Hurricane Isaias live updates: Here’s when the Grand Strand could first see storm impacts
5 p.m. update
Isaias has weakened to a tropical storm, though it is expected regain hurricane status overnight as it approaches the southeast coast of Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm has slowed, as it’s moving 10 mph toward the northwest, which has pushed back the forecast for the Grand Strand. Isaias now is expected to sideswipe — or come ashore — the Myrtle Beach area early Tuesday morning. Previously it was forecast to begin impacting our area Monday evening/night.
As of 5 p.m., the storm was located 115 miles southeast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“Looks like everything has it tracking as a minimal hurricane passing just off the coast of Jacksonville and heading as a tropical storm toward South Carolina,” said Jason Hess, a meteorologist with the NWS’ Jacksonville office, said Saturday afternoon.
Much depends on how the storm moves in the coming day, he said. If it moves back out to sea, it may strengthen again, but it it moves inland, it could weaken even further, Hess said.
2 p.m. update
The Myrtle Beach area is most likely to see the effects of tropical system Isaias on Monday night and possibly into Tuesday morning, according to projections from the National Hurricane Center, which noted there were no changes to projections as of the latest update.
Isaias, which remained a Category 1 hurricane as of Saturday afternoon while approaching the eastern Florida coast, is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm by the time it sideswipes — or comes ashore — the Grand Strand.
As of the 2 p.m. Saturday update, Isaias was about 15 miles south of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island and traveling northwest at 12 mph. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, down from 85 mph in the morning.
Isaias was expected to approach Florida on Saturday night.
11 a.m. update
Hurricane Isaias’ track has remained consistent as it moves northwestward, and its expectations for the Grand Strand did not change in the latest update.
At 11 a.m., the storm was located 40 miles west-southwest of Nassau, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was moving northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
The NHC forecasts Isaias to approach the southeast Florida coast later today or Sunday.
8 a.m. update
The Grand Strand faces an increasing threat from Hurricane Isaias, though the storm has slowed, delaying when the most damaging aspects are expected to arrive.
The greatest impacts to the Myrtle Beach area are now projected on Monday evening into Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Hurricane Isaias is currently southeast of Florida’s coast and expected to travel along the county’s eastern seaboard. Forecasters say Isaias is projected to be a tropical storm when it reaches the Palmetto State.
There are several potential impacts once the storm reaches Horry County, according to the latest forecast.
Rainfall could lead to some flooding, with the area seeing three to four inches of downpours, according to the forecast. Currently, no major Horry County rivers are in flooding status.
The potential for wind damage is increasing, including downed trees and some power outages, according to the forecast. The peak sustained winds for the Myrtle Beach area are expected around 49 mph, with gusts up to 63 mph. Forecasters say a few tornadoes are possible.
There could also be storm surge that causes minor coastal inundation and erosion, according to the forecast.
Rip currents are expected to start Saturday and continue into next week.
Today’s takeaways
- Several area municipalities have declared a State of Emergency ahead of the storm’s arrival.
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has not ordered an evacuation.
This story was originally published August 1, 2020 at 8:13 AM.
