Hurricane Isaias live updates, Aug. 3: South Carolina braces for landfall

Hurricane Isaias is no longer a tropical storm and expected to make landfall along South Carolina’s northern border Monday night, bringing the promise of high winds, flooding and isolated areas of “torrential rain,” according the National Hurricane Center.

Here’s the latest information:

Hurricane warning

Coastal areas from the South Santee River north to Surf City, N.C., are under a hurricane warning.

The area could experience winds of 58 mph to 73 mph. Hilton Head and Beaufort are projected to see milder winds, between 39 and 57 mph.

A storm surge warning is in effect from Edisto Beach through Cape Fear, N.C.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for much of the coast and some interior counties, including Beaufort, Berkeley, and Orangeburg. The warning stretches to the South Santee River.

The northeastern portion of the state is under a tornado watch. Heavy rain along the east is expected to cause flash flooding.

Timing of the storm

Forecasters are increasingly certain the center of the storm will approach the coast off northeastern South Carolina, then move inland Monday night over Eastern North Carolina.

“A few tornadoes” are possible across coastal South Carolina beginning Monday evening.

At 5 p.m. Monday, Isaias was 60 miles south of Charleston, with sustained winds of 75 mph. Tropical storm force winds were being felt 125 miles from the center. The storm is moving at 16 mph.

Rain predictions

Two to 6 inches of rain are expected across the eastern third of South Carolina.

All but the southwestern portion of South Carolina is at risk of flash flooding, with the highest risk being in the eastern quarter of the state.

The state’s northeast corner will feel the brunt of the storm, with up to 4 inches of rain south of Charleston and 6 inches north of the city.

Some areas between Charleston and Georgetown could see 10 inches of rain, forecasters say.

Columbia is expecting a 90% chance of rain Monday night, with more than 2.4 inches possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Landfall

An exact time and place for the storm’s landfall has not been established, but forecasters say it could be between Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C.

Storm surge

Storm surge warnings are in effect along much of the coast. Two to 5 feet of surge is predicted from Edisto Beach to the South Santee River in South Carolina. Areas north of the South Santee River will see 3 to 5 feet.

“Isaias will bring tropical storm force winds, torrential rainfall, storm surge inundation, rip currents, high surf with significant beach erosion, and possibly a few tornadoes,” the National Weather Service said early Monday.

“The risk for hazards appears the greatest near the coast and offshore. Flooding or flash flooding may result from the combination of heavy rain and storm surge, especially during the high tide this evening. There is a potential for widespread and dangerous flooding to occur in and around the Charleston Metro Area, especially across downtown Charleston and areas.”

This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 6:00 AM.