The Upstate should be prepared for significant rainfall through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. And the S.C. Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Hurricane Joaquin, upgraded to a dangerous Category 4 storm.
As a result of the storm's projected movement, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises.
"There’s a lot of uncertainty in the forecasts from the National Hurricane Center. We are preparing for the possibility that this storm could affect South Carolina, we're asking residents to do the same," SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said.
A flash flood watch has been issued through Monday morning for the entire Upstate.
From Friday morning through Monday morning, heavy rain is expected in the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia and continue off and on through the weekend as an upper low remains nearly stationary over the southeast states and Hurricane Joaquin moves north near the Carolina coast.
Periods of very heavy rainfall are expected to produce flash flooding along smaller creeks and streams, with significant flash flooding possible, especially in area that received heavy rain in recent days.
Meanwhile, the prolonged period of heavy rain combined with stream flows that are already above normal across much of the watch area could result in flooding alone gamin rivers by early next week.
According to the SCEMD, people in the watch areas should review their plans and consider actions they would need to take if the storm threatens the state:
- Be sure your emergency supplies kit has enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three to seven days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear.
- Also include copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
- Plan for your pets. Gather supplies for your pet and put them in an easily-accessible container.
- Determine if you are in a flood plain or flood-prone area. Visit www.scemd.org/KnowYourZone.
- Know evacuation routes for your area.
- Pay attention to emergency warnings and evacuate if instructed to do so.
A major hurricane has the ability to wraparound an incredible amount of moisture. This combined with an upper low in Georgia, will send in a lot of rain tonight, Friday and Saturday, ending on Sunday.
If you live near a river or a stream, now is the time to prepare. Do not drive through standing water on the roads. This could be very dangerous over the weekend.
In urban areas, storm drains can become overwhelmed and flood roads and buildings.