Storm to bring strong winds and rain Sunday, but chance of snow has diminished

Be ready for strong winds and lots of rain along the Grand Strand on Sunday that could cause flooding and down trees.

The chance of snow has diminished, though, as warmer temperatures wrap around the storm in the lower-levels of the atmosphere, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. Temperatures could sneak into the 40s Sunday afternoon before falling back into the upper 30s Sunday night.

There’s a 10 percent to 20 percent chance of a wintry mix accumulating in most of Horry County, though the chances are as high as 30 percent in the northern part of the county and near the Loris area, according to forecasters.

But even if there’s no snow, the storm still could cause problems, including flooding and downed trees that could cause power outages, forecasters said.

Wind gusts up to 35 to 45 mph are expected, and the coast could get between 1 and 2 inches of rain, while inland areas won’t see that much, forecasters said. The worst winds likely will come during the afternoon, then diminish Sunday night. Rain also should taper off Sunday evening.

A wind advisory and flood watch remain in effect for Horry and Georgetown counties, as well as Brunswick County, N.C. The heavy rainfall could quickly lead to flooding, especially along the Waccamaw River, in low-lying areas and locations near creeks and streams, forecasters said.

Offshore waters also will be rough, with steep and dangerous waves.

On Monday, sunny skies are expected to return in the morning with showers developing in the afternoon.

This story was originally published February 7, 2016 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Storm to bring strong winds and rain Sunday, but chance of snow has diminished."