Hurricane Ian - live: Tropical storm regains hurricane strength as it nears South Carolina

After spending most of Thursday as a tropical storm, Ian was upgraded to a hurricane again as it takes aim at the South Carolina coastline.

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.

Dozens of rescue operations have been taking place across Florida after unprecedented flooding from one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the United States.

Thousands of people are stranded across the state as coastguard helicopters were seen plucking people from roofs after several feet of water surged into neighbourhoods. Some 2.5million people were currently without power.

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

Key Points

• Ian upgraded to hurricane once again

• South Carolina under hurricane warning

• What is the path of Hurricane Ian?

• Death toll climbs after sheriff predicts hundreds of lives lost

• Where to donate to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian

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