####018006120#### WTUS82 KCAE 301510 HLSCAE GAZ063>065-077-SCZ022-027>031-035-037-038-041-135>137-302315- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 16 National Weather Service Columbia SC AL102023 1110 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023 This product covers the Midlands of central South Carolina and east central Georgia CSRA **Hurricane Idalia will bring impacts to the area this afternoon through Thursday morning.** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Columbia, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, McDuffie, and Richland * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Burke, Calhoun, Central Orangeburg, Clarendon, Columbia, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, McDuffie, Northwestern Orangeburg, Richland, Richmond, Southeastern Orangeburg, and Sumter * STORM INFORMATION: - About 270 miles south-southwest of Columbia SC or about 210 miles south-southwest of Augusta GA - 30.6N 83.2W - Storm Intensity 90 mph - Movement North-northeast or 30 degrees at 20 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Idalia has made landfall in Florida and will continue tracking north northeast towards southeastern Georgia this afternoon and evening. Tonight into Thursday morning it is forecast to track inland along the South Carolina coastline. Local impacts from Idalia have begun as heavy rainfall overspreads southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. Heavy rainfall will continue through tonight across the region with 4 to 8 inches of rainfall forecast, with locally greater amounts possible. Tropical Storm force winds, along with isolated tornadoes, will be possible across the eastern Midlands by this afternoon and into early Thursday morning. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across the eastern Midlands. Potential impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across the western Midlands and CSRA. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the central South Carolina Midlands and CSRA of central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across the eastern Midlands of SC. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the eastern Midlands of SC. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org - For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Columbia SC around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$