Ian downgraded to post-tropical cyclone as it lashes Carolinas; Florida officials report more deaths
Post-tropical cyclone Ian continues barreling north along the Atlantic Ocean, where it is expected to move through the Carolinas and Virginia on Friday. Fox News is updating with the latest news surrounding the storm, its impact, travel and emergency updates.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Ian Impact: U.S. death toll rises to at least 27 as authorities urge people remain vigilant
The U.S. death toll from Hurricane Ian and its subsequent weather effects rose to at least 27 Friday night as Florida authorities have been able to confirm additional drownings and other fatalities.
Just hours earlier, the death toll was recorded as 17, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said later that evening that other deaths have been confirmed.
One of the deaths was a 22-year-old woman who was fatally ejected from an ATV because of a road washout and a 68-year-old woman who drowned after she was swept into the ocean by a wave.
Authorities expect the death toll to rise further as emergency officials are able to assess damages properties.
Hundreds of rescues have already taken place across the state.
Ian, officially a post-tropical cyclone with 60 mph sustained wind speeds, is estimated to be one of the costliest hurricanes ever to hit the U.S.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Steeple blown off Virginia Beach church, lands near apartment complex
A steeple blew off a church in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Friday as Ian, now a post-tropical cyclone, continues to batter the Hampton Roads area with 45-55 mph winds.
The steeple of Galilee Episcopal Church, located on 41st Street and Pacific Avenue, is currently wedged between facility and the neighboring Holly Hill Apartment complex, WAVY TV reported.
Some scattered power outages and other minor damage has been reported across the area.
High wind warnings remain in effect for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake until Saturday morning.
Post-tropical Cyclone Ian enters North Carolina, expected to dissipate late Saturday
Post-tropical Cyclone Ian continues to weaken as it crosses the Carolinas and weather models predict it will continue traveling north before it wholly dissipates over Virginia late Saturday.
After regaining strength over the Atlantic, Ian made landfall near Charleston, South Carolina on Friday as a Category 1. The storm's 60 mph winds and major flooding continues to impact local communities and about 2 million people across Florida, the Carolinas, and Virginia are without power.
As of 11 p.m. Friday, just under 1.4 million energy consumers in Florida are without power — a sizeable decline from the 2.7 million people that were without power earlier this week.
About 400,000 people in North Carolina, about 80,000 people in South Carolina and 100,000 people in Virginia are without power.
Extreme flash flood warnings are in place for several North Carolina cities including Lexington, Asheboro, Sanford, Raleigh, and parts of Dunn.
High surf advisories or coastal flood warnings are still in place along the East Coast, from Conway, South Carolina to Long Branch, New Jersey.
Florida death toll from Hurricane Ian rises to 17 people
The death toll after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida has rose to 17 people.
Hurricane Ian made landfall on the southwestern coast of Florida on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 4 storm, bringing winds of up to 155 mph.
After impacting Florida, Ian made a second landfall in the U.S. near Georgetown, South Carolina on Friday afternoon, and was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Post-tropical cyclone Ian knocks out power to nearly 350,000 in South Carolina, North Carolina
Power outages caused by Post-tropical cyclone Ian are now impacting hundreds of thousands of people in the Carolinas as the deadly storm made landfall a third time.
More than 187,000 South Carolina customers are now without power, and another 161,000 customers are without power in North Carolina according to Poweroutage.us.
The storm is also impacting Virginia, where nearly 15,000 customers are experiencing outages.
More than 1.7 million customers remain without power in Florida, two days after Ian hit the state as a Category 4 hurricane causing untold destruction and at least 21 deaths.
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WATCH: Florida governor Ron DeSantis gives an update on Hurricane Ian aftermath
Ian downgraded to Post-Tropical Cyclone, "dangerous storm surge," flooding, and wind threat stays
Ian has been downgraded to a Post-Tropical Cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The NHC said that while the storm has been downgraded, the threat for "dangerous storm surge, flash flooding," and high wind continues.
The storm contains a maximum sustained wind of 70 mph, according to the NHC.
Ian made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina on Friday afternoon.
Photos: Hurricane Ian makes landfall in South Carolina
Ian began flooding beach areas and residential neighborhoods with storm surges and massive rainfall in South Carolina
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President Biden approves pre-landfall emergency declaration for South Carolina
President Biden approved a pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for South Carolina following the storm making landfall.
Hurricane Ian made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina on Friday afternoon.
The White House says the move will "pre-position lifesaving Federal resources ahead of landfall in the state."
