Hurricane Ian update: Storm nears SC coast. Heavy rain, gusts in forecast across region.

Joanna Johnson, Herald-Journal
·5 min read

Editor's Note: As a public service, the Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail are making storm coverage free to readers as long as the region is threatened. Check back for updates through the day. To help us continue keeping you informed, please consider supporting us with a digital subscription

Once out in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Ian re-strengthened into a Category One storm as it moves closer to the coast of South Carolina.

With 85 mph winds, Ian will likely make landfall north of Charleston Friday afternoon. Hurricane-force winds could be felt 70 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm-force winds could be felt as far as 485 miles from the center.

Live updatesHurricane Ian update: Storm nears SC coast. Heavy rain, gusts in forecast across region.

The South Carolina coast is under a Hurricane Warning. There is a Flood Watch, Wind Advisory and Tropical Storm Warning out for the Upstate region through Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service said the Upstate of South Carolina can expect the heaviest rainfall between Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. Wind gusts could already be felt across the region Thursday morning with intensity picking up early Friday morning.

Wind gusts felt across Upstate South Carolina Friday morning

Friday morning, wind gusts as high as 19 miles per hour could be felt across the Upstate.

Rain is expected to begin in our area around 10:15 a.m.

South Carolina prepares for Ian

On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency for South Carolina but did not issue any mandatory evacuations for coastal communities. McMaster held another press conference Thursday as Ian approached the SC coast.

“If you haven’t yet made plans for every contingency, this afternoon is the time to do so,” McMaster said. “We can expect to experience a lot of rain throughout the state along with dangerous storm surge in low-lying coastal areas. With the potential for hurricane force winds along our coast, it’s important for South Carolinians to plan now.

S.C. Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson said storm surge on the coast and flooding in low-lying areas, statewide, will be the biggest concerns.

“While we will not see the full force of Hurricane Ian the way Florida did, we could see high winds, rain, flash flooding and even tornadoes,” Stenson said. “Flooding due to storm surge and rain could be a major concern. Over the next day, it will be vital for everyone to be prepared to act if told to do so by your local public safety officials.”

More:Jasper, Beaufort counties declare state of emergency, shelter opens Thursday

Widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected through the weekend with locally higher amounts east of the Interstate 26 corridor.

"It will make landfall again on the coast of South Carolina," NWS meteorologist Trisha Palmer said. "The track has shifted a little farther east. It will still be breezy across the Upstate and we are still expecting rain."

Palmer predicts wind gusts for Friday to be between 15 to 20 mph. Wind gusts may result in isolated power outages and downed trees and power lines.

Greenville, Spartanburg events postponed or canceled

As Greenville and Spartanburg counties prepare for the effects of Hurricane Ian to begin early Sept. 30, event cancellations, postponements and closings are happening throughout the area.

Public schools in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee counties have announced that Friday will be an eLearning day due to concerns about hazardous conditions.

Kickoffs for football games were changed, and some school events have been canceled. South Carolina's football game against SC State was moved up to Thursday night. Clemson's showdown in Death Valley vs. NC State is still scheduled for Saturday night, though earlier this week, officials with ESPN's College GameDay said they were looking at potential indoor options for the popular pregame show.

Here is a list of festivals and things going on with changes announced thus far.

While finalizing storm preparations, keep in mind the following

  • Be aware of potential flash flooding and storm surge. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Do not wait to be told to move.

  • If time allows, prepare your home for a flood by moving essential items to an upper floor, bring in outdoor furniture, disconnect electrical appliances and be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water.

  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

  • Have several ways to get emergency information. Examples include NOAA Weather Radio, CodeRED notifications, Wireless Emergency Alerts for mobile devices and others. Make sure your devices have back up batteries and extra chargers.

  • If a high wind or tornado warning is issued for your area, get indoors to a pre-designated shelter area such as a basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

At least 14 dead in Florida after Ian's destruction

Ian hammered Florida with heavy rains and powerful winds, leaving a rising death toll and thousands of residents desperately seeking rescue from the effects of one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the storm caused a "500-year flooding event" and said Coast Guard helicopters were plucking trapped residents from the roofs of homes. Communities across the state were or will be swamped by the overwhelming waters, he said.

"The impacts of this storm are historic and the damage that has been done is historic," DeSantis said. "We've never seen a flood event like this, we've never seen a storm surge of this magnitude."

At least 14 people were reported dead in counties across the state, a number that's expected to rise substantially. Sheriffs in southwest Florida said 911 centers were inundated by thousands of stranded callers, some with life-threatening emergencies. More than 1.9 million Florida homes and businesses were without power Thursday evening.

- USA Today reports contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Hurricane Ian update: SC coast under Hurricane Warning