Sumter under flash flood watch for Memorial Day

Sumter County is under a flash flood watch through Memorial Day evening as heavy rains from Subtropical Storm Alberto could cause flooding across most of South Carolina.

The National Weather Service issued the flood watch from Sunday evening until Monday for the northern two-thirds of the state.

Forecasters say 2 inches of rain is expected on saturated ground with isolated areas getting up to 4 inches of rain.

Authorities say conditions are especially dangerous with flooding rains coming overnight and on a holiday weekend when people may have outdoor plans.

A flash flood watch means the conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

“Do not attempt to drive on flooded roads. It takes little water to move a vehicle off the road and into deeper water. Also, the road bed may not be intact under flood waters,” the agency said in its flash flood watch issue.

The agency has also issued a hazardous weather outlook saying a “brief, isolated tornado is possible through tonight, with the greatest threat across the central and southern Midlands and Central Savannah River Area.”

Alberto is moving slowly northward toward the coast of the Florida panhandle.