Hurricane Isaias Approaching Carolina Coasts, Flash Flooding Expected

9pm Update:

Isaias now has 85 mph winds, located about 55 miles SSE of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Original, 8pm post:

Isaias has regained hurricane status, and is now only 60 miles from the South Carolina coastline. Isaias will move inland early tonight, and move through our area tomorrow.

Heavy rains and gusty winds are expected to begin late tonight, and continue through tomorrow afternoon.

A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect from 11pm tonight through tomorrow evening.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect until further notice.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 11am Tuesday to 3am Wednesday.

3 to 5 inches of rain are expected, mostly between 6am and 3pm Tuesday. Accompanying this will be winds of 40-60 mph, with gusts to 80 mph possible. Secure loose outdoor objects now.

We remain in the 'Moderate' risk for flash flooding, as denoted by the Weather Prediction Center.

Isaias has 75 mph winds, and is moving north-northeast at 16 mph. It is expected to accelerate north-northeastward tonight and northeast tomorrow.

Tropical storm force winds (39 mph or more) are expected to reach all the way to Maine tomorrow, before Isaias moves into Canada.

Remember: The cyclone is not just a point. Winds extend far from the center. As of 8pm, tropical storm force winds extended outward 125 miles from the center. So even if the center is near Ocean City, we could still get tropical storm winds.

The National Weather Service is warning that "Significant flash flooding of small streams and creeks is likely tonight into Tuesday evening as rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Isaias spreads northward. Widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible ... Tropical storm force winds are expected along and east of the I-95 Corridor and north central Maryland. Tree damage and power outages are possible in this area."

Isaias will likely clear out Tuesday evening.

Wednesday brings highs in the mid 80s under sunny skies, with an isolated shower possible.