Updated 7:50 p.m.
Hurricane Irma now has a westward path, but it will still have some effects on the Charlotte area with winds of 25-35 mph. One new development is the possibility of isolated tornadoes, says WCNC-TV meteorologist Brad Panovich.
"Monday afternoon and into the evening, especially down in the south areas of Charlotte and upstate of South Carolina, we might see some isolated tornadoes. It's something to keep an eye on Monday afternoon," Panovich says.
As for rain, Panovich forecasts 1-3 