Expect a Soggy Weekend as Rain Lingers

UPDATED SAT., 5 A.M. - Tropical Storm Chantal has fizzled, but don't expect a reprieve from nasty weather this weekend. Showers are expected off and on into early next week.

The strongest chance for a downpour is Saturday evening. That's when 2 to 3 inches of rain could fall in addition to the 4 inches or more that's already soaked the area over the last 24 hours.

All the rain caused flash flood alerts Friday afternoon. The torrential downpours forecast did not materialize, but still the ground is soaked, so any rain poses the risk for quickly rising water in flood-prone areas and near certain waterways.

Here's the original story posted Friday afternoon:

The Charleston region is seeing a deluge of rain today that's prompted widespread flash flood warnings and watches for much of the tri-county.

The worst has already passed for most of Berkeley and Dorchester counties, but there is still cause for alarm as the Edisto River in Dorchester County continues to rise. Residents from West Ashley to Isle of Palms are expected to get pummeled in the coming hours.

Here's the latest from the National Weather Service in Charleston...

How much rain: Between 2 inches and 4 inches of rain has already fallen since noon Friday and another 1 inch to 3 inches is expected before 5:15 p.m.

Who's getting the worst: A torrential downpour is expected as a storefront extends from West Ashley, through downtown and Mount Pleasant and into Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms.

Flooded river: The Edisto River near Givhans Ferry was one foot above flood stage Friday morning. Moderate flooding is forecast as the river crests at 13.6 feet by Wednesday. If the river rises beyond 14.2 feet, numerous homes along Happiness Lane will be flooded.

Flash flooding is expected in: Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, Dewees Island, Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms.