Strong winds, heavy rain continue for northeast Florida while South Carolina braces for impact.
SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — Ian has strengthened once again to a Category 1 hurricane.
Ian is bringing tropical storm-strength winds along the South Carolina coastline, as well as heavy rain along Interstate 95.
This area has not seen a landfalling hurricane in six years.
With the center of Ian off of the coast, it gained strength. The latest forecast track keeps Ian over open water through the morning, giving it enough time to keep its Category 1 status. It’ll keep its strength through its upcoming third landfall — following its first in Cuba and second in Florida — along the South Carolina coastline Friday afternoon.
Weakening is expected through the weekend, but not before a few impacts along the Carolina coast lines.
Storm surge will be likely across several states in the east. The peak storm surge looks to happen along the South Carolina coastline where landfall is expected.
Tropical storm and hurricane warnings remain in place from North Carolina coast to the Florida east coast.
Along with surge and strong winds, heavy rain is still expected.
The coasts can expect six to ten inches of rain, while slightly lower totals are found inland. Rain potential decreases from east to west. While it is not as much rain as what Central Florida is left dealing with, it is still enough to be dangerous.