Hurricane Ian makes landfall, heavy rain to reach SC Midlands Friday. Here’s the latest forecast

Morgan Hughes
·2 min read

Hurricane Ian made landfall just after 3 p.m. on Florida’s southwestern coast Wednesday. The Category 4 storm has neared Category 5 strength, the most severe rating for hurricanes.

When the storm reaches the South Carolina Midlands it will no longer be a hurricane, but tropical storm force winds and heavy rain are expected. As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports heavy rain and flash floods will be the largest threat to the Midlands Friday into Saturday.

Up to 6 inches of rain could fall in the Columbia area Friday into Saturday as Hurricane Ian moves north.
Up to 6 inches of rain could fall in the Columbia area Friday into Saturday as Hurricane Ian moves north.

Rain may arrive in the Midlands Thursday, with heavy rain and winds up to 50 mph expected Friday. Windy conditions will persist into Saturday. The tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the southern part of the Interstate 20 corridor by daybreak Friday, reaching across the Midlands by noon, NWS meteorologist Frank Alsheimer said.

Up to 6 inches could fall in and around Columbia. Flash floods are possible in the Columbia area Friday through early Saturday.

Tornadoes are also possible, but the risk is low, according to NWS. The risk does become slightly greater as you move toward the coast, Alsheimer said.

Strong winds could down power lines as well, creating the potential for power outages.

No warnings or watches were issued for the Midlands as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, but Alsheimer said tropical storm watches will likely be issued after 5 p.m.

Warnings and watches are subject to change as Ian approaches, but meteorologists are confident rain and heavy winds will reach the Columbia area.

The National Weather Services estimates heavy rain and flash floods will be the greatest threat to the Midlands from Hurricane Ian.
The National Weather Services estimates heavy rain and flash floods will be the greatest threat to the Midlands from Hurricane Ian.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division reports residents should prepare for potential property damage, power outages and flooding.

Parts of the South Carolina coast have been under a hurricane watch since Wednesday morning. Charleston, Beaufort and other areas on the coast are under a hurricane watch and storm surge warning.

Ian will be the first named storm to hit Columbia since Tropical Storm Fred in August 2021, according to the National Weather Service. Ian is the fourth Atlantic hurricane of the season and the first to make landfall in the continental U.S.

Record storm surges reached Florida’s southwestern coast before noon Wednesday. Significant damage has been recorded along the coast. Millions in Florida were without power Wednesday afternoon.

Much of the peninsula is under a tornado watch with hurricane winds reaching 155 mph.