Hurricane season’s first storm is forming. Here’s how it’ll affect the Midlands
The first storm of hurricane season is forming over south Texas, and the effects could soon impact the Columbia area of South Carolina, according to the National Weather Service.
Potential Tropical Storm One is not expected to be at full strength after making landfall in the U.S. But the remnants of the storm are forecast to move into South Carolina’s Midlands region Thursday and continue into Friday, the National Weather Service said.
Widespread hazardous weather not expected in the Columbia area, but there’s increased chances of heavy rain and strong to severe storms are possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Isolated flash flooding is also a threat as the storm’s remnants move into the Midlands, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a Wednesday morning briefing. Areas with poor drainage or those in urban and flood-prone locations are at greatest risk, the National Weather Service said.
Breezy winds also are expected both Thursday and Friday with potential for gusts above 30 mph, according to the briefing.
A few stronger storms may develop Thursday leading to strong or marginally severe damaging wind gusts, the National Weather Service said. An isolated tornado is also possible, according to the briefing.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
No warnings, watches or advisories have been issued for any part of the Midlands, but that is subject to change as the storms get closer.
As of Wednesday morning, there’s a 90% chance of rain on Thursday, the forecast shows. More rain is likely Friday, when there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, and up to 2 inches of rain is possible in the Columbia area over the two days, according to the forecast.
Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.
Drier air is expected for the weekend, when no rain is forecast in Columbia. Showers and thunderstorms could return by the start of the next work week, the forecast shows.
High temperatures are consistently predicted to be in the high 80s or low 90s from Thursday and into the weekend.
As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Potential Tropical Storm One was moving northeast along the Texas coast at 6 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
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.
