Hurricane Helene Set to Impact Columbia, South Carolina with Heavy Rain and Wind Threats

Hurricane Helene Approaching Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina is currently in the path of Hurricane Helene, which is intensifying as it moves closer to landfall. The National Weather Service (NWS) has been keeping a close eye on the storm and recently updated its track predictions. Residents of the Midlands should brace for some severe weather starting late Thursday and extending through Friday.

What to Expect

The effects of Helene are anticipated to hit the Columbia area around Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately, it looks like this storm could bring along heavy rainfall that may cause serious flooding concerns. The NWS is warning that over 3 inches of rain could fall in Columbia, with localized areas potentially receiving even more, especially in the western parts of the Midlands.

According to meteorologists, the heaviest rain is expected to fall Thursday evening through Friday morning. During this time, we might also see strong winds and even a significant threat of tornadoes. This means residents should keep a close watch, as flash flooding could occur quickly, with river flooding possible throughout the weekend.

Tropical Storm Watch Issued

On Wednesday morning, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Richland County, Lexington County, and surrounding areas, including Newberry, Calhoun, and Saluda counties. Tropical storm-force winds can pick up within the next 48 hours, so it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared.

The Wind and Tornado Threats

As the storm approaches, winds are predicted to gust between 40-50 mph, particularly on Thursday night and Friday morning. The chances of encountering 45 mph winds are about 90% in Columbia, according to the latest updates. With that kind of wind, there’s a real risk of tree branches and power lines coming down, which could lead to outages and damage to property.

Tornadoes are another possibility, and according to the NWS, the risk for tornado formation will peak during the Thursday night into Friday morning timeframe. So, it’s wise for residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

Current Storm Status

As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Helene was moving northwest at around 10 mph and had maximum sustained winds of about 80 mph. The tropical-storm-force winds associated with Helene extend as far as 175 miles from the storm’s center. Although Columbia isn’t directly in the path of Helene, the storm is large enough that its effects will definitely be felt across the region.

Looking Ahead

After making landfall near the Big Bend area of Florida, Helene is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Friday afternoon. However, the forecast shows conditions will start to clear in Columbia by Friday night. On Saturday, we can look forward to sunny skies with temperatures soaring into the mid-80s.

But don’t get too comfortable just yet! It seems there’s a possibility of rain returning by the end of the weekend, with a 30% chance of showers on Sunday. So, keep those umbrellas handy just in case!

Final Thoughts

As we prepare for Hurricane Helene’s arrival, it’s always a good idea to stay informed, make an emergency plan, and ensure your family and belongings are safe. Remember to check in on your neighbors and stay connected—the community can become even stronger in challenging times.