CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — High winds, heavy rain, storm surge and some flooding are going to begin in South Carolina early Monday morning as Hurricane Irma’s outer edge moves north.
ABC News 4 Chief Meteorologist Dave Williams forecasts torrential downpours in the southern coastal areas of the state begin after 5 a.m., and reaching their peak around 10 a.m. through the afternoon.
Rainfall totals of 3-6 inches are expected across the Lowcountry, with more in some places. Flash flooding, especially close to the coast, is likely from the heavy rains.
Williams forecasts a storm surge of 2-4 feet in Charleston County, although the National Hurricane Center says surge of 6 feet is possible in some areas along the South Carolina coast.
The effects of the flash flooding and storm surge could be intensified around noon Monday because of a coinciding high tide, Williams said.
The storm is expected to bring tropical storm force winds in the 30-70 mph range, with the potential to cause property damage and bring down trees and power lines.
A threat of isolated tornadoes will come later in the day Monday as storm bands continue to come onshore.
All of the Lowcountry is under a tropical storm warning and a flash flood watch, with several counties also under storm surge warnings and a hurricane watch.
Evacuations were ordered Saturday for eight barrier island along the South Carolina coast south of Charleston, including Hilton Head and Edisto Beach.
Irma was a Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph sustained winds as of 5 p.m. Sunday, located 470 miles south-southwest of Charleston and moving north at 14 mph.