Hurricane Ian – live: Florida damage may top $120bn as Charleston airport shuts before South Carolina landfall

Ian is at hurricane status once more as the tropical storm ploughs towards the Carolinas on the southeast US coastline on Friday.

South Carolina, which is subject to major flood warnings, strong winds and a “life-threatening storm surge”, is where the hurricane is expected to make landfall on Friday afternoon.

President Joe Biden has issued an emergency declaration for South Carolina ahead of time as the National Hurricane Center warns of Ian’s strengthening over the Atlantic.

In Florida, rescue operations have been taking place after unprecedented flooding from one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the United States. It remains unclear how many people are exactly missing.

Thousands of people are stranded across the state and some 2 million people remain without power, in damage and economic losses that could amount to as much as $120bn, according to one estimate.

Key Points

• South Carolina under hurricane warning

• Charleston airport cancels flights as Ian approaches

• Orlando International Airport to reopen

• What is the path of Hurricane Ian?

• Where to donate to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian

Charleston County suspends first responder activity due to wind

18:11 , Ethan Freedman

Winds are now too fast for emergency responders in Charleston County to work, the county said early Friday afternoon.

When wind speeds get too high, officials will often pause EMT response to keep workers safe.

First responders will restart operations as soon as it is safe, the county said.

More than a hundred people in shelters

18:03 , Ethan Freedman

South Carolina officials noted 119 people in shelters across the state as Hurricane Ian moves in toward the state.

Total shelter capacity is about 750 people.

More than 80,000 customers without power

17:59 , Ethan Freedman

More than 80,000 customers in South Carolina are without power, according to poweroutage.us

A South Carolina official said at a press conference early Friday afternoon that she expects that number to rise, however, so encouraged residents who do have power now to charge their devices to be prepared for a potential blackout.

McMaster: Stay Inside

17:53 , Ethan Freedman

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said that conditions were “very dangerous” and asked people to stay inside and off the road as much as they could at a press conference on Friday.

About six to 12 inches of water have flooded parts of Charleston, he added, while other surges are flooding parts of the coast.

No deaths have so far been reported.

Hurricane Ian landfall ‘imminent’

17:50 , Ethan Freedman

Hurricane Ian’s landfall is imminent in South Carolina, a National Weather Service spokesperson said at a press conference on Friday.

Hurricane-force winds have begun along the coast, including in Charleston. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected over a large swath of the region.

Coastlines are seeing storm surges, especially in central and northern parts of the South Carolina coast, expected to last through the afternoon and into the evening.

Coastal roadways become temporarily impassable, he said.

Early impacts of the storm in Charleston

17:43 , Ethan Freedman

Photos from Charleston taken this morning show some of the initial flooding, rain and boarded-up businesses downtown.

The city has shut down as Hurricane Ian hits today.

President Biden speaks with South Carolina governor on Friday

17:29 , Ethan Freedman

The White House reports that President Biden spoke on the phone with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster on Friday morning as the state prepares for the brunt of Hurricane Ian.

“The President told the Governor that the Administration is here to provide whatever assistance the people of South Carolina need, and asked the Governor to stay in touch,” the White House said.

Mr Biden had issued an emergency declaration for the state on Thursday night, in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall in South Carolina as a Category 1 storm on Friday afternoon, with hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall and flooding already beginning along the coast.

Radar shows heavy rain coming into Charleston

17:22 , Ethan Freedman

The National Weather Service office in Charleston, South Carolina is reporting a band of intense rainfall coming onshore in the state as Hurricane Ian arrives.

Wind gusts have likely reached at least 75 miles per hour (121 kilometres per hour), they add, meaning hurricane-force winds.

“Prep for flooding/wind damage!”

Death toll continues to climb after sheriff predicts hundreds of lives lost

17:12 , Ethan Freedman

As crews and first responders survey the damage from Hurricane Ian, the number of casualties continues to rise.

Florida officials said on Friday that there were 21 deaths – one confirmed and 20 unconfirmed – in Polk, Charlotte and Collier counties. Lee County had previously reported at least five deaths.

Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties were in the direct path of Ian’s landfall on the Gulf Coast Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriffs in Volusia County on the Atlantic Coast have reported at least two deaths from the storm as well.

Read more:

Hurricane Ian death toll continues to climb

World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals in southwest Florida

17:00 , Ethan Freedman

World Central Kitchen, the non-profit founded by chef José Andrés, will be providing hot meals in Port Charlotte, Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida on Friday.

These areas face the brunt of Hurricane Ian’s wrath, and remain largely without power – or, in some places, without running water – two days after landfall.

