Hurricane Ian updates: Florida death toll climbs

Lee County, which encompasses Fort Myers, accounts for most of the fatalities.

ByJulia Jacobo, Teddy Grant, Kevin Shalvey, Emily Shapiro, Melissa Gaffney, Meredith Deliso, Jon Haworth, Nadine El-Bawab, and Stephanie Guerilus
Last Updated: October 4, 2022, 7:27 AM EDT

The remnants of Ian are charging up the East Coast on Saturday after making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in South Carolina on Friday afternoon.

The monster storm made its first U.S. landfall on Wednesday on Florida's west coast as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, shredding homes with ferocious winds topping 150 mph. Florida's death toll has climbed to at least 81, according to information from local officials.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Sep 30, 2022, 12:51 PM EDT

Biden pledges to do 'whatever it takes' to help restore Florida

President Joe Biden pledged the U.S. would do "whatever it takes," to help Florida recover from Hurricane Ian, stressing the effort would be done as "one nation and one America," during an event at the White House marking the Jewish New Year.

"We're working very closely with the governor and the entire Florida delegation, Democrat and Republican, making sure that we can do everything we can, including now search and rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts, but it’s going to go on for a long while. And whatever it takes, we’re going to be there, as one nation, and one America. We're not going to walk away," Biden said.

President Joe Biden speaks during a reception to celebrate the Jewish New Year, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Sept. 30, 2022.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Biden noted the time of celebration is also a "very difficult time for so many Jewish families in Florida," and those with loved ones in the state.

"[O]ur heart goes out to everyone there in the state experiencing what could be maybe one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of that state," Biden said.

-ABC News' Molly Nagle

Sep 30, 2022, 12:35 PM EDT

Biden speaks with South Carolina governor

President Joe Biden spoke with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster Friday ahead of Hurricane Ian's expected landfall.

A worker moves a sandbag after a pump was placed to remove water from the Battery as the effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Sept. 30, 2022, in Charleston, S.C.
Alex Brandon/AP

Biden told McMaster the administration will provide whatever assistance South Carolina needs. Biden issued an emergency declaration for South Carolina Thursday night.

-ABC News' Molly Nagle

Sep 30, 2022, 11:26 AM EDT

Hurricane Ian now 60 miles southeast of Charleston

Hurricane Ian is now 60 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, with sustained winds of 85 mph and even higher gusts.

Conditions at landfall, which is expected after 2 p.m., are forecast to be worst in Myrtle Beach. The worst of the storm surge will be from there to the North Carolina border.

More than 4 inches of rain has fallen in South Carolina so far and it is expected to continue.

-ABC News' Max Golembo

Sep 30, 2022, 10:20 AM EDT

Several Florida airports set to reopen Friday

Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International, Orlando International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport are all set to reopen Friday.

Tampa's first flight is scheduled to arrive at 10:35 a.m. and Orlando will resumer passenger flights after noon. The reopening will be gradual. Orlando already has 445 canceled flights today. Tampa has 152 canceled as of 9:45 a.m.

Jacksonville reopened its Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at 7 a.m. and the airport will be on a reduced operating schedule Friday.

The Federal Aviation Agency closed the Fort Myers airspace to provide a safe environment for search and rescue. It will remain closed Friday.

An aerial view of damaged properties after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Sept. 30, 2022.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
A bridge in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian around the Fort Myers area, Fla., on Sept. 29, 2022.
US COAST GUARD/AFP via Getty Images

The Fort Myers Airport will be closed for days, with the FAA saying it won't reopen until at least Oct. 7. United Airlines has canceled all flights out of the airport at least through Monday.

The airports with the most cancelations Friday are Orlando, Tampa and Charlotte, North Carolina.

-ABC News' Sam Sweeney

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