Hurricane Helene Barrels Toward South Carolina: Impact Forecast and Current Tracking
As the southeast region of the United States braces for the impact of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina finds itself on high alert. The potentially catastrophic storm is due to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Thursday night, with meteorologists predicting it could reach the strength of a Category 3 hurricane or higher. It’s expected to cause extensive damages as it tears through the southeast.
Warnings and Watches Issued
With South Carolina expected to experience significant effects of the storm; hurricane and tropical storm warnings are currently in place for more than 42 million people across the southeast according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Areas of South Carolina under these warnings extend to Savannah, Charleston, and Columbia, with the NWS also issuing a tornado watch for parts of Georgia and South Carolina, effective until 9 p.m. ET. on Thursday.
Projected Impacts on South Carolina
While the hurricane’s exact path may spare the state a direct hit, South Carolina is still expected to suffer from the storm. This will likely involve extensive rain damage, coastal flooding, and strong winds that might leave many residents without power, as predicted by AccuWeather. Coastal areas such as Charleston may experience storm surge and flooding effects, with serious inundation possible from Thursday night into Friday morning.
Warnings of Extensive Flooding
Further inland, these turbulent conditions may still pose a threat. On Wednesday afternoon, the NWS released a warning about potential deadly inland flooding that could extend far beyond the storm’s initial impact. These flooding rainfalls and high winds from Hurricane Helene are expected to reach hundreds of miles inland, affecting communities across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Hurricane Helene Tracker
Despite the hurricane tracking primarily through Florida’s Big Bend region, the storm’s effects are being felt far outside of this area. Therefore, South Carolina should brace for tropical storm-force winds as early as Thursday night.
In Summary
South Carolina remains in the path of Hurricane Helene’s far-reaching effects. With extensive rain damage, coastal flooding, and powerful winds expected, residents and authorities are on high alert for potentially catastrophic weather phenomena. Even as the storm is expected to make landfall elsewhere, warnings and watches have been put in place to ensure the safety of South Carolina’s residents during this trying time.
