Hurricane strength winds are forecast for North and South Carolina on Friday, with a danger of “life-threatening” storm surges in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The Sunshine State was devastated by Hurricane Ian on Wednesday and Thursday, and will continue to face “major to record river flooding” through to next week.

Ian struck Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 150 miles per hour.

Footage posted on social media showed vehicles and some homes being swept away, whilst roads were turned into rivers and many trees torn down.

At least 10 people have been confirmed dead in Charlotte County, Florida, alone and there are fears the statewide total will be significantly higher.

On Thursday, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno told Good Morning America that “fatalities are in the hundreds,” though Governor Ron DeSantis later said this figure had not been confirmed.

Ian regained its hurricane status on Thursday evening after crossing over Florida, having spent several hours categorized as a tropical storm, meaning its maximum sustained wind speeds were between 39 and 73 miles per hour.

The NHC said it poses a threat to a swath of the eastern seaboard, from Florida to southern Virginia, on Friday.

In its latest “key messages” update, issued at 5 a.m. ET on Friday, the federal agency said: “There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge today along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Residents in these areas should follow any advice given by local officials.

“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. Hurricane conditions are possible in North Carolina on Friday where a Hurricane Watch is in effect. Preparations should be rushed to completion.

“Ongoing major to record river flooding will continue through next week across portions of central Florida. Considerable flooding is expected through Friday across portions of central and northeast South Carolina. Locally considerable flooding is possible across portions of North Carolina and southern Virginia through today.”

On Thursday it was announced President Joe Biden had approved a disaster declaration for Florida due to the hurricane, allowing the state to receive additional federal assistance.

A statement posted on the White House website read: “Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian beginning on September 23, 2022 and continuing.”

On Thursday, DeSantis visited Charlotte and Lee counties, two of the worst hit by Hurricane Ian.

He tweeted: “Today Casey DeSantis and I surveyed damage and met with local authorities in Charlotte & Lee counties to discuss their needs.

“We appreciate how hard the local emergency management personnel have been working and know it has made, and will continue to make, a big difference.”

Across Florida 7,000 National Guard soldiers were called up to support the relief effort.

According to one report, Hurricane Ian could cause up to $120 billion in damage for Florida and other nearby states.