Hurricane Ian updates: Florida death toll climbs

Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Carolina Friday afternoon as a powerful Category 1 storm, bringing damaging winds and life-threatening storm surge.

Ian made landfall near Georgetown. The storm is expected to move further inland across eastern South Carolina and central North Carolina through the night and into Saturday.

After making landfall, it is expected to weaken and rapidly transition into a post-tropical cyclone overnight. It is forecast to bring heavy rain to North Carolina and Virginia and up through the Northeast on Saturday.

Rainfall rates have been up to 2 inches per hour with heavy rain bands in the Charleston area. Wind gusts up to 92 mph have been recorded.

President Joe Biden spoke from the White House Friday afternoon about Hurricane Ian's wrath, describing the devastation in Florida as well as warning residents of South Carolina to be prepared for another landfall.

"We're just beginning to see the scale of that destruction," Biden said of the damage in Florida. "It is likely to rank among the worst in the nation's history. You have all seen on television, homes and property wiped out. It is going to take months, years to rebuild."

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Hurricane Ian ‘among the worst’ in US history, Biden says

The president gave remarks about the federal response to Hurricane Ian.

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He added, "I just want the people of Florida to know we see what you are going through and we are with you. And we are going to do everything we can for you."

Biden said the U.S. Coast Guard has mobilized 16 helicopters, 18 rescue boats and six fixed-wing planes to help in search and rescue in Florida. More than 100 people have been rescued by the Coast Guard, Biden said. Hundreds more have been rescued by volunteers.

"The federal government will cover every cost, 100% of the cost, to clear the massive debris left in the wake of the hurricane and these counties," the president said. "It all needs to be cleared out for communities to begin the hard work of trying to get back on their feet."

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.

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.

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.

-ABC News' Melissa Griffin