Protests in Havana after Hurricane Ian causes islandwide blackout

16:45 , Ethan Freedman

Before hitting Florida, Hurricane Ian smacked in western Cuba, leaving the entire island in the dark.

Power has been restored to parts of the country, but an Associated Press reporter witnessed some small protests break out in Havana demanding a return for electricity. About 400 people were spotted chanting “We want light, we want light” while banging pots and pans.

By Thursday, only about 10 per cent of people in Havana had had power restored, AP adds.

Hurricane Ian killed at least three people in Cuba.

Read more:

Protests in Havana after Hurricane Ian causes islandwide blackout

Most of North Carolina at flood risk

16:39 , Ethan Freedman

A vast swath of North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as a large part of Virginia, faces serious flood risk on Friday and Saturday as up to eight inches (18 centimetres) of rain falls from Hurricane Ian, the National Hurricane Centre said.

People in low-lying areas across the region should remain on alert.

Hurricane force winds ‘imminent’ in South Carolina

16:33 , Ethan Freedman

Hurricane-force winds, meaning 74 miles per hour (119 kilometres per hour), are “imminent” in South Carolina, the National Hurricane Centre said in a Friday video update.

Storm surge is expected to occur now and into the next few hours, they add.

Hurricane Ian ‘acclerating’ toward South Carolina

16:30 , Ethan Freedman

The National Hurricane Centre said that Hurricane Ian is “accelerating” its path toward land as South Carolinians brace for the storm’s third landfall.

The hurricane was about 60 miles (95 kilometres) southeast of Charleston and moving northward at 14 miles per hour (22 kilometres per hour), according to the agency’s 11 AM update.

Wind speeds were measuring up to 85 mph (140 kph). Storm surge along the coast is expected to reach up to seven feet (2.1 metres) in some places, as heavy rain batters parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

Charleston has essentially shut down for the day, with some streets already flooding by early morning.

Footage shows destroyed Sanibel Causeway on Gulf Coast

16:22 , Ethan Freedman

Drone footage captured the shocking aftermath of Hurricane Ian on the Sanibel Causeway, the only road onto Sanibel and Captiva islands off the west coast of Florida.

The bridge has been destroyed in a few different places, leaving the small community on the island completely cut off by road from the mainland in the Fort Myers area.

Hurricane Ian made landfall just north of the two islands, putting this spot in some of the worst conditions on Wednesday.

Charleston hunkers down for the storm

16:15 , Ethan Freedman

Residents of Charleston, South Carolina closed up their businesses, offices and homes, cleared debris from the streets and stayed home as the city braces for Hurricane Ian’s landfall on Friday.

Inclement weather has already started, with some streets in the city closed due to flooding by Friday morning.

Hurricane warning for Carolina coastline

16:00 , Gino Spocchia

A stretch of coastline from the Savannah River in South Carolina to Cape Fear in North Carolina is currently under a hurricane warning as Ian approaches.

Flooding is likely across the Carolinas and southwestern Virginia, the National Hurricane Center says, while warning of a 7ft storm surge and rainfall of up to 8 inches (20 cm) is also expected.

In an update at 5am on Friday, the National Hurricane Center placed Ian about 145 miles (235 km) southeast of Charleston with wind speeds of 85mph.

When the storm made landfall in southwest on Florida on Wednesday, Ian was a category five storm with winds of 155mph.

Florida Power and Light says restoration timeline expected today

15:52 , Ethan Freedman

A spokesperson from Florida Power and Light, the state’s largest electrical utility company, told CNN on Friday that a timeline for power restoration in most of their affected areas will come by later in the day.

But some areas with the worst damage may not get an assessment soon, as crews need more time to really learn the extent of the problems, he added.

“We’re still doing damage assessments in the hardest-hit areas where it’s just been difficult to access those locations because of floodwaters and because of debris,” the spokesperson told the network.

The company provides electricity to roughly half of Florida’s population, including much of the hardest hit areas of southwest Florida. Nearly 2 million people in the state are still without power, according to poweroutage.us, with more than 80 per cent of customers facing blackouts in some southwest counties.

At a Florida trailer park, survivors speak of Hurricane Ian’s wrath

15:45 , Ethan Freedman

At one community in North Fort Myers, Florida, Hurricane Ian survivors speak about the catastrophic damage their trailer park community faced during the storm.

“I literally watched my house disappear with everything in it, right before my eyes,” said James Burdette, 62. “I watched things start to fly, part of the roof went off, the rest of the roof went off, the walls caved in.”

The Fort Myers area got a near-direct hit from Hurricane Ian, which made landfall as a strong Category 4 storm.