Florida activates 5,000 National Guard members, 2,000 national guard members sent from other states
Florida has activated 5,000 National Guard members and another 2,000 National Guard members from other states are assisting in various efforts after Hurricane Ian impacted the state, according to Anne Bink, FEMA Assistant Administrator, Response and Recovery.
Bink made the comments during a press conference on Friday and said that the National Guard members are assisting with "search and rescue operation operations and other emergency protective measures."
She also said that people throughout the Carolinas could see strong wind damage, storm surge, and flash floording.
Biden on Hurricane Ian response: 'This is an American crisis'
Speaking to reporters from the White House, President Biden discussed the actions his administration had taken to respond to Hurricane Ian.
"I've directed that every possible action be taken to save lives and get help to survivors because every single it counts. It's not just a crisis for Florida. This is an American crisis. We're all in this together," he said.
The president mentioned conversations he had had earlier in day with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
Hurricane Ian made landfall again on Friday at 2:05 p.m. EDT near Georgetown, South Carolina.
"My message to the people of South Carolina is simple: Please listen to all of the warnings and directions from local officials and follow their instructions," he said.
Biden also touched on relief and recovery efforts in Florida, noting that it would likely take years to rebuild and assured that the White House remains focused on recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.
"America's heart is literally breaking," he explained
"I have immense gratitude for the first responders and emergency crews who always show up no matter what. In times like these, Americans come together. They put aside politics. They put aside division and we come together to help each other," Biden stated.
An additional four Florida counties were approved for Individual Assistance and Debris Removal as part of the major disaster declaration for the state of Florida, and more may be added in the coming days.
Hurricane Ian makes next landfall in South Carolina as Category 1 storm
Hurricane Ian has made landfall in South Carolina as a Category 1 storm.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian made a third landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina as a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.
The NHC says that there is danger of a "life-threatening storm surge" along coasts of the Carolinas.
Hurricane-force winds are expected throughout the coasts of South Carolina and the southeastern portion of North Carolina, according to the NHC.
Areas from the Isle of Palms through Little River Inlet in South Carolina could see a storm urge of up to 7 feet, according to the NHC.
South Carolina officials on Hurricane Ian: Next several hours expected to be the worst
South Carolina Gov. McMaster said mayors in impacted areas are well prepared as Hurricane Ian's landfall was imminent on the coast, but warned against complacency.
"But, this is not as bad as it could have been. A lot of prayers have been answered. But, I would ask people: don't quit yet because this is still coming," he instructed.
No deaths have been reported in the state, but life-threatening conditions are still occurring.
"So, don't forget that human error is the deadliest thing that we have," he warned.
The National Weather Service's John John Quagliariello said that the strongest winds would occur into the evening for northern Charleston area up through the Grand Strand.
Storm surge flooding is ongoing and peak surge values of 4-7 feet are expected north of Isle of Palms.
A 4.8-foot storm surge is being reported at Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach. This is the third highest water level on record at that location.
Quagliariello pointed out that it was currently high tide as storm surge continues to build, and the worst conditions were expected in the next couple of hours.
Flooding is most problematic through the afternoon and heavy rain is also expected, with flash flood warnings issued.
Some isolated tornadoes are possible in the northeast part of the state.
Officials said that impacts were already being felt.
More than 126,500 customers were reported without power, according to PowerOutage.US.
Officials said that Dominion Energy had accounted for more than 23,000 because they had to pause restoration efforts.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation reported more than 200 downed trees and water on runways, but said there were no major closures and that it was watching causeways from Charleston to Myrtle Beach.
There was an uptick in calls for the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, with over 131 from 6 a.m. EDT on Friday through noon.
Most of those calls were coming from coastal residents.
Major General Jeff Jones said the South Carolina Military Department are poised to respond to the people of South Carolina, with 90 guardsmen on state active duty.
In addition, over 300 law enforcement officers would respond to calls for service.
Five shelters were open across the state, and were reported at 15% capacity.
McMaster noted that he had spoked with the Biden administration earlier in the day and that they had been helpful and cooperative.
"As we all know, when there's a hurricane, there's no politics involved there," he said.
Florida senators aske Senate Appropriators to provide assistance for recovery from Hurricane Ian
Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter Friday to Senators Patrick Leahy and Richard Shelby, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, requesting support in developing a disaster supplemental to provide assistance to Florida as residents recover from Hurricane Ian.
"A robust and timely federal response, including through supplemental programs and funding, will be required to ensure that sufficient resources are provided to rebuild critical infrastructure and public services capacity, and to assist our fellow Floridians in rebuilding their lives," the Republican senators urged. " These provisions must be made a priority and considered at the earliest opportunity."
