Ian, the
tropical storm-turned hurricane-turned tropical storm, has turned into a hurricane
again as it heads towards North and South Carolinas. Weather observers now say
Ian will hit the Carolinas as a Category 1 hurricane, raising the state of
alarm from when it was anticipated to hit as a tropical storm. Leaving a wave
of destruction in Florida, Ian will hit the Carolinas after gaining in strength
over the Atlantic Ocean.

A hurricane
warning has been issued from the Savannah River in Georgia to Cape Fear in
North Carolina, which covers the whole stretch of South Carolina. This is also
the spot where Ian is expected to make a direct hit.

South
Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, as
did the governors of North Carolina and Georgia.

Also Read | Biden says “substantial loss of life possible” as Ian heads to South Carolina

“If you
haven’t yet made plans for every contingency, this afternoon is the time to do
so. 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,” McMaster said.

According
to South Carolina officials, this will be the first hurricane to hit the state
since Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Matthew had caused immense flooding in the
state. Ian is expected to cause storm surges of four to seven feet.

Also Read | Hurricane Ian: What we know about its impact on Florida

Charleston,
South Carolina, a victim to regular flooding, is expected to suffer in the wake
of Ian. The city has opened sites from residents from where they can carry
sandbags to protect their homes. “The big thing is we want everybody to be
cautious, don’t panic, be prepared and have a plan of how you’re going to take
care of yourself and your loved ones,” said Charleston emergency management
director Ben Almquist.

The
National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Ian will move inland across the Carolinas
Friday night and Saturday, rapidly weakening as it moves across land, according
to the hurricane season. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said: “This storm
can still be dangerous and even deadly.”

“Heavy
rains, up to 7 inches in some areas, are likely to bring flooding, landslides
threaten our mountains and there’s a chance of tornadoes and statewide flooding,”
Cooper said at a press briefing.