South Carolina, it’s time to prepare for some wild weather tonight. A line of heavy rain and thunderstorms is moving in Thursday night and sticking around until Friday morning, bringing gusty winds, flash flooding risks, and some intense downpours. Whether you’re heading out this evening or have early plans on Friday, you’ll want to pay attention to these storms.
What’s Coming:
If you haven’t noticed the change in the air yet, things are about to get stormy. Starting around 9 PM Thursday, expect heavy rain and thunderstorms to roll through the state, with the worst of it hitting between midnight and 6 AM. Here’s what to expect:
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When Will It Hit? The rain will pick up speed around 9 PM tonight and get heavier overnight. The most intense storms will be between midnight and 6 AM, so if you have early morning plans, you might want to adjust them. The storms could start and stop quickly, making it feel like one minute it’s calm, and the next, it’s coming down in buckets.
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Flash Flooding Risk: The rain could fall fast and hard, and this could lead to flash flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage or near creeks and rivers. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable, so if you’re in these zones, keep an eye on rising water levels. Flash flooding could also slow down traffic, so be cautious if you’re out and about.
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Strong Winds: We’re looking at winds gusting up to 40-50 mph. That’s enough to cause branches to break and maybe even knock out power. If you have anything outside like furniture, trash cans, or garden tools, now’s a good time to bring them inside before the winds pick up. Keep your car away from trees to avoid damage from falling branches.
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Thunderstorms and Lightning: Though there’s little chance of tornadoes, the storms will pack a punch with frequent lightning, strong gusts, and even some hail. If you’re outside when it hits, seek shelter right away – the weather can turn dangerous very quickly.
How to Stay Safe:
As the weather changes tonight, here are a few things you can do to stay ahead of the storm and keep yourself safe:
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Stay Inside if You Can: If you don’t have to be out tonight or early tomorrow, stay indoors until the storm passes. The worst of it will be between midnight and 6 AM, so it’s best to avoid being on the roads during those hours. If you must go out, drive slowly, keep your headlights on, and be ready for sudden changes in visibility.
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Prepare for Flooding: If you live in a flood-prone area, check to make sure your flood defenses are ready. Clean your gutters, check your sump pump, and have an emergency kit ready just in case. If you’re out on the roads and come across water covering the street, turn around, don’t drown. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous, especially at night when it’s hard to see.
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Bring in Loose Items: High winds can turn anything not secured into a flying hazard. Move any outdoor furniture, trash cans, or decorations indoors to keep them from being tossed around. This will help protect your property and those around you.
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Keep Updated: The weather can change quickly, so make sure you’re staying informed. Keep your phone charged, and watch for weather alerts. If the situation worsens and warnings are issued, take them seriously. Flash floods and high winds are no joke – better to be safe than sorry.
What’s Next:
By Friday morning, the worst of the storm will be behind us. The rain will taper off around 6 AM, and by midday, the skies should start to clear. Temperatures will drop to the low 70s, giving us a chance to dry off before the weekend.
Tonight’s storm might not be the most dramatic, but it’s still enough to cause some serious trouble. Heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds are the main concerns, especially if you’re out late or need to get going early tomorrow. If you can, stay inside while the worst of the weather passes. Pay attention to the forecasts, take extra precautions on the road, and stay safe.
