Tropical storm Irma set to bring strong winds, heavy rain to SC

Tropical Storm Irma continues to weaken as it makes its way over the northern end of Florida.

The once-powerful storm was downgraded to a tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 mph, Monday morning by the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to continue weakening, eventually into a tropical depression come Tuesday afternoon.

Little change was done to Irma’s track during the 11 a.m., update from the National Hurricane Center.

Parts of South Carolina, however, remain under a tropical storm warning. What’s left of the storm’s eye was 708 miles east of Tallahassee, Fla., as of 11 a.m. It is moving north-northwest at 17 mph.

South Carolina is expected to start feeling tropical force winds and gusts Monday. Winds could occasionally gust as strong as 60 mph at times, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.

The strongest winds are expected through Monday afternoon near the coast, and south and west of the Interstate 26 corridor, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia.

“Impacts are expected to peak Monday with the strongest winds, greatest storm surge, heaviest rain and greatest tornado threat,” according to Charleston forecasters.

Life-threatening storm surge flooding along portions of coastal South Carolina is still a danger.

“Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions,” the discussion of the National Hurricane Center stated.

Weather conditions also are still favorable through Monday evening for tornadoes. But the forecasters in Charleston said the time tornadoes are possible should be brief, and the twisters should be weak in nature.

Plus, parts of South Carolina could get three to five inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to seven inches. Columbia forecasters have, through 2 a.m., Tuesday, parts of the state under a flash flood watch and a high wind warning. A flash flood watch is also in effect through late Monday.

This story was originally published September 11, 2017 at 5:38 AM with the headline "Tropical storm Irma set to bring strong winds, heavy rain to SC."