and said: “There is a strong potential for the water levels throughout the city to continue rising over the days ahead as the rainwater Hurricane Ian dumped to the north of us flows south”.
Other cities and counties across Florida have seen similar flooding, with curfews and shelter-in-place orders issued.
Orlando International Airport to reopen after Hurricane Ian closure
Orlando International will reopen at 12pm ET (5pm BST) on Friday 30 September, following two days of closure due to Hurricane Ian.
Read the full story here:
Orlando International Airport to reopen after Hurricane Ian closure
Florida hub previously announced that it would ‘cease operations’ from Wednesday morning
Aerial photos capture Hurricane Ian devastation on Florida coast
Thousands are stranded in Florida while more than 2.6 million people are without power. Ian downgraded to a tropical storm - but forecasters warn danger has not passed.
Aerial photos capture Hurricane Ian devastation on Florida coast
Thousands are stranded in Florida while more than 2.6 million people without power. Ian downgraded to tropical storm - but forecasters warn danger has not passed
Landfall could be between Charleston and Myrtle Beach
Weather forecasts are trying to predict where the category one storm will make landfall in South Carolina on Friday as Ian approaches with wind speeds of 85mph.
According to WBRC News meteorologist Matt Daniel, Ian could make landfall anywhere between the city of Charleston and Myrtle Beach on Friday afternoon.
Warnings of a storm surge and major flooding are in place for the South Carolina coastline.
Where to donate to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian
ICYMI: Non-profit organisations have opened up relief funds to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
You can find a list of places where you can donate in the article below”
Where to donate to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian
Florida governor Ron DeSantis described hurricane as a ‘500-year flood event’
Windy scenes at Myrtle Beach airport before closure
Planes were seen delicately landing at Myrtle Beach airport on Thursday as wind speeds pick up before the arrival of category one Hurricane Ian on Friday.
In one video shared on Twitter, a Spirit airlines flight was seen swaying as the aircraft landed in South Carolina.
Both Myrtle Beach International Airport and Charleston International Airport are expected to delay flights on Friday when Ian hits, but may not close completely, airport officials say.
Why you shouldn’t linger in hurricane floodwaters
ICYMI: As Hurricane Ian slammed Florida with wind speeds over 150mph, multiple people have shared videos of themselves swimming through floodwaters. We’re here to tell you why you shouldn’t do the same.
Amber Raiken has the story:
Why you shouldn’t linger in hurricane floodwaters
Multiple parts of Florida were left underwater due to Hurricane Ian this week
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