"We look forward to working with you to develop and secure the resources that are desperately needed to rebuild our communities in both Florida and Puerto Rico, which was impacted by Hurricane Fiona," they said.
Rubio is a member of the committee.
Charleston Police announce road closures as Hurricane Ian grows near
The Charleston Police Department warned South Carolina residents that there are currently 24 road closures and 18 traffic lights out throughout the city.
"Please stay off the roads if you can and avoid barricaded areas," the department urged.
Septima Clark Pkwy was closed to flooding and drivers were asked to avoid the area.
The National Weather Service's office in Charleston said a flash flood warning would continue for the city and Mount Pleasant through 4 p.m. EDT.
Hurricane Ian is accelerating toward the coast, bringing the danger of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds.
According to Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross, life-threatening storm surge will inundate areas north of Charleston Harbor.
Places like Georgetown, Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach are in line to get the worst storm surge flooding and Myrtle Beach is now approaching major flood stage.
Charleston Harbor is experiencing wind gusts of 84 miles per hour, so the wind and rain are the main concern for the Charleston area at this time.
At 11 a.m. EDT, the NWS said Fort Sumter observed a wind gust to 83 mph.
Tropical storm-force-winds continue to spread over the Midlands with a peak wind, so far, of 44 mph at Manning.
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reports deaths that appear to be related to Hurricane Ian
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said Friday that it had been notified of two deaths in unincorporated Sarasota County that appear to be related to Hurricane Ian.
Both incidents involved residents who relied on oxygen machines that had been disabled due to power loss during the storm.
Those residents were identified as a 94-year-old male, who lived in the Palmer Ranch area, and an 80-year-old woman in north Sarasota.
"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of these two individuals and with all others impacted by this catastrophic weather event. 💔," the office tweeted.
A live look at the Carolinas as Hurricane Ian barrels along the coast
Take a live look at weather in the Carolinas as Hurricane Ian accelerates toward the coast.
Hurricane Ian accelerating toward South Carolina coast
The National Hurricane Center said late Friday morning that Hurricane Ian was accelerating toward the South Carolina coast.
Life-threaten storm surge and damaging winds would arrive "soon," and the storm's movement was faster than previously reported at 14 miles per hour.
Ian was located now just about 60 miles east-southeast of Charleston, with maximum sustained winds at 85 mph and higher gusts.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles.
A storm surge warning had been discontinued south of the Savannah River.
Ian should maintain about the same strength before landfall later, then weaken and rapidly transition into a post-tropical cyclone overnight.
Florida wife of veteran, their home without power due to Hurricane Ian, says 'America will rebuild'
Amid the wreckage this week in Florida due to Hurricane Ian, one military family is counting its blessings – and wishing for the safety, well-being and good health of other Americans who have been badly impacted by the latest destructive storm.
The family also reminded other Americans that we have "built" in the past – and "we will rebuild" in the future.
"Yesterday evening I got a notification on my phone that our nest cam picked up movement," wrote the mom of four based in Sarasota, Fla., on Thursday.
She shared her messages and story with Fox News Digital and asked for privacy for her family.
By that time, she and her four young children had evacuated to another state – while her husband, a veteran, volunteered to stay behind all this week to protect their house and personal possessions and to help any victims in the area who might need assistance.
She said her husband "had gone back to the house to get a few things before evacuating. He had asked if there was anything I wanted him to get in case our house flooded," she said. The mom added, "The only things I could think of was the binder of letters we wrote each other from his deployment year and a map he drew the day he proposed to me."
"Everything else is just stuff and can be replaced," she said.
As she watched the activity via the cam on her phone, she added, "I loved seeing him carry it to the car along with the American flag we fly (and a pizza)."
She wrote, "He later told me that he was just going to leave the flag at home, but he heard my voice in his head to bring it [along] and hang it up to encourage others."
Said the mom, "He must have been thinking about what I tell our kids when their blocks get knocked over and they get all upset. I say, 'Kids, Americans build and rebuild. You built, now rebuild. You're Americans.'"
She said she's aware that "others have different stories and so we hold ours humbly. Still, we see mercies everywhere."
She said her husband is right now safe and sound – and would be going back to the house, which the family literally just finished building – to assess the damage.
Added this patriotic mom, "Regardless of what he finds, we built — and we will rebuild. We're Americans."
Click here to read more.
Fox News' Maureen Mackey contributed to this report.
President Biden speaks with Florida Gov. DeSantis, FEMA administrator
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted Friday that President Biden had just spoken with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
"The president received an update on response efforts in the state and made clear the federal government will continue to be there for the people of Florida," she said.