US president Joe Biden has said the destruction in Florida from Hurricane Ian is likely to be among the worst in US history and has directed every possible action be taken to save lives.
"We're just beginning to see the scale of that destruction. It's likely to rank among the worst ... in the nation's history," Mr Biden told reporters on Friday.
His comments come as Hurricane Ian barrelled towards South Carolina, a day after carving a path of destruction across the Florida peninsula, washing away houses, destroying a causeway and stranding thousands along the state's Gulf Coast.
Ian’s anticipated landfall just up the South Carolina coast is expected to coincide with high tide, which would make flooding worse.
At least seven people were confirmed dead in the state — a number that looks likely to increase as officials confirm more deaths and continue searching for people.
A storm surge of up to 7 feet is predicted in costal areas of the Carolinas, along with rainfall of up to 8 inches.