Read more here:

At a Florida trailer park, survivors speak of Hurricane Ian’s wrath

Climate change increased Hurricane Ian’s extreme rain, analysis shows

15:30 , Ethan Freedman

The climate crisis increased Hurricane Ian’s rainfall by at least 10 per cent, according to new analysis by US scientists.

Michael Wehner, a senior climate scientist, said the estimates were “conservative”, adding that his best calculation was that the rainfall was around 14 per cent heavier due to human-induced global heating.

The Independent’s Saphora Smith has more details here:

Climate change increased Hurricane Ian’s extreme rain, analysis shows

What path is Hurricane Ian taking?

15:15 , Ethan Freedman

Hurricane Ian, now a Category 1 storm, is on track to hit the South Carolina coast on Friday afternoon.

The storm will bring heavy rain, hurricane-force winds and storm surge up to seven feet (2.1 metres) to parts of the state.

Severe weather will also be felt in nearby areas of Georgia and North Carolina as the storm makes landfall.

The system will then head into western North Carolina and Virginia over the weekend and is forecast to be downgraded to a tropical depression by midday on Saturday.

What path is Hurricane Ian taking?

Power outages begin in South Carolina

15:10 , Ethan Freedman

More than 20,000 customers were without power on Friday morning in South Carolina, according to poweroutage.us.

The outages are so far concentrated in coastal Georgetown County, where nearly 10 per cent of people are in the dark.

Georgetown County is reporting that their disaster call centre is facing power outages and intermittent blackouts.

Hurricane Ian is starting to bring dangerous weather to the state, and is expected to make landfall later Friday afternoon. Conditions across the coast are forecast to deteriorate over the next few hours.

Wind speeds and rain picking up in downtown Charleston

15:00 , Gino Spocchia

Charleston has begun to feel the approach of Hurricane Ian as heavy rains and winds approached on Friday morning.

Here’s an image shared to Twitter of the conditions:

Wind speeds are also picking up, with 69mph recorded off the South Carolina coast near Charleston, which has been ordered to shut down and residents ordered to evacuate to higher ground.

Ian’s trail stretches hundreds of miles

14:45 , Ethan Freedman

Satellite photos of the US east coast show Hurricane Ian on its approach to South Carolina, with a long tail of clouds stretching hundreds of miles long.

Death count continues to rise

14:31 , Ethan Freedman

Kevin Guthrie, the head of Florida’s division of emergency management said that there are 21 deaths in three counties in the wake of Hurricane Ian, many unconfirmed.

There is one confirmed death in Polk County, 12 unconfirmed deaths in Charlotte County and eight unconfirmed deaths in Collier County, he said.

Medical officials need to make an assessment of the causes of death to determine whether deaths were directly or indirectly caused by the storm.

Images from Fort Myers

14:30 , Gino Spocchia

Images from southwest Florida continue to show the extent of the damage sustained by dozens of communities by Hurricane Ian, which has left 2m people without power, thousands misplaced or awaiting rescue, and millions of dollars in costs.

In Fort Myers, which has been badly devastated by Ian, many boats were seen washed ashore – landing in the middle of roads and on top of badly damaged houses.

Not all parts of southwest Florida have seen floodwater subside, however the extent of the damage is only just beginning to be seen.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said his office was scrambling to respond to thousands of 911 calls in the Fort Myers area, but many roads and bridges were impassable, the Associated Press reported.

Many in the hardest-hit areas were unable to call for help because of electrical and cellular outages, while roads have been blockedby damaged trees, building debris, and broken-down boats and cars.

Road in Charleston closing

14:15 , Ethan Freedman

The City of Charleston is already reporting some roads closed on account of flooding as Hurricane Ian moves in closer to the city Friday morning.

More than a dozen roads have all lanes closed due to floods, and local officials are urging people to stay home and off the roads as South Carolina braces for impact.

Parts of the Charleston area are under a flash flood warning as heavy rains begin and the tide comes in. In addition, storm surge from the hurricane is expected to push ocean waters between four and seven feet (1.2 - 2.1 metres) above normal.

Charleston, which sits at a very low elevation, is extremely vulnerable to flooding, even during sunny days with particularly high tides. That danger will only grow as the climate crisis pushes sea levels higher over the coming decades.

With just three feet of sea level rise, many areas in downtown Charleston could be inundated.

DeSantis: Lee County water main may require rebuild

14:10 , Ethan Freedman

A water main break in Lee County, Florida, home to Fort Myers and Cape Coral, has ledft many residents without running water. Early Friday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis said officials are inspecting the damage, which may be severe enough to require a rebuild.

