Lexington County is preparing to deal with a tropical storm this week

As of the afternoon of Aug. 29, the National Weather Service said Hurricane Idalia would make its way to the county on Aug. 31, though impacts from the storm should begin the evening of Aug. 30.

According to a Facebook post from the state Emergency Management Division, Idalia, which is projected to make Florida landfall as a Category 3, will most likely weaken to a tropical storm after doing so.

Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Aug. 29, according to a press release. The release urges residents to double-check their emergency plans for this storm and others that may occur in the future.

“Although South Carolina may avoid the worst of Hurricane Idalia's impacts, this State of Emergency is issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens," McMaster is quoted in a release. "Now is the time for South Carolinians to begin making proper preparations, and everyone should begin actively monitoring official sources for the most up-to-date information – especially those along our coast and in low-lying areas." 

The Emergency Management Division posted that the state could experience four to eight inches of rain. According to the NWS, the potential impacts to the state include flash floods, high winds and isolated tornadoes. 

All Lexington County school districts – 1 2, 3, 4 and Lexington-Richland District 5 – announced early dismissal for Aug. 30, with after school activities canceled.

All five districts will have a two-hour delay Aug. 31 so that the districts can survey road conditions before buses have to begin their routes.