Threat levels increasing as Hurricane Idalia nears SC coast, could arrive as tropical storm

Hurricane Idalia could weaken to a tropical storm by the time it hits the South Carolina coast, though chances of flooding rain and higher winds have increased, the National Weather Service said Aug. 30.

Expected to make landfall over Florida’s Big Bend Wednesday morning, Idalia will travel across southeastern Georgia before hitting South Carolina later tonight.

Even if Idalia downgrades, conditions are expected to be dangerous. These impacts include:

• Heavy rainfall and dangerous flash flooding
• A few tornadoes and waterspouts
• Some storm surge/coastal flooding
• Gusty winds exceeding 40 mph (tropical storm force)
• Strong rip currents from Hurricane Franklin off to the east and from Idalia
• Hazardous maritime conditions

Wind gusts of between 58 and 73 mph are possible across coastal areas of Horry and Georgetown counties beginning late Wednesday afternoon.

Overall, a storm surge inundation of 1 to 3 feet above ground level is expected, with the highest potential for flooding around high tide Thursday morning.

The axis of heaviest rain has increased and shifted toward the inland areas, the National Weather Service said, upping the changes of flash flooding with projected rainfall amounts of up to 10 inches across some inland areas.

Based on the current rainfall forecasts through Thursday afternoon, flooding later this week is projected for the following river locations:

• Minor flooding on the Little Pee Dee in Gallivants Ferry
• Minor flooding on the Lumber River in Lumberton, North Carolina
• MInor flooding on the Pee Dee River

This story was originally published August 30, 2023 at 8:01 AM.