700 rescued in Florida amid concerns for life losses

14:00 , Gino Spocchia

At least 700 rescues were carried out in Florida on Thursday involving the US Coast Guard, the National Guard and urban search-and-rescue teams, said Florida governor Ron DeSantis. At least five people have been confirmed dead in the state after Ian made landfall with devastating wind speeds on Wednesday. Many towns and cities are only just beginning to asses the damage.

Both Mr DeSantis and US President Joe Biden have warned of substantial losses of life, atlhough no figures have yet been confirmed.

“This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history,” Mr Biden said on Thursday.  “Numbers are still unclear, but we’re hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life ... I spoke with the commissioners and they are worried.”

Florida governor Ron DeSantis clarifies police statement on hurricane deaths

Nearly 2 million Floridians still without power

13:43 , Ethan Freedman

Almost 2 million customers in Florida are still in the dark, two days after Hurricane Ian made landfall near Fort Myers, according to poweroutage.us.

Power outages are concentrated in the band across the southwestern to central part of the state where Ian stretched, and heaviest in the Gulf Coast counties that got a direct impact.

In Lee and Charlotte counties, which saw the worst hit, more than 80 per cent of customers are still in the dark. In Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, homes to cities like St Petersburg and Tampa around the bay, a little less than 20 per cent of customers are without power.

Thousands of electrical workers are working to get power restored, and electricity is slowly starting to come back to some areas – earlier, at least 2.6 million customers were without power.

But the damage in some areas, like Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel, is extremely severe, which could mean officials need longer to get power and utilities running again.

Charleston braces for storm impact

13:30 , Gino Spocchia

A steady stream of vehicles left the South Carolina city of Charleston on Thursday as Hurricane Ian approached.

People have been advised to seek higher ground as a 7ft storm surge was forecast for the South Carolina coastline.

As Meg Kinard reports, storefronts in Charleston were sandbagged to ward off high water levels:

Hurricane Ian heads for Carolinas after pounding Florida

Storm starts to show up in South Carolina

13:24 , Ethan Freedman

The National Weather Service has recorded a 66 mile per hour (106 kilometre per hour) wind gust on a beach just south of Charleston, SC and a 74 mph (119 kph) – meaning hurricane-force – wind gust on a buoy offshore.

Conditions in South Carolina and nearby areas of Georgia and North Carolina are expected to deteriorate over the day as Hurricane Ian makes its second landfall in the US.

Elon Musk dragged for using Hurricane Ian carnage to promote ‘waterproof’ Tesla Cybertruck

13:02 , Gino Spocchia

ICYMI: ‘You’re just saying literally anything to attract attention and capitalise on headlines,’ wrote one in response to the billionaire’s claim.

Bevan Hurley has the story:

Elon Musk dragged for using Hurricane Ian carnage to promote Tesla Cybertruck

Charleston airport cancels flights

12:30 , Gino Spocchia

While Myrtle Beach airport says it will remain open, flights have been cancelled at Charleston International Airport as winds pick-up on Friday morning.

The airport said ahead of Ian’s landfall that it would close if wind speeds reached 40mph or more – which forecasts appear to suggest is already the case.

The airport’s website lists more than a dozen flights cancelled, as per FlightRadar24.

Meanwhile at Myrtle, airport officials said ahead of Friday that “As critical infrastructure, MYR does not close. Airlines may elect to delay/cancel flights during inclement weather. To check the status of your flight, please contact your airline.”

Why you shouldn’t linger in hurricane floodwaters

12:10 , Gino Spocchia

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

Windy scenes at Myrtle Beach airport before closure

11:32 , Gino Spocchia

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.

Where to donate to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian

11:04 , Gino Spocchia

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

Landfall could be between Charleston and Myrtle Beach

10:44 , Gino Spocchia

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.

Aerial photos capture Hurricane Ian devastation on Florida coast

10:13 , Graeme Massie

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

Orlando International Airport to reopen after Hurricane Ian closure

09:56 , Maroosha Muzaffar

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 residents still sheltering-in-place

09:54 , Maroosha Muzaffar

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.

2.07 million homes in Florida still without electricity

09:49 , Maroosha Muzaffar

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.”

Tom Brady promises to help with Hurricane Ian relief work

09:42 , Maroosha Muzaffar

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.

Ian a ‘1-in-1000 year rain event’ says Florida meteorologist

09:01 , Graeme Massie

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.

Charleston prepares for Ian’s landfall in South Carolina

08:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg is asking residents of South Carolina’s largest city to stay home and out of harm’s way as Hurricane Ian heads to the city.

