Isaias forecast to become a hurricane. Here’s what it means for the Midlands

By the time Isaias reaches South Carolina Monday, the storm is forecast to be a hurricane, according to the National Weather Service office in Columbia.

In spite of that change, Isaias’ effects are expected to remain the same in the Midlands, where some counties are under a tropical storm warning and a flash flood watch.

Heavy rain and powerful winds are the primary threats in the area from Isaias, pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs, meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Columbia said in a storm briefing.

The rains are expected to begin Monday, according to the briefing. The precipitation from the storm is predicted to continue through Tuesday, and 2-3 inches of rainfall is expected in the Midlands — with more possible in some spots, the meteorologists said.

A flash flood watch is in effect for Orangeburg, Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, and Chesterfield counties. The watch currently runs through Tuesday, according to the briefing.

Meteorologists said river flooding is not likely, but are not ruling out the possibility in the wake of significant precipitation in the past week.

A tropical storm warning was issued for eastern Orangeburg and Clarendon counties, including Lake Marion, the meteorologists said.

Tropical storm force winds are forecast to arrive Monday night, and strong wind gusts near 40 mph will be possible — especially near Lake Marion, it said in the briefing.

While minimal, there is a chance tornadoes could also develop in the Midlands Monday, according to the briefing. The chances of a tornado forming are higher further east, closer to the coast.

Wind gusts could sever tree limbs, and trees could topple because the ground will be saturated with rain. Both impacts could cause widespread power outages, the National Weather Service warned.

Dominion Energy said customers can report blackouts online, or by calling 800-251-7234. Reports about downed power lines can be made to 888-333-4465.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging residents to review safety plans and make sure they have enough water and food to sustain themselves for three days, the agency said in a news release Friday. The National Weather Service encouraged people to have a supply of any necessary medication and batteries.

First-aid supplies such as bandages and anti-bacterial wipes should also be prepared.

Emergency kits should also include flashlights, cleaning supplies, face coverings, while cell phones and other electronic devices should be fully charged before the storm arrives, according to Dominion Energy.

“Residents who live in mobile homes or in low lying areas prone to flooding need to consider staying elsewhere during the storm. Stay with friends and family as a first option. Go to a motel or hotel, if possible,” the Emergency Management Division said Sunday in a news release. “Emergency shelters should be considered an absolute, last resort option due to COVID-19.”

As of 8 a.m., Isaias was moving at 13 mph and was 250 miles south of Myrtle Beach, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm had sustained winds of 70 mph, and was moving north, and the center of the storm is forecast to move inland over eastern North Carolina overnight Monday.

After the storm passes further north, Columbia temperatures will see highs in the low-to-mid 90s for the rest of the week, with more rain possible, the forecast shows.

This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 8:52 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription