Hurricane Ian updates: Florida death toll climbs

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

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.


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Extreme wind warning issued for central Florida counties

Hurricane Ian remains a Category 3 storm as of an 8 p.m. ET update, with winds dropping to 115 mph.

The National Weather Service issued a new Extreme Wind Warning for Highlands, Hardee, Charlotte, Polk and DeSoto Counties in central Florida until 9:30 p.m. ET.

-ABC News' Riley Winch


'We hear your calls': Sheriff

Lee County has received more than double the number of 911 calls it typically receives amid Hurricane Ian, according to Sheriff Carmine Marceno, as first responders have suspended their emergency response during the major storm.

"We hear your calls and are aware that Hurricane Ian was a powerful and devastating weather event," Marceno said in a social media post Wednesday evening. "We want to get to you. We want to save you. As soon as safely possible, our assets are ready to deploy to come to your aide."

Ben Abes, Lee County's public safety director, said current conditions, including flooding, make it "impossible" for first responders to go out. He said the county is tracking 911 calls and prioritizing them once first responders are able to act after the hurricane passes.

"We are aware of a number of calls of people who are stranded due to high water," he said during a press briefing Wednesday evening. "This is a scary situation. We urge you not to panic."

Lee County, which is home to hard-hit Fort Myers, Sanibel and Bonita Beach, issued a countywide curfew Wednesday evening due to the storm that is in effect until further notice.


Ian downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane

Hurricane Ian has weakened to a Category 3 storm hours after making landfall near Fort Myers as a major hurricane.

While the strength of the storm has diminished slightly, Ian is still wreaking havoc on the Sunshine State as a devastating storm.

The highest wind gust measured at 132 mph at Port Charlotte, and maximum sustained winds are currently at 125 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 7 p.m. advisory.

Water levels in Fort Myers have been reported at more than 7 feet, the advisory states.

-ABC News' Riley Winch


Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach 'decimated' by Ian, local officials say

Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach have been "decimated" by Ian after the major hurricane made landfall there.

About 75% of Lee County is without power, and several people are stranded due to high water, officials from Lee County Emergency Management announced during a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

A curfew in Lee County was implemented beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasts predict that it will not be safe to venture outside in the region until 5 a.m. on Thursday, officials said.

The number of injuries or fatalities is not yet clear, officials said, adding that the recovery efforts will take months.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky


Fort Myers mayor: 80% of the city is still without power

Despite water receding in Fort Myers following Hurricane Ian's destructive path across Florida, 80% of the city is still without power, while 70% is without water, Mayor Kevin Anderson told ABC News Live Prime.

Anderson said the most important thing is to get electricity and water back up and running for residents, especially since it's still hot and humid in the area and people need air conditioning and water.

"Tomorrow, we're expecting the delivery of the pods with the water and food and ice and we'll be setting up delivery stations," he said. "Again, the problem is it's very, very difficult to live here without air conditioning."

Fort Myers has performed about 200 rescues and counting, according to the mayor.

"The crews were out and they're probably still out there working now, getting the roads cleared and getting the roads where they're traversable so that emergency vehicles can respond," Anderson said.