The eye of Hurricane Ian is getting close to making landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina, as the storm continues to drench the Carolinas with heavy rain, chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said.
The first bands of rain and wind moved into the Charlotte metro area by 7 a.m., making for a messy commute in Charlotte. This also led to widespread flight cancellations and delays at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Friday in the Carolinas
Panovich said he is growing more concerned about the potential for flash flooding from Ian’s heavy rain and winds on the northwest side of the storm. This means the worst weather is expected in the Charlotte metro from around 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday.
“Why is this a big deal? That’s where we have flash flood warnings,” Panovich said.
Charleston was already starting to flood by noon Friday, with WCNC Charlotte’s Vanessa Ruffes reporting knee-high floodwaters near the battery at Charleston Harbor. Low-lying areas were underwater, with officials encouraging people to seek higher ground due to the risk of flooding.
