Ian downgraded to post-tropical cyclone as it lashes Carolinas; Florida officials report more deaths

A steeple blew off a church in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Friday as Ian, now a post-tropical cyclone, continues to batter the Hampton Roads area with 45-55 mph winds.

The steeple of Galilee Episcopal Church, located on 41st Street and Pacific Avenue, is currently wedged between facility and the neighboring Holly Hill Apartment complex, WAVY TV reported.

Some scattered power outages and other minor damage has been reported across the area.

High wind warnings remain in effect for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake until Saturday morning.

National Hurricane Center

Post-tropical Cyclone Ian continues to weaken as it crosses the Carolinas and weather models predict it will continue traveling north before it wholly dissipates over Virginia late Saturday.

After regaining strength over the Atlantic, Ian made landfall near Charleston, South Carolina on Friday as a Category 1. The storm's 60 mph winds and major flooding continues to impact local communities and about 2 million people across Florida, the Carolinas, and Virginia are without power.

As of 11 p.m. Friday, just under 1.4 million energy consumers in Florida are without power — a sizeable decline from the 2.7 million people that were without power earlier this week.

About 400,000 people in North Carolina, about 80,000 people in South Carolina and 100,000 people in Virginia are without power.

Extreme flash flood warnings are in place for several North Carolina cities including Lexington, Asheboro, Sanford, Raleigh, and parts of Dunn.

High surf advisories or coastal flood warnings are still in place along the East Coast, from Conway, South Carolina to Long Branch, New Jersey.

The death toll after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida has rose to 17 people.

Hurricane Ian made landfall on the southwestern coast of Florida on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 4 storm, bringing winds of up to 155 mph.

After impacting Florida, Ian made a second landfall in the U.S. near Georgetown, South Carolina on Friday afternoon, and was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Power outages caused by Post-tropical cyclone Ian are now impacting hundreds of thousands of people in the Carolinas as the deadly storm made landfall a third time.

More than 187,000 South Carolina customers are now without power, and another 161,000 customers are without power in North Carolina according to Poweroutage.us.

The storm is also impacting Virginia, where nearly 15,000 customers are experiencing outages.

More than 1.7 million customers remain without power in Florida, two days after Ian hit the state as a Category 4 hurricane causing untold destruction and at least 21 deaths.

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Ian has been downgraded to a Post-Tropical Cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The NHC said that while the storm has been downgraded, the threat for "dangerous storm surge, flash flooding," and high wind continues.

The storm contains a maximum sustained wind of 70 mph, according to the NHC.

Ian made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina on Friday afternoon.

A Charleston police officer moves a barricade to block a flooded street as the effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Ian began flooding beach areas and residential neighborhoods with storm surges and massive rainfall in South Carolina

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President Biden approved a pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for South Carolina following the storm making landfall.

Hurricane Ian made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina on Friday afternoon.

The White House says the move will "pre-position lifesaving Federal resources ahead of landfall in the state."

Florida has activated 5,000 National Guard members and another 2,000 National Guard members from other states are assisting in various efforts after Hurricane Ian impacted the state, according to Anne Bink, FEMA Assistant Administrator, Response and Recovery.

Bink made the comments during a press conference on Friday and said that the National Guard members are assisting with "search and rescue operation operations and other emergency protective measures."

She also said that people throughout the Carolinas could see strong wind damage, storm surge, and flash floording.

President Joe Biden speaks during a reception to celebrate the Jewish new year in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Speaking to reporters from the White House, President Biden discussed the actions his administration had taken to respond to Hurricane Ian.

"I've directed that every possible action be taken to save lives and get help to survivors because every single it counts. It's not just a crisis for Florida. This is an American crisis. We're all in this together," he said.

The president mentioned conversations he had had earlier in day with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

Hurricane Ian made landfall again on Friday at 2:05 p.m. EDT near Georgetown, South Carolina.

"My message to the people of South Carolina is simple: Please listen to all of the warnings and directions from local officials and follow their instructions," he said.

Biden also touched on relief and recovery efforts in Florida, noting that it would likely take years to rebuild and assured that the White House remains focused on recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.

