Rain Rain Go Away: Southeast Faces Flood Risks

News Summary

A significant amount of rain is forecasted for the Southeast, particularly in the Central Savannah River Area, as Hurricane Rafael approaches. With expected downpours reaching up to five inches, flood watches are in effect for several counties including Aiken and Barnwell. While rain chances will decrease by the weekend, residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Monday due to a potential tropical cyclone. Stay informed and keep your umbrellas handy!

Rain Rain Go Away: Southeast Faces Flood Risks as Hurricane Rafael Approaches

This is a heads up for all our friends in the Southeast, especially if you’re in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)! A wave of deep moisture is making its way into our region, and it’s bringing with it a good chance of rain that could last right through Thursday. So grab your umbrella and let’s dive into what to expect!

Wet Weather on the Horizon

Today marks the beginning of what looks like a soggy spell as showers start to roll in. We’re expecting numerous showers into the late afternoon and into tomorrow. And here’s the kicker: some of these downpours could be locally heavy. This means that areas within the CSRA could potentially see upwards of five inches of rain, and that’s raising the alarm for possible flooding.

If you’re in western South Carolina, particularly in Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield, and McCormick counties, pay close attention. A flood watch is officially in effect from 1 PM today until 7 PM Thursday. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place in case the weather takes a turn for the worse!

Flooding Risks Persist

The rain is not just expected to pour down sporadically; it’s set to shower consistently. Even if we see a few rays of sunshine breaking through on Thursday afternoon, don’t let that fool you! Flooding risks will likely continue, particularly in urban and low-lying areas, so staying informed is key. If you see water piling up on the roads, it’s best to steer clear and seek safer pathways.

Weekend Relief Ahead

Looking ahead, as we approach Friday, the rain chances will gradually decrease. High temperatures are expected to hit the upper 70s, significantly warmer than usual for this time of year. It’s likely that by the weekend, we’ll be in for a drier forecast as drier air moves into our beloved South Carolina.

Veterans Day Weather

As we celebrate Veterans Day in Columbia, keep your umbrellas close by! There is a possibility of morning showers—most likely before 11a.m.—before things start to clear up around midday. How about planning those outdoor activities for later in the day to take advantage of the sweeter weather?

Cool and Sunny Days Ahead

Once we get past Veterans Day, the weather is expected to take a turn for the better. Following Monday, you can mark your calendars for mostly sunny skies with gradually decreasing rain chances throughout the week. Monday night should feature comforting temperatures around 56 degrees. Tuesday looks to be a perfect day for outdoor fun with highs near 71 degrees, and when night falls, you can settle in with a cozy low around 44 degrees.

Temperatures and Conditions Stay Enjoyable

Wednesday promises to carry on the pleasant vibes with sunny skies and highs in the low 60s. Even Wednesday night, you can expect a mostly cloudy sky, but no rain is on the radar, so you can relax without a worry. By Thursday, things should be quite pleasant with partly sunny conditions and a gentle rise in temperature to around 63 degrees.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Alert

However, just when we thought things were settling down, we have to mention a First Alert Weather Day issued for Monday due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, which could potentially develop into Tropical Storm Helene. The Pee Dee region might be on alert for the heaviest rain from this system, with flood watch alerts already in place. Gusty winds up to 45 mph could also blow through the Midlands, so stay ahead of the game!

As always, it’s wise to stay updated and prepared. Keep that umbrella handy and remember, the rain might be a hassle, but it also brings life to our beautiful Southeast!