The storm had restrengthened into a hurricane on Thursday afternoon and is forecast to make landfall in the state today.

Read the full story here:

Charleston residents asked to stay home as Hurricane Ian heads to city

Luxury McLaren P1 washed out of Florida garage and submerged in water after Hurricane Ian

07:54 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: A McLaren P1, worth an estimated $1million, was washed out of its owner’s garage and submerged beneath several feet of water as Hurricane Ian tore through a Florida neighbourhood.

The footage was posted on social media by the owner of the luxury car in Naples, Florida.

McLaren car worth over $1m washed out of garage and submerged by Hurricane Ian

Orlando International Airport to reopen today

07:50 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Orlando International Airport will reopen today, two days after it was forced to close due to Hurricane Ian.

In a statement, officials said the airport would “resume flights beginning at noon Eastern time on Friday”.

The decision to reopen was made after a “thorough investigation of any property damage, and a careful consideration for the safety and security of the travelling public and airport employees”, the statement added.

Tampa and Jacksonville international airports are also reopening today.

Cubans suffer as hurricane-caused power outage goes on

07:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The government has not said what percentage of the population remains without electricity, but electrical authorities said only 10 per cent of Havana’s 2mn people had power Thursday.

Read the full story here:

Cubans suffer as hurricane-caused power outage goes on

Hurricane Ian heads for Carolinas after pounding Florida

07:16 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A revived Hurricane Ian is bearing down on South Carolina’s coast and the historic city of Charleston, with forecasters predicting a storm surge and floods.

Read the full story here:

Hurricane Ian heads for Carolinas after pounding Florida

At a Florida trailer park, survivors speak of Ian's wrath

07:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

When Ian’s winds swept into this Gulf coast trailer park, they howled with such force that residents felt they would be lifted off the ground, even blown away.

Now many homes in this community in North Fort Myers are crumpled and splintered. Hurricane Ian pulled, twisted and bent their metal roofs and broke apart their wooden structures.

Read the full story here:

At a Florida trailer park, survivors speak of Ian's wrath

Biden warns Hurricane Ian could be ‘deadliest in Florida history’

07:02 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Hurricane Ian may be the worst storm that Florida has ever seen, President Joe Biden said at a Thursday briefing.

“This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history,” said Mr Biden, who addressed Federal Emergency Management Agency staff during a briefing at Fema headquarters.

The president said federal officials have been receiving “early reports” of what he said may be “substantial loss of life” in the storm’s wake, but he also said search and rescue operations had commenced before dawn in hopes of aiding people who are “stranded and who are in desperate shape” including water rescues by Coast Guard personnel.

The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg has more from Washington DC.

Biden warns Hurricane Ian could be ‘deadliest in Florida history’

Hurricane Ian video of a ‘street shark’ swimming up floodwater is real

07:01 , Maroosha Muzaffar

As Hurricane Ian ploughed through Florida, it brought a long-running hoax about marine life swimming in suburban floodwaters to life. A viral video of a shark swimming in the Fort Myers backyard has now been confirmed as original footage.

Read the full story by Namita Singh here:

Hurricane Ian video of ‘street shark’ swimming up floodwater is real

Timelapse video shows rapid flooding on Florida island as Hurricane Ian creates dangerous storm surge

06:12 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A time-lapse video of an intersection on the island starts off with winds and heavy rain, but the road quickly gives way to surging waters that completely cover the median and rise halfway up a street sign.

Watch the video here:

Video shows rapid flooding on Florida island as Hurricane Ian brings storm surge

Sanibel mayor pens emotional letter after Ian: ‘Our lives and our island have been forever changed’

06:04 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The mayor of a Florida island that was ripped apart by Hurricane Ian has penned an emotional letter to residents, saying “Our lives and our island have been forever changed.”

Sanibel Island is cut off after the only bridge that connects it and Captiva to the mainland bore the brunt of the historic hurricane and had sections ripped out.

“I am struggling to find the words to convey my feelings, as I am sure most of us are as we look to the past four days. All our lives and our island have been forever changed. What we do tomorrow and the days and months ahead will redefine and strengthen our community,” wrote Mayor Holly Smith.

Read the full story by Ethan Freedman here:

Sanibel mayor pens emotional letter after island ripped apart by Hurricane Ian

ICYMI: Firefighters evacuate Orlando nursing home as Storm Ian ravages Florida

06:03 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Ian re-strengthens into hurricane as it nears South Carolina

06:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Ian has regained strength over the Atlantic Ocean and become a hurricane again, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said.