"America's heart is literally breaking," he explained

"I have immense gratitude for the first responders and emergency crews who always show up no matter what. In times like these, Americans come together. They put aside politics. They put aside division and we come together to help each other," Biden stated.

An additional four Florida counties were approved for Individual Assistance and Debris Removal as part of the major disaster declaration for the state of Florida, and more may be added in the coming days.

A worker moves a sandbag after a pump was placed to remove water from the Battery as the effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

South Carolina Gov. McMaster said mayors in impacted areas are well prepared as Hurricane Ian's landfall was imminent on the coast, but warned against complacency.

"But, this is not as bad as it could have been. A lot of prayers have been answered. But, I would ask people: don't quit yet because this is still coming," he instructed.

No deaths have been reported in the state, but life-threatening conditions are still occurring.

"So, don't forget that human error is the deadliest thing that we have," he warned.

The National Weather Service's John John Quagliariello said that the strongest winds would occur into the evening for northern Charleston area up through the Grand Strand.

Storm surge flooding is ongoing and peak surge values of 4-7 feet are expected north of Isle of Palms.

A 4.8-foot storm surge is being reported at Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach. This is the third highest water level on record at that location.

Quagliariello pointed out that it was currently high tide as storm surge continues to build, and the worst conditions were expected in the next couple of hours.

Flooding is most problematic through the afternoon and heavy rain is also expected, with flash flood warnings issued.

Some isolated tornadoes are possible in the northeast part of the state.

Officials said that impacts were already being felt.

More than 126,500 customers were reported without power, according to PowerOutage.US.

Officials said that Dominion Energy had accounted for more than 23,000 because they had to pause restoration efforts.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation reported more than 200 downed trees and water on runways, but said there were no major closures and that it was watching causeways from Charleston to Myrtle Beach.

There was an uptick in calls for the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, with over 131 from 6 a.m. EDT on Friday through noon.

Most of those calls were coming from coastal residents.

Major General Jeff Jones said the South Carolina Military Department are poised to respond to the people of South Carolina, with 90 guardsmen on state active duty.

In addition, over 300 law enforcement officers would respond to calls for service.

Five shelters were open across the state, and were reported at 15% capacity.

McMaster noted that he had spoked with the Biden administration earlier in the day and that they had been helpful and cooperative.

"As we all know, when there's a hurricane, there's no politics involved there," he said.

Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter Friday to Senators Patrick Leahy and Richard Shelby, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, requesting support in developing a disaster supplemental to provide assistance to Florida as residents recover from Hurricane Ian. 

"A robust and timely federal response, including through supplemental programs and funding, will be required to ensure that sufficient resources are provided to rebuild critical infrastructure and public services capacity, and to assist our fellow Floridians in rebuilding their lives," the Republican senators urged. " These provisions must be made a priority and considered at the earliest opportunity."      

"We look forward to working with you to develop and secure the resources that are desperately needed to rebuild our communities in both Florida and Puerto Rico, which was impacted by Hurricane Fiona," they said.

Rubio is a member of the committee.

A Charleston police officer moves a barricade to block a flooded street as the effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Charleston Police Department warned South Carolina residents that there are currently 24 road closures and 18 traffic lights out throughout the city.

"Please stay off the roads if you can and avoid barricaded areas," the department urged.

Septima Clark Pkwy was closed to flooding and drivers were asked to avoid the area.

The National Weather Service's office in Charleston said a flash flood warning would continue for the city and Mount Pleasant through 4 p.m. EDT.

Hurricane Ian is accelerating toward the coast, bringing the danger of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds.

According to Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross, life-threatening storm surge will inundate areas north of Charleston Harbor.

Places like Georgetown, Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach are in line to get the worst storm surge flooding and Myrtle Beach is now approaching major flood stage. 

Charleston Harbor is experiencing wind gusts of 84 miles per hour, so the wind and rain are the main concern for the Charleston area at this time.

At 11 a.m. EDT, the NWS said Fort Sumter observed a wind gust to 83 mph.

Tropical storm-force-winds continue to spread over the Midlands with a peak wind, so far, of 44 mph at Manning.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said Friday that it had been notified of two deaths in unincorporated Sarasota County that appear to be related to Hurricane Ian.

Both incidents involved residents who relied on oxygen machines that had been disabled due to power loss during the storm.

