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, 2:04 PM EDT

Conditions 'very dangerous' but amount of water lower than expected in South Carolina, governor says

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said conditions are "very dangerous" as Ian comes ashore, but so far the amount of water in places like the hospital district of Charleston is lower than expected.

"But I would ask people: Don't quit yet because this is still coming. We're not out of the woods," McMaster said.

A Charleston police officer moves a barricade to block a flooded street as the effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Sept. 30, 2022, in Charleston, S.C.
Alex Brandon/AP

South Carolina has positioned 90 National Guardsmen for high-water vehicle support. They have received a few requests for support, including for swift water rescue teams, said Kim Stenson, the head of South Carolina Emergency Management.

Stenson said they expect calls for damage and flooding to increase throughout the day.

Sep 30, 2022, 1:19 PM EDT

Tornado threat increases as Ian moves closer to the Carolinas

A tornado threat is increasing as Hurricane Ian gets closer to the coast of the Carolinas.

Myrtle Beach and Greenville, South Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina and Virginia Beach, Virginia, are all under tornado watch through 10 p.m.

A tornado warning is also in effect south of Wilmington.

Tornado watches are in effect through 10 p.m. Friday night.
ABC News

-ABC News' Melissa Griffin

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

Related Topics