Flood watch issued as heavy rains continue to douse Columbia area
As thunderstorms and rain showers are forecast to continue dousing the Columbia area, a flood watch has been issued for much of the Midlands, according to the National Weather Service.
The flood watch is in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a Wednesday morning briefing.
Heavy rainfall will be possible in areas that have already received significant precipitation over the past 36 hours, according to the National Weather Service. Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, according to the briefing.
An additional 2 to 3 inches of rain will be possible, Wednesday’s forecast shows. Localized amounts in other areas could be higher.
All of the heavy rainfall creates the potential for flash flooding in Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Saluda and Orangeburg counties among other areas in South Carolina, according to the National Weather Service. There’s an 80% chance of rain Wednesday, and that rises to 90% Thursday, the forecast shows.
That could lead to excessive runoff and flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, the National Weather Service said.
Drivers are warned to use caution, and to turn around to avoid rising waters in roadways.
The flood watch may need to be expanded as the threat continues through Thursday, according to the briefing.
More showers are likely Friday, but the low pressure system causing the rain is expected to move away from the Columbia area, and the flood threat will diminish, according to the National Weather Service.
Chances of rain drop to 30% on Saturday, when the forecast calls for mostly clear, sunny conditions and a possible high temperature of 87 degrees.
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