The storm had been downgraded to a tropical storm as it weakened over Florida. Hurricane Ian is now forecast to hit South Carolina today as a Category 1 hurricane.

Read the full story here:

Ian re-strengthens into hurricane as it nears South Carolina

Woman braves Hurricane Ian flood to check on stranger's mom

05:57 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Christine Bomlitz became more and more distraught as Hurricane Ian gained in ferocity, sweeping across southwest Florida on Wednesday. Hours passed, but there was still no word from her 84-year-old mother.

Thursday morning came. The storm had long drifted away overnight. But still no word.

Read the full piece here:

Woman braves Hurricane Ian flood to check on stranger's mom

Hurricane Ian sweeps away homes, memories on barrier islands

05:48 , Maroosha Muzaffar

On the road into Fort Myers Beach, cars are left abandoned in the roadway, where they stalled when Hurricane Ian‘s storm surge flooded their engines and their drivers couldn’t continue. Broken trees, boat trailers and other debris litter the road.

It’s even worse in the seaside tourist town, much of which was flattened by the fierce winds and powerful storm surge generated by the Category 4 hurricane.

Read the full story here:

Hurricane Ian sweeps away homes, memories on barrier islands

Donald Trump avoids fraud lawsuit deposition by staying in Florida as Hurricane Ian strikes

05:32 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Donald Trump has avoided a deposition for a fraud lawsuit by remaining in Florida as Hurricane Ian bore down. The former president had been due to be deposed in a civil class action lawsuit first filed in 2018. It accuses Mr Trump, his children, and the Trump Organization, of committing deception and fraud.

It is different to the lawsuit filed earlier this month by New York Attorney General Letitia James, that similarly accuses Mr Trump and the others of fraud, for allegedly overvaluing his assets by billions of dollars.

Read the full story by Andrew Buncombe here:

Trump avoids fraud deposition by staying in Florida as Hurricane Ian hits

Don Lemon scolded for turning NOAA Hurricane Ian interview into climate crisis debate

05:25 , Maroosha Muzaffar

As Ian approached the US, Jamie Rohme, the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center, raised some eyebrows when he seemed to demur about linking the storm to the climate crisis during an interview on CNN.

Read the full story here:

Don Lemon scolded for turning NOAA Hurricane Ian interview into climate crisis debate

Study finds that climate change added 10% to Ian's rainfall

05:20 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A quick study by two scientists calculates that climate change made Hurricane Ian 10 per cent rainier than it would have been if there were no such thing as global warming.

Read the full piece by Seth Borenstein here:

Study finds that climate change added 10% to Ian's rainfall

Why you shouldn’t linger in hurricane floodwaters

05:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

As Hurricane Ian slammed Florida, with wind speeds over 150mph, multiple people have shared videos of themselves swimming through floodwaters. Read here to know why you shouldn’t do the same:

Why you shouldn’t linger in hurricane floodwaters

Death toll climbs after sheriff predicts hundreds of lives lost

05:09 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: At least five people are believed to have been killed in Fort Myers and the surrounding Lee County area following Hurricane Ian officials have said, though that number may have risen to as many as 12 based on reports from Florida officials.

Gino Spocchia has the story.

Death toll climbs after sheriff predicts hundreds of lives lost

They hunkered down in Disney World for Hurricane Ian – this is what it was like

05:05 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The vacation centre became a vital sanctuary for thousands as the powerful storm swept through Florida, Bevan Hurley writes.

Read the full piece here:

They hunkered down in Disney World for Hurricane Ian – this is what it was like

Hurricane Ian could result in up to $120bn in damages

04:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The damage and economic losses caused by Hurricane Ian could amount to as much as $120bn, according to a new estimate.

AccuWeather founder and CEO Dr Joel N Myers said in a press release that “Ian will go down as one of the most damaging and impactful storms in the US history, along with 2017’s Hurricanes Harvey, which caused $190 billion in total damage and economic loss, and Irma ($80 billion); Sandy in 2012 ($210 billion); Katrina in 2005, ($320 billion), as adjusted for inflation.”

NFL game to go ahead in Tampa on Sunday night

04:03 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: The Sunday night NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs will go ahead in the Florida city in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the home team has announced.

“We have informed the NFL, after consulting with local and state agencies, that we are ready to play Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium as originally scheduled,” the team said in a statement.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 8.20pm ET.

“We would like to thank all of the local government agencies and the thousands of emergency personnel who worked tirelessly over the past few days to ensure that our area would be ready to respond if needed. We would also like to acknowledge the Miami Dolphins organization for their assistance and hospitality in allowing us to use their practice facilities this week,” the statement added.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the many thousands in the Southwest Florida region who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Ian. We are also very thankful that the Tampa Bay area was spared the most damaging consequences of this powerful storm.”

ICYMI: Hurricane Ian flooding captured on stunning aerial video

03:06 , Graeme Massie

Aftermath of Hurricane Ian could wreak havoc on insurance market: ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it is’

02:04 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Hurricane Ian has brought widespread devastation to Florida, with many areas facing months or years of rebuilding, and for many residents, the recovery process might be prolonged without proper flood insurance, property insurance or other reimbursements for damages.

Ethan Freedman has the details.

Aftermath of Hurricane Ian could wreak havoc on insurance market

Two deaths on Sanibel Island, say officials

01:43 , Graeme Massie

Around 200 households stayed on the island during Hurricane Ian, and Mayor Holly Smith says that there have been two fatalities.

Rescuers removed 40 people from the island, which has been cut off after its bridge collapsed, by boat on Thursday. The mayor said that 12 of those had sustained injuries during the storm.

Trump begs for donations from Mar-a-Lago as Hurricane Ian wreaks destruction across Florida

01:33 , Graeme Massie

ICYMI: Donald Trump turned to social media to plead for donations to his political campaign as parts of Florida began rescue and recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.

Speaking in a video on Wednesday from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, southern Florida, the former president pleaded for donations to his Save America PAC ahead of a fundraising deadline.

“We have a major fundraising deadline coming up and there’s never been a time like this,” said Mr Trump, who claimed America had “never been so disrespected” by the world.

Trump begs for donations from Mar-a-Lago amid Hurricane Ian

Donald Trump avoids fraud lawsuit deposition by staying in Florida as Hurricane Ian strikes

01:03 , Graeme Massie

The former president had been due to be deposed in a civil class action lawsuit first filed in 2018.

Trump avoids fraud deposition by staying in Florida as Hurricane Ian hits

More than 500 people rescued so far in Lee and Charlotte counties

Friday 30 September 2022 00:01 , Graeme Massie

“Search & Rescue Update: As of 2:00 PM (EST), more than 500 individuals have been rescued in Charlotte & Lee Counties since operations began this morning. Search & Rescue efforts are ongoing in impacted areas,” the state’s department of emergency management tweeted on Thursday.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm with winds of 150mph, while Charlotte County is to its north.

Climate change increased Ian rainfall by 10%, say scientists

Thursday 29 September 2022 23:46 , Graeme Massie

The analysis by researchers Kevin Reed of Stony Brook University and Michael Wehner of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has not yet been peer-reviewed, but they say they used the same methodology for their study of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which has been.

Disney World guests hunkering down as Hurricane Ian brings fierce winds and rain

Thursday 29 September 2022 23:26 , Graeme Massie

The resort’s four theme parks closed on Wednesday, but in the 32 hotels that sit on the 27,000 acre theme park near Orlando, Disney staff went to every effort to keep the magic alive.

Disney World guests hunkering down as Hurricane Ian brings fierce winds and rain

Ian re-strengthens into hurricane as it nears South Carolina

Thursday 29 September 2022 23:10 , Graeme Massie

The storm is forecast to make landfall again on Friday.

Ian re-strengthens into hurricane as it nears South Carolina

Sanibel mayor pens emotional letter after Ian: ‘Our lives and our island have been forever changed’

Thursday 29 September 2022 23:01 , Graeme Massie

Sanibel Island is cut off after the only bridge that connects it and Captiva to the mainland bore the brunt of the historic hurricane and had sections ripped out.

Sanibel mayor pens emotional letter after island ripped apart by Hurricane Ian

Florida boats destroyed by Hurricane Ian winds and surge

Thursday 29 September 2022 22:52 , Graeme Massie

Boats were tossed around like toys in Fort Myers, Florida, as Hurricane Ian brought devastating winds and storm surge as it made landfall on Wednesday, 28 September.

Florida boats destroyed by Hurricane Ian winds and surge

Firefighters evacuate nursing home as Storm Ian ravages Florida

Thursday 29 September 2022 22:40 , Graeme Massie

Residents of a nursing home in Orlando, Florida, were evacuated after flood water from Hurricane Ian inundated their accommodation on Thursday morning, 29 September.

Firefighters evacuate nursing home as Storm Ian ravages Florida

Latest pictures of Florida devastation from Ian

Thursday 29 September 2022 22:31 , Graeme Massie

Ian upgraded to hurricane once again

Thursday 29 September 2022 22:21 , Graeme Massie

After spending most of Thursday as a tropical storm, Ian has been upgraded to a hurricane again.

