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.
Latest headlines:
As flooding begins Charleston police urge 'only essential travel'
Hours before Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall in South Carolina, Charleston police are urging "only essential travel" and announcing road closures.
"We are experiencing flooding in many of our usual locations and implementing road closure procedures. We expect additional closures throughout the day," police said in a tweet.
Flash flood warning issued for Charleston, South Carolina
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the Charleston metro area until noon on Friday.
The NWS says that heavy rain and tide will continue to increase and cause life-threatening conditions and flash flooding.
-ABC News' Max Golembo
Florida governor set to hold early morning press conference on Hurricane Ian
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will hold his next press conference at 8:45 a.m. ET, according to a media advisory provided by his office.
DeSantis will be joined by FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell.
-ABC News' Ahmad Hemingway
Biden declares state of emergency in South Carolina
President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina, the White House announced late Thursday night, as Hurricane Ian takes aim at the state.
-ABC News' Lauren Minore
'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.