Here’s the timeline on when and how Tropical Storm Imelda could impact SC

Although the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts with high confidence Tropical Storm Imelda will remain in the Atlantic and curve away from the United States East Coast, this week South Carolina could see storm impacts across the state.

South Carolina will see on-and-off showers Monday and Tuesday, according to NWS meteorologist Matt Scalora. Heavier rain is expected along the coast, particularly on the north side of the South Carolina coastline where communities could see up to 2 inches of rain.

“We’re looking at up to 1 to 2 inches of rain, and that would be mainly through tomorrow, and then we definitely dry out by Wednesday through the end of the week,” said Scalora.

With lower rainfall projections, flooding risks are less serious but still possible through Tuesday.

“There could be localized flash floods, but it should be really isolated, because the rain amounts have definitely come down, and that would be again, today or tomorrow, and the same deal with the winds, for the most part,” Scalora said.

Especially in low-lying and prone areas and during afternoon high tides, coastal flooding is possible through the mid-to-late week. According to Scalora, surf heights of 4 to 6 feet in the south coast and 5 to 6 feet in the north coast should last through midweek.

While land impacts are expected to remain minimal, the surf will be treacherous this week. The combination of hazardous waves from Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto is creating rough surf, rip currents and even the potential for waterspouts Monday and Tuesday. Both coastal South Carolina NWS offices have issued high surf advisories.