The National Hurricane Center stated in its 5pm ET update that Hurricane Ian was “taking aim at the Carolinas and Georgia with life-threatening flooding, storm surge and strong winds.”

The hurricane is now moving north-northwest at around 10 mph with maximum sustained winds increasing to 75 mph with strong gusts.

“Ian could slightly strengthen before landfall tomorrow, and is forecast to rapidly weaken over the southeastern United States late Friday into Saturday,” the advisory said.

FCC says Ian knocked out more than 1,500 cell phone sites in Florida

Thursday 29 September 2022 22:20 , Graeme Massie

That number represents around 11 per cent of cell sites in the state, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

Lee County, where Hurricane Ian made landfall on Wednesday, has reported that 65 per cent of cell sites were taken out by the storm.

Residents of Charleston, SC asked to stay home as Hurricane Ian heads to city: ‘Take this storm seriously’

Thursday 29 September 2022 22:10 , Graeme Massie

The storm could bring up to seven feet of storm surge to the South Carolina coast.

Charleston residents asked to stay home as Hurricane Ian heads to city

Disney World in Orlando set to re-open on Friday

Thursday 29 September 2022 21:58 , Graeme Massie

The Walt Disney Company says it will confirm the exact opening hours later on Thursday.

“While theme parks and many operating areas remain closed to guests today, we anticipate weather conditions to improve this evening,” the company said in a statement Thursday.

“Walt Disney World Resort will resume theme park and Disney Springs operations in a phased approach starting on Friday, Sept. 30.”

Recovery in Naples could take week or even months, says city official

Thursday 29 September 2022 21:50 , Graeme Massie

City manager Jay Boodheshwar said Naples had seen widespread damage, and that a conservative estimate of overall damage was more than $200m.

Mr Boodheshwar said that damage to city property alone was estimated at around $20m.

Fort Myers pier destroyed by Ian

Thursday 29 September 2022 20:52 , Graeme Massie

The scope of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian can be seen in a before and after picture of Fort Myers pier posted on social media by Sean Breslin of Weather.com.

Scenes of destruction across Florida in wake of Ian

Thursday 29 September 2022 20:30 , Graeme Massie

Clean up starts in parts of western Florida

Thursday 29 September 2022 20:10 , Graeme Massie

Workers clean debris in front of a house after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on September 29, 2022 in Bartow, Florida

Major flooding at hotel at Universal Studios

Thursday 29 September 2022 19:29 , Graeme Massie

Video of major flooding at a hotel at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, was posted by Spectrum News 13.

Ian to bring ‘life-threatening’ flooding and storm surge to Georgia and Carolinas

Thursday 29 September 2022 19:18 , Graeme Massie

The latest National Hurricane Center warning says that Ian is expected to bring “life-threatening flooding, storm surge and strong winds across portions of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.”

The NHC said at 2pm ET that Ian is 275 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina, traveling 9mph with current maximum sustained winds of 70mph.

BREAKING: Charleston is ‘shutting down’ ahead of Hurricane Ian

Thursday 29 September 2022 18:53 , Louise Boyle

The mayor of Charleston, South Carolina, is asking his city to shut down on Friday as storm Ian approaches.

“There will be water tomorrow in this city,” Mayor John Tecklenburg said.

No evacuations have been ordered in South Carolina, with Ian forecast to make landfall a second time on Friday along the state’s coast as a minimal hurricane.

Forecasters warn several feet of ocean water could surge into low areas along the coast, like Charleston.

The flooding could rival or even slightly exceed recent hurricanes.

Associated Press

Live: Biden receives Hurricane Ian briefing at Fema

Thursday 29 September 2022 18:38 , Louise Boyle

Watch as President Joe Biden receives an update on Hurricane Ian’s destructive path across Florida.

As millions remain without power, warnings over generators

Thursday 29 September 2022 18:11 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center has issued a warning to those using generators as more than 2.6 million people in Florida remained without power.

“Many residents in Florida are starting recovery in the aftermath of #Ian & many will use Generators to provide power,” the agency tweeted on Thursday.

“We want to stress these Generator safety tips. Unfortunately, many indirect fatalities in hurricanes have occured after the fact due to improper generator use.”

Follow live: Traffic cam shows Tropical Storm Ian battering central Florida

Thursday 29 September 2022 18:00 , Louise Boyle

Hurricane Ian death toll rises

Thursday 29 September 2022 17:46 , Louise Boyle

IndependentTV has the latest on tropical storm Ian as it continues to wreak havoc across Florida.

Hurricane Ian death toll rises as 2.5 million left without power