U.S. FAA temporarily blocks flights around South Carolina Coast

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Saturday it had temporarily blocked civilian flights within 100 square miles over the Atlantic Ocean and around the South Carolina Coast, potentially setting the stage to shoot down a Chinese spy balloon.

In a document posted on its website, the FAA notice warned the military could use deadly force if airplanes violate the restrictions and do not comply with orders to leave.

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani and David Shephardson' Editing by Leslie Adler)