COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hurricane Helene is now a Category 4 major hurricane as it moves northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico toward an eventual landfall in Florida.
Helene is forecasted to come ashore along the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening before tracking north across Georgia from tonight into Friday morning. As the storm grows, its impacts will extend well beyond its center, bringing strong, damaging winds far inland across the southeastern U.S. For that reason, News19 has issued a Weather Impact Alert through Friday morning.
Tornado warnings for Orangeburg, Bamberg, Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee Counties have expired. Earlier, the National Weather Service said a confirmed tornado was located seven miles northwest of Edisto Gardens or about seven miles northwest of Orangeburg, but local emergency management officials could not confirm any damage.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for all of South Carolina on Wednesday. A tropical storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. A tornado watch has now been issued for all Midlands counties until 9 p.m. Thursday. A watch means conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. The watch area includes Richland, Lexington, Orangeburg, Sumter, Saluda, Newberry, Calhoun, Fairfield, Lee, Kershaw, and Clarendon Counties.
Helene's winds were 130 mph with higher gusts. It was moving towards the north-northeast at 23 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center of Helene, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles from the storm's center.
WHEN:
Rain and storms will continue to spread across the Midlands and South Carolina today, with some heavy downpours possible. Another round of heavy rainfall is expected to develop overnight through early Friday morning. At least one tornado has been confirmed, and more are possible.
IMPACT:
Helene's rapid movement will lead to strong gusts of wind capable of causing significant damage in affected areas. The risk of destructive winds will be particularly high in the U.S.'s central and southeast regions. Wind gusts will penetrate inland, affecting large areas with the potential for downed trees, damaged structures, and widespread power outages.
Rainfall will be a major concern, particularly across central South Carolina and eastern Georgia. The Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) is expected to receive 3 to 5 inches of rain, while the Midlands and Pee Dee regions will see 2-to-3-inch totals.
Isolated areas could experience even higher amounts, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding. Rainfall intensity will rise throughout Thursday, with the heaviest rain expected from Thursday night into early Friday morning. This heavy precipitation could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to localized flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Damaging winds and rainfall are possible from Thursday evening into Friday morning, especially along and south of I-20. Tornadoes associated with tropical storms can be fast-moving and difficult to predict, further heightening the danger. Communities in the storm’s path must remain vigilant, as tornadoes can cause widespread damage, uproot trees, destroy homes, and create dangerous flying debris.
Wind hazards could bring moderate to severe damage in areas across central South Carolina and eastern Georgia. Structural damage will likely occur, particularly to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Large tree limbs may break, and some trees could be snapped or uprooted, especially where the ground is saturated. Hazardous driving conditions may arise due to road debris, especially in urban or wooded areas, and scattered power and communication outages are expected due to fallen lines.
Tornadoes pose a significant risk, especially south and east of I-20. Home damage is expected, with roofs potentially torn off and mobile homes destroyed. Trees may be uprooted, vehicles overturned, and small boats damaged. Power outages and communication failures are also anticipated. The storm will likely create dangerous airborne debris, potentially threatening lives and property.
Heavy rainfall could cause life-threatening flooding, especially in the CSRA and southern Midlands regions. Due to rapidly rising water levels, evacuations and rescues may be necessary. Rivers and tributaries will likely overflow, turning small streams into dangerous floodwaters. Floodwaters may enter homes and buildings, making some structures uninhabitable. Submerged roadways and washed-out bridges may make roads impassable, leading to hazardous driving conditions.
Rainfall may still cause moderate flooding in the northern Midlands and Pee Dee regions, though the impacts in these areas may be less severe.
NEED:
Residents in the path of Hurricane Helene should take immediate precautions to protect their lives and property. Ensure all preparations are completed ahead of the storm’s arrival. Charge cell phones and have car chargers handy, but be cautious of carbon monoxide poisoning by avoiding leaving cars running in enclosed spaces.
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider relocating to higher ground. Remember to turn around and don't drown when encountering flooded roadways.
Those under a tornado warning should seek shelter quickly in an interior room away from windows. Avoid driving during dangerous weather conditions, and look for safe shelter options if caught on the road.