Those residents were identified as a 94-year-old male, who lived in the Palmer Ranch area, and an 80-year-old woman in north Sarasota.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of these two individuals and with all others impacted by this catastrophic weather event. 💔," the office tweeted.

Take a live look at weather in the Carolinas as Hurricane Ian accelerates toward the coast.

ATLANTIC OCEAN - SEPTEMBER 30: In this NOAA handout image taken by the GOES satellite at 13:26 UTC, Hurricane Ian approaches the Atlantic coast of northern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas on September 30, 2022 in the Atlantic Ocean. After crossing the state of Florida bringing devastating floods and damage, Ian is expected to bring more hurricane-force winds as it travels north along the coast. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)

The National Hurricane Center said late Friday morning that Hurricane Ian was accelerating toward the South Carolina coast.

Life-threaten storm surge and damaging winds would arrive "soon," and the storm's movement was faster than previously reported at 14 miles per hour.

Ian was located now just about 60 miles east-southeast of Charleston, with maximum sustained winds at 85 mph and higher gusts.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles.

A storm surge warning had been discontinued south of the Savannah River.

Ian should maintain about the same strength before landfall later, then weaken and rapidly transition into a post-tropical cyclone overnight.

Amid the wreckage this week in Florida due to Hurricane Ian , one military family is counting its blessings – and wishing for the safety, well-being and good health of other Americans who have been badly impacted by the latest destructive storm. 

The family also reminded other Americans that we have "built" in the past – and "we will rebuild" in the future. 

"Yesterday evening I got a notification on my phone that our nest cam picked up movement," wrote the mom of four based in Sarasota, Fla., on Thursday.

She shared her messages and story with Fox News Digital and asked for privacy for her family. 

By that time, she and her four young children had evacuated to another state – while her husband, a veteran, volunteered to stay behind all this week to protect their house and personal possessions and to help any victims in the area who might need assistance.

She said her husband "had gone back to the house to get a few things before evacuating. He had asked if there was anything I wanted him to get in case our house flooded," she said. The mom added, "The only things I could think of was the binder of letters we wrote each other from his deployment year and a map he drew the day he proposed to me."

"Everything else is just stuff and can be replaced," she said. 

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 30: Ron Waselenchuk inspects his sailboat which was pushed ashore by hurricane Ian on September 30, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

As she watched the activity via the cam on her phone, she added, "I loved seeing him carry it to the car along with the American flag we fly (and a pizza)."

She wrote, "He later told me that he was just going to leave the flag at home, but he heard my voice in his head to bring it [along] and hang it up to encourage others."

Said the mom, "He must have been thinking about what I tell our kids when their blocks get knocked over and they get all upset. I say, 'Kids, Americans build and rebuild. You built, now rebuild. You're Americans.'"

She said she's aware that "others have different stories and so we hold ours humbly. Still, we see mercies everywhere."

She said her husband is right now safe and sound – and would be going back to the house, which the family literally just finished building – to assess the damage.

Added this patriotic mom, "Regardless of what he finds, we built — and we will rebuild. We're Americans."

Click here to read more.

Fox News' Maureen Mackey contributed to this report.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted Friday that President Biden had just spoken with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

"The president received an update on response efforts in the state and made clear the federal government will continue to be there for the people of Florida," she said.

Volusia County flooding Credit: Volusia Sheriff/Twitter

In a release on Friday, the Volusia Sheriff's Office reported that a Florida man lost his life Thursday night after he fell and was unable to escape rising floodwaters in his home.

They said that deputies in a high-water vehicle had responded to 1994 Lake Drive in the New Smyrna Beach area at around 10:30 p.m. EDT., as heavy floods saturated the area.

The area was reportedly inaccessible by standard patrol vehicles, with water in the neighborhood at about waist level.

The 67-year-old victim and his wife were on a list to be rescued by high-water crews.

However, before the crew arrived, the man fell inside the home and could not get up before the water level rose over him.

Rescuers performed life-saving measures but were unable to revive the victim. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

His wife and two dogs in the house were taken to a storm shelter.

A deputy also recovered a third dog from the home and transported it to an animal shelter.

The office said the death was the second in its jurisdiction.

