Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to grow into a hurricane, but return to a strong tropical storm, by the time it reaches Lexington County late Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service – Columbia.

The primary concern for the area that includes Lexington County is the threat of heavy rains and flooding, especially as the system passes near the South Carolina coast late Wednesday into Wednesday night.

Currently, Idalia is predicted to rapidly strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, become a major hurricane by late Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday night and reach the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday. Idalia is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge inundation and hurricane conditions along parts of the Florida Gulf Coast. Flash and urban flooding are also likely from Idalia