Flooding rain and isolated tornadoes will be a concern across parts of South Carolina Sunday as Claudette pushes through the Southeastern United States.
The storm, which is expected to weaken into a tropical depression late Saturday, is forecasted to track through Georgia and into South Carolina on Sunday. Copious amounts of tropical moisture will be funneled northward around its circulation and heavy rainfall will be likely.
Forecast models suggest that rainfall rates in excess of 2 inches per hour will be possible at times over South Carolina Sunday afternoon and evening. Meteorologists at Weather Prediction Center have placed the majority of the state under a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for flash flooding on Sunday. Total rainfall amounts could exceed 3 inches over parts of the Upstate and Midlands.
Claudette will also pose a tornado threat over parts of South Carolina on Sunday. Strong low level winds on the eastern side of the storm will contribute to increasing shear over the Midlands, Low Country, and Pee Dee. This “spin” in the atmosphere could lead to tornado development as thunderstorm cells triggered by Claudette push through the state. The storm threat will taper off from west to east early on Monday as Claudette moves into North Carolina.