News 19th day of weather warning: Flash flood warning

COLUMBIA, SC – The News19 Weather Team has issued a day-long weather advisory for the Midlands for Wednesday and Thursday due to the possibility of heavy rain and storms.

A Weather Impact Alert Day is a new type of announcement from News19’s weather team that lets you know when potentially dangerous weather is heading your way and how you can prepare in advance.

The biggest weather threat today and Thursday is heavy rains that could lead to flash flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for much of the Midlands, including Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Calhoun, northwest Orangeburg and central Orangeburg counties.

Recent heavy rainfall and flash flooding, coupled with the threat of further rainfall of 3.8 to 7.5 centimetres and the possibility of extremely high rainfall across much of the Midlands, have raised concerns about flash flooding in affected areas.

Highs will be just above 30 degrees this afternoon, but humidity will make many places feel like temperatures are above 30 degrees.

The flash flood warning remains in force for much of the Midlands until Thursday evening. Recent heavy rainfall and further expected rainfall could cause flash flooding in these areas. Maximum temperatures on Thursday will be above 30 degrees; this is slightly below normal for this time of year.

On Friday, the weather pattern will change slightly as the Western Atlantic Ridge moves south of the area and an upper-level low pressure system pushes into New England and the Mid-Atlantic region. A nearly stationary front will move into the area, bringing more widespread showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening. There will still be a chance of heavy rain in some parts, which could maintain the risk of flooding. Highs will be in the 30s to 35s.

Scattered to frequent showers and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, with the possibility of heavy rain. Showers and thunderstorms will be less frequent Sunday through Tuesday. Daytime temperatures will be below normal over the weekend, but will warm up a bit early next week.