The first was reported early Thursday in Deltona, when a 72-year-old man fell in a canal behind his home during the storm.

The Charleston International Airport said its airfield had closed due to high winds from Hurricane Ian.

"The airfield plans to reopen Saturday, October 1, at 6 a.m.," the airport tweeted Friday morning. "For additional questions regarding upcoming flights, please contact your airline."

A man uses his hand to measure how high water is reaching on the pickup, as the car navigates a flooded street after the passage of Hurricane Ian, in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

In an update with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday morning, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie announced more fatalities from Hurricane Ian.

He told reporters that there was one confirmed death reported in Polk County.

In the hard-hit Charlotte County, 12 reported fatalities were unconfirmed.

In Collier County, there were eight unconfirmed deaths.

Guthrie noted that the state was still processing a couple of other "situations," including one where human remains had been found.

He also warned about carbon monoxide issues, although noting he was not saying there had been carbon monoxide deaths.

The governor announced that more than $12 million in donations had been raised following Hurricane Ian's devastation.

"Pretty, uh, pretty incredible that that's happened," he remarked, adding that donations help FEMA to "be a little bit more nimble."

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said 13 counties in Florida have been designated for individual assistance as recovery and relief efforts are underway.

The number of customers reported without power on Friday morning dropped below the 2 million mark, although DeSantis noted that 99% of Hardy County was without power, as well as 85% of Charlotte and Lee Counties.

A water main break in Lee County, he said, left residents there without water.

The governor said that situation was a "top priority" and that the Army Corps of Engineers was working to assess that situation.

In addition, the DeSantis said that more than 10,000 residents – out of over 20,000 that have been contacted by the state – who had filled out a shelter in place survey on floridadisaster.org had responded as "safe."

The state expects more responses on Friday and there is now a standalone website to let family members know you're safe: missing.fl.gov.

As rescuers continue to work, DeSantis said that they had reached more than 3,000 homes in the most impacted areas, with over 1,000 rescue personnel located up and down the coastline.

The governor's office later confirmed to Fox News that there had been at least 700 rescues.

FDOT had cleared over 1,100 miles of roadway and the governor said that traffic was flowing out of the area and was "better than anticipated so soon."

800 bridges were inspected and reopened, but DeSantis noted that Sanibel Bridge would be a rebuild project.

The bridge had breaks in multiple parts.

Six health care facilities had been evacuated in southwest Florida after issues with water or power for an extended period of time.

DeSantis said that people have been working around the clock to be able to serve their constituents and communities.

"And, we appreciate the dedication. We appreciate the perseverance. We know that there's a lot of difficult days ahead, but they've really done a great job of standing up for the people of their community," he concluded.

Corey Fields, with the city of Charleston, cleans a storm drain as effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in the Battery of Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The National Hurricane Center said that tropical-storm-force winds were ongoing across the coastal Carolinas.

Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected by the afternoon.

Hurricane Ian was located about 105 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.

Its maximum sustained winds remained at 85 miles per hour, with higher gusts, and the storm was moving north at 9 mph.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 485 miles.

On the forecast track, the center of Ian will approach and reach the coast of South Carolina on Friday, and then shift farther inland across eastern South Carolina and central North Carolina Friday night and Saturday night.

Little change in strength is expected before Ian reaches the coast and rapid weakening is expected after landfall.

Ian is forecast to become an extratropical low over North Carolina by Friday night or on Saturday.

The low is then expected to dissipate by Saturday night.

Hurricane warning flags fly in front of the fire station and town hall as the effects from Hurricane Ian are felt, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Sullivan's Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

South Carolina was already feeling impacts from the outer rain bands of Hurricane Ian on Friday morning.

Fox Weather reported, citing Colorado State University tropical scientist Phil Klotzbach, that Hurricane Matthew in 2016 was the last hurricane to make landfall in the state.

The Category 1 storm was expected to make landfall there in the afternoon, with hurricane-force winds expected across the coast of South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina.

There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge from Ian through Friday along the coasts of northeastern Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

A storm surge of between four to seven feet is expected along the South Carolina coast.

Storm surge watches and warnings have been issued from Florida and up to the North Carolina coast.

The National Weather Service in Charleston said that a wind gust to 66 miles per hour was recently measured along the southern end of Folly Beach.

