Hilton Head, S.C. — Heavy rain, coastal flooding and rough surf are the main weekend threats for the island as moisture from Hurricane Isaias moves inland from a Gulf Coast landfall, forecasters warn.
The National Weather Service Charleston office said rain would begin Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday, with 3 to 4 inches possible across the area and some Beaufort County spots seeing totals upwards of 6 inches.
Heavy rain will combine with high king tides Saturday morning to create a coastal flooding threat. Forecasters expect minor flooding with around half a foot of saltwater inundation along shorelines, and coastal flooding is also possible with the Saturday evening high tide.
A coastal flood advisory for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County was in effect Saturday morning, with high tide around Fort Pulaski near 8:45 a.m. and saltwater inundation possible for one to two hours before and after. Officials warned that inundation can close some roads.
An updated rip current statement also covered Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County into Saturday evening. Swimmers were urged to stay near a lifeguard, and people caught in a rip were told to float and swim parallel to shore rather than fight the current.
Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected Friday and Saturday closer to the coast, and brief tornadoes or waterspouts are possible Saturday afternoon. Residents were advised to secure loose outdoor items.
