Tropical Storm Isaias forecast to impact SC. Here’s what it means for the Midlands
The newly formed Tropical Storm Isaias is heading toward South Carolina. It’s expected to make things very wet in the Columbia area, at the least, according to the National Weather Service.
The current forecast says the center of Isaias could move just east of the Midlands this weekend, which may result in severe weather, meteorologist Chris Rohrbach told The State Thursday morning.
“We’re still quite a way out, and that means we can expect changes to the forecast,” Rohrbach said. .”We can’t rule out impacts from the storm in the Midlands.”
Heavy rain and powerful winds are the primary severe weather effects from Isaias that pose the greatest threat to the Columbia area, according to Rohrbach. The effects could be significant, even though Rohrbach said the National Hurricane Center does not forecast Isaias developing into a hurricane.
The tropical storm, pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs, is projected to hit the southern Bahamas Thursday night, and that will factor into its future course. Should it maintain its current track, Isaias will start dumping rain on the Midlands on Sunday.
The rains are expected to be heaviest overnight Sunday and into Monday morning, according to Rohrbach. The precipitation from the storm is predicted to continue through Tuesday, and 1-3 inches of rainfall is expected — with more possible in localized areas, Rohrbach said.
“We’ve had a lot of rain recently, so this could cause issues for all of the Midlands,” Rohrbach said. “There could be both flash flooding and river flooding.”
Columbia-area residents could start feeling winds from the tropical storm as early as Sunday morning, according to Rohrbach. Current forecasts show the winds could reach the 40 mph range, and there’s up to a 20% chance tropical storm force winds will lash the Midlands.
“We’re unlikely to see winds above the tropical storm force level, but that could change as we learn more about where the storm goes,” Rohrbach said.
On top of flooding, one of the greatest threats the storm could pose is power outages, according to Rohrbach. While tree limbs could come down, it’s expected that trees could topple over because the ground will be over saturated with rain.
Residents are urged to prepare for possible utility outages by stocking up on drinking water, batteries, and any medications they need.
Rohrbach described Isaias as a quick-moving storm. As of Thursday morning it was clocked at speeds of 20 mph as it was 120 miles east of Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center.
In the lead up to the weekend, weather in the Columbia area is expected to be similar to recent days. Temperatures will see highs in the mid-to-upper 90s, causing afternoon thunderstorms, Rohrbach said.
On the weekend, the Midlands will start to experience more showers, and temperatures will be cooler going into next week, according to Rohrbach.
The National Weather Service said continued rainfall in the next day is of greater concern in Richland and Lexington counties, after so much precipitation was experienced Wednesday. Between 2-4 inches of rain was recorded from Wednesday’s storm, with totals closer to 5 inches by the Lake Murray dam, according to the National Weather Service.
And then Isaias could dump more rain in those drenched counties, and the forecast shows there is a better than 50% chance of rain every day through next Wednesday. Currently, there are no storm watches or warnings for the Midlands related to Isaias.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 11:09 AM.