The Charleston Police Department said that roads were closed and that it is "experiencing flooding in many of our usual locations."

The Isle of Palms Police Department tweeted that it was seeing standing water along multiple roads, as well as debris.

A flash flood warning was issued in Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

National Guard troops are being positioned to help with the aftermath, including any water rescues, and highway crews will be ready to clear roads.

On Thursday afternoon, a steady stream of vehicles were heading out of Charleston on Interstate 26 with just a few heading into the city.

Gov. Henry McMaster issued no evacuations, but he said that doesn’t mean the storm isn’t dangerous.

“We know we can handle this if we use our heads and follow the rules,” he said.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper urged residents to prepare for lots of rain, high winds and potential power outages.

“For North Carolinians, I want to be clear: This storm can still be dangerous and even deadly,” he said.

State Emergency Management Director Will Ray said widespread power losses and evacuations weren’t anticipated at the time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday that victims of Hurricane Ian in Florida qualify for tax relief. 

Those impacted by the storm now have until Feb. 15 of next year to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make payments.

The agency said it is offering relief to any area that is designated by the FEMA, and that the current list of eligible localities is available on its IRS.gov disaster relief page.

Individuals and households that reside or have a business anywhere in the state of Florida qualify for tax relief. 

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on Sept. 23 and, as a result, affected parties will have until that February date to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.

It said that the Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses page has additional details on returns, payments and tax-related actions that qualify for extensions.

President Biden declared that an emergency exists in the state of South Carolina and ordered federal assistance to supplement response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Ian beginning on Sept. 25.

The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency in South Carolina.

Emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

Rescue personnel search a flooded trailer park after Hurricane Ian passed by the area Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Hurricane Ian was located about 145 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.

In a 5 a.m. EDT update, the National Hurricane Center said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, with higher gusts.

It was moving north-northeast at 9 mph and a turn to the north is expected Friday morning.

Ian will bring life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions along the Carolina coast by the afternoon.

Flooding rains are likely across the Carolinas and southern Virginia.

The center of the hurricane will approach and reach the coast of South Carolina on Friday and then shift farther inland across eastern South Carolina and central North Carolina on Friday night and on Saturday.

Little change in strength is expected before it reaches the coast and rapid weakening is projected following landfall.

The hurricane is forecast to become an extratropical low over North Carolina on Friday night or on Saturday. The low is then expected to dissipate by Saturday night.

Hurricane Ian is expected to remain a Category 1 as it makes landfall Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service Charleston, South Carolina.

"There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge through Friday along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina," the NWS said.

Early Friday morning, winds gusts of 52 mph were observed at the Hilton Head Airport.

"Hurricane-force winds are expected across the coasts of South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina beginning early Friday, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect," the weather service said.

It added: "Considerable flooding is expected through Friday across portions of coastal and northeast South Carolina."

Retired marine Efrain Burgos Jr. recovers a lone personal item from a first visit to his flooded home, the American flag presented at the burial of his army veteran father, in Fort Myers, Fla. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell.

Hurricane Ian is set to make landfall in South Carolina, somewhere between Charleston and Myrtle Beach around midday Friday, according to prediction models.

With winds holding at 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center's update at 2 a.m. Friday placed Ian about 175 miles southeast of Charleston and forecast hurricane conditions through the evening.

The National Hurricane Center says the landfall is expected amid already astronomically high tide, potentially setting up a “life-threatening storm surge” after the megastorm caused catastrophic damage in Florida and left people trapped in their homes.

Heavy rainfall is also expected to bring a heightened risk for flash flooding in cities like Columbia, SC, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC and Roanoke, VA.

A hurricane warning stretches from the Savannah River to Cape Fear.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Collier County Cowboy Lemi Gavra shared during a segment of "Jesse Watters Primetime" the moment he and his friends rescued a man stranded in Hurricane Ian floodwaters.

"It was pretty bad. We wanted to get to the beach. We noticed that no one was covering it out there and wanted to make sure everyone was safe," Gavra said.

Rescue personnel search a flooded trailer park after Hurricane Ian passed by the area Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Fla. AP Photo/Steve Helber

Officials in Florida have confirmed at least 10 deaths across the state due to Hurricane Ian.

