Severe weather is possible on Sunday across South Carolina; timing & hazards

We continue to monitor the vast low-pressure system that raged across the Midwest between Friday and Saturday. Over 500 wind reports were registered, and on Saturday afternoon, there were over 21 tornado reports across the Deep South. Unfortunately, over two dozen deaths were reported.

For South Carolina, we forecast severe weather across Upstate late Saturday night into Sunday morning. There will be a few scattered showers statewide, but the severe risk increases from west to east. The rains will become more intense, and although the risk for severe weather decreases with the whole system moving eastward, there is still the chance for isolated tornadoes and flash flooding, especially for the Midlands and coastal areas.

By sunrise, the line of showers and scattered storms, some of which can turn severe, will be moving through the Midlands through the midday hours. By 11 a.m., showers and isolated thunderstorms will be along the coast. Remember that the risk decreases as the line moves east but doesn't diminish completely. Please keep at least three ways of receiving weather alerts throughout Sunday. Some isolated severe storms could bring damaging wind gusts, hail, and an isolated tornado across the Palmetto State.

The good news is that the risk of flash floods that we previously described has diminished. Overall, the highest rainfall is forecast for Upstate, with some areas that could receive over 6 inches in some isolated spots. The rest of the state will receive between half to 2 inches of rain. Some isolated places on the coast could receive up to 3 inches as the rain could become more intense; plus, that second wave of energy will push through on Monday.

Weather improves gradually on Monday and Tuesday. Below-average temperatures are expected on Monday afternoon, and although still cooler than average, it will be a tad warmer. There will be a warm-up for Wednesday before another front arrives late in the week.