Soggy Days Ahead: Heavy Rain and Flood Watch for South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Get ready for some soggy days ahead!

Deep moisture is flooding into the Southeast, and it’s ready to dish out numerous showers starting later today. It looks like you might want to grab that umbrella because these rain showers will stick around through Thursday. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself splashing through some puddles, especially in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), where locally heavy rain could create a bit of a flood risk!

Rainy Days Ahead

We’ve been in desperate need of rain here in the Midlands, having gone quite some time without measurable rainfall! In fact, the Columbia airport hasn’t seen any rain since September 27. Fortunately, Tuesday delivered some much-needed moisture, but hold onto your raincoats, folks, because more is on the way! As Hurricane Rafael makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico, it’s bringing loads of moisture along with it.

Tonight, rain chances will surge as conditions get ripe for a downpour. Residents in eastern parts of South Carolina, brace yourselves! Heavy rain is expected, and some areas in the CSRA could receive over five inches of rainfall. This is especially concerning for urban and low-lying neighborhoods where flooding risks are elevated!

Flood Watch Alert

Due to the anticipated downpours, a flood watch is now active for several counties including Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield, and McCormick. This watch is in effect from 1 PM today until 7 PM Thursday. The rain is projected to keep falling into early Thursday morning, but there might be a silver lining – the heaviest moisture may start moving east by the afternoon. However, the danger of flooding will still linger, prompting the flood watch to remain in place until the afternoon.

What’s Next?

Weather enthusiasts rejoice! Despite the rain and cloud cover, temperatures will remain warmer than usual. On Friday, we should only see some occasional light showers, with highs reaching into the upper 70s. That’s right; a taste of warmer weather is on the horizon!

As we move toward the weekend, you can look forward to a dry forecast as drier air begins to infiltrate South Carolina. This means high temperatures will continue to stay above normal, making it a perfect time to plan those outdoor activities and enjoy some fresh air without worry!

Stay Informed

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather alerts. While we’ll have a reprieve over the weekend, that won’t be the case for today and tomorrow. So whether you’re commuting to work, picking up the kids, or heading out for a jog, don’t forget to check the latest weather updates!

So, Columbia, while it may be a rainy few days ahead, let’s embrace the moisture and remember that it’s crucial for keeping the landscape lush and green. Happy soaking!