Hurricane Yan has accelerated its progress towards South Carolina, where it is expected to bring high winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous rise in water levels after destroying several areas in Florida.

The death toll from his passage through Florida continues to rise, with 23 deaths reported by authorities.

Many of the victims drowned, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said in a statement. A number of media outlets spoke of great loss of life, and CNN reported that 45 people had died.

As for the amount of property loss, it is “historic” for Florida, where water levels have risen to unprecedented levels, according to Ron DeSantis, the southeastern state’s governor.

Streets and houses were flooded, and boats anchored in the cities were washed away. Authorities in Kissimmee, near Orlando, used boats on Friday to rescue residents stranded in their homes in flooded areas.