By admin 
The first hurricane of this year’s Atlantic season has finally formed, almost a month after the previous record-long wait for a hurricane.
Read more Fact Check: Where Richland 1 school board candidates stand on budget, taxes
The ongoing super El Niño likely prevented many storms, such as Hurricane Isaias, from forming, as the naturally occurring climate event generates high wind shear and unfavorable conditions for hurricanes.
Hurricane Isaias formed late Wednesday night as the storm headed towards the Gulf Coast. It’s expected to continue moving northward, reaching the South late Friday night into Sunday morning, according to a weather briefing from the National Weather Service.
Current forecast models expect the Category 1 hurricane to make its way through parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. It could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane by Thursday night or early Friday, before weakening as it reaches land.
Even though Hurricane Isaias’ most significant impacts are expected to remain well to the west of the Carolinas, it can still heavily impact the weather in South Carolina and the Midlands.
Here’s everything to know:
Hurricane Isaias’ impact on SC: Timeline
South Carolina will likely not be in Hurricane Isaias’ way, but heavy rain with a low-end tornado threat is still possible this weekend, the NWS said.
Read more Hurricane Isaias: Life-threatening storm surge expected; what it means for U.S. Gulf Coast
Heavy rain has a chance of starting late Friday night through Sunday, with quick clearing likely by late Sunday evening. Breezy winds are expected across the area throughout the weekend.
Periods of heavy rainfall can increase the risk of flash flooding throughout the Palmetto State. According to the NWS, SC has a slight risk, at least 15%, of excessive flash flooding in the next five days.
Additionally, a weak isolated tornado or two is possible given the strong wind field and typical tropical system behavior.
The overall impacts of the flooding threat will vary across SC, ranging from simple beneficial rain to more impactful, training heavy rain bands and isolated flooding. Rainfall in SC this weekend will likely total between 1.5 and 3 inches.
There is still some uncertainty about all the impacts Hurricane Isaias will have when it makes landfall. Be on the lookout for any further updates that may occur as it gets closer to reaching the U.S.
Read more Fact Check: Where Richland 2 candidates stand on budget, taxes