Early this morning, the National Hurricane Center downgraded Ian from a hurricane to a tropical storm. Although now regarded as a weaker force, the phenomenon is still expected to produce strong wings, heavy rains, and storm surge in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

As of 8 a.m. on September 29, the storm was moving northeastward at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds at 65 mph. It is presently headed toward Orlando.

The NHC noted this morning that coastal water levels continue to subside along Florida’s west coast, although the danger remains of a “life-threatening storm surge” Thursday through Friday along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The NHC indicated that tropical storm-force winds will likely spread northward across the aforementioned areas through Friday. Furthermore, “life-threatening catastrophic flooding” will continue today across central Florida.