Heavy rains forecast, storms possible for T&D Region

There is also a marginal to slight risk of strong to severe thunderstorms. Damaging winds could include isolated tornadoes from Saturday morning through the evening, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia.

The region could receive up to 2 inches of rain, with higher amounts possible.

Rainfall is expected to pick up in intensity around 1 a.m. Saturday, with pockets of heavy rainfall lasting through at least 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the NWS. The greatest chance of thunderstorm activity will be between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday.

Winds outside of thunderstorms could be gusty and reach up to about 29 mph Saturday morning into early afternoon.

There is a marginal risk – at least 5 percent – of excessive rainfall leading to flooding Friday, according to the NWS.

Rainfall amounts on Friday for Orangeburg are forecast to be between half an inch to 1 inch, with higher amounts farther west and north in the area.

For example, North, Woodford, Sandy Run and Denmark could see higher amounts while areas south and east of Orangeburg like Bowman, Holly Hill, Vance, Eutawville, Bamberg and Ehrhardt could see lower totals.

The heaviest rain Saturday could fall in the central and eastern Midlands.

Rainfall totals on Saturday for most of Orangeburg and Bamberg counties will be between 1 inch and 1-1/2-inches. Most of Calhoun County with the exception of the southern portion of the county could see rainfall totals of 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches.

Most of Orangeburg County and all of Calhoun County are at a slight risk – at least 15 percent – of excessive rainfall leading to flooding on Saturday.

Bamberg County remains in a marginal risk for flooding rains on Saturday.

The heavy rains are expected to help local river levels swell.

The North Fork of the Edisto River is forecast to crest Monday afternoon at about 8.3 feet. Flood stage is at 8 feet.

At 8.3 feet, some minor flooding occurs along the boardwalk at Edisto Gardens. Downstream from the Highway 301 bridge, some roads off Chiquita Street near the river begin to flood.

A flood warning may be needed for the river.

The heavy rains are expected to keep the Congaree River at Carolina Eastman at about 119 feet, or at a moderate flood stage. The flood stage is at 115 feet.

As of Thursday afternoon, there was a flood warning in place for the river at the location until late Sunday morning. At 119 feet, extensive flooding occurs in the Congaree National Park. Some area farmland is flooded. Minor flooding also occurs at Carolina Eastman.

Following the passage of the storm system, the weather is forecast to dry out Sunday through Wednesday of next week.

Temperatures will cool slightly Sunday into Monday with highs in the middle 60s, but a warming trend is expected in the middle of next week with highs in the middle 70s on Wednesday.