A man from Deltona, 72, was found drowned after officials said he exited his home during the severe storm to drain his swimming pool, FOX 35 reported. Deltona is the most populous city in Volusia County.

Emergency officials responded to the man's home on Poinciana Lane near Lake Bethel after the man’s wife reported him missing. 

"While searching for him, deputies found his flashlight, then spotted the victim unresponsive in a canal behind the home," the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said. “Several deputies pulled the victim from the water and performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but the victim could not be revived. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.”

The statement added: "The Sheriff’s Office sends its sincere condolences to the victim’s family."

A man from Lake County, 38, died when he crashed his motorcycle Wednesday afternoon after driving through the storm, FOX Weather reported. 

State medical examiners determined his death was related to Hurricane Ian, suspecting he may have hydroplaned.

Ian's deadly impact was also reported in the city of Sanibel, where officials held a press conference Thursday to confirm two fatalities. 

City officials, including Mayor Holly Smith and Vice Mayor Richard Johnson who were in attendance, said recovery efforts remain ongoing.

In Charlotte County, Commissioner Chris Constance said there have been at least seven storm-related deaths, FOX Weather reported. 

Search and rescue operations are still underway in the county, the official said. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said at least 700 rescues have been conducted across the state.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Beach homes are destroyed, trees are knocked over and debris covered the flooded Little Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County, Florida after Hurricane Ian. (Courtesy of Ryan Flatau)

Damaged structures are seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Fort Myers resident Bob Benham said he witnessed Hurricane Ian completely destroy a nearby marina located just outside his 33-story apartment.

"It was the strongest weather I’ve ever seen," Benham told FOX Weather correspondent Robert Ray.

According to Benham, the winds switched directions about 3 p.m. and begin blowing on shore. That was when the destruction started.

"The docks started weaving … and then they started separating, and boats were tied to the docks, they didn’t separate from the docks, and they all started to just piling up like Tinkertoys," Benham said. "It was pretty amazing."

The next morning, there was nothing left of the marina.

"We got up this morning, and there were no docks left," he said.

Read more from FOX Weather by clicking here: Hurricane Ian tosses boats around like ‘Tinkertoys’ at Fort Myers marina

Fox News host Jesse Watters commended search and rescuers, including good Samaritans, amid the devastation of Hurricane Ian in Florida on "Jesse Watters Primetime."

"One of the largest search and rescue missions in American history is underway after Hurricane Ian decimated Florida and is now moving up the East Coast," Watters said.

"First responders are working around the clock. Hundreds have been rescued since the storm hit," the host continued, describing recovery efforts as "all hands on deck."

"We're seeing the best side of people come out in the face of tragedy. A good Samaritan used his jet ski to help firefighters with rescues. The cameraman stopped what he was doing mid-report to help people across the water," Watters remarked.  

Naples, Florida streets are flooded on September 28, 2022 as the state is hit by Hurricane Ian. Naples Fire-Rescue / WEATHER TRAKER /TMX

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann says the last 48 hours have been very stressful for her community with many residents still without power and the city in devastation.

"[The hurricane] was fierce…fierce and fast. And it just came rushing in. We all knew that there would be a storm surge at high tide, but no one predicted the fierceness of the water and the flow," Mayor Heitmann told Fox News Digital. 

Hurricane Ian came with 150 mph maximum sustained winds at landfall. The center of the storm was located about 80 miles north of Naples.

City crews were out starting at 5 a.m. Thursday to begin assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which was later downgraded to a tropical storm before being upgraded to a Category 1 storm as it pushed out into the Atlantic. 

"They've been sitting in our facilities and our planning department overnight waiting to be deployed to do exactly what they had to do. And that [is to] make magic happen and clean up the mess that was left behind from an incredible, devastating storm," she said.

In Naples, storm water has mostly drained leaving debris, but some of the areas that are still low-lying, still face high water.

Hurricane Ian storm surge in Naples was as high as 6 feet. The previous record was 4.25 feet was set in 2017 during Hurricane Irma.

For more on the story, click here: Florida mayor says Hurricane Ian damage in Naples alone could surpass $20 million

For previous coverage on Hurricane Ian, from Sept. 29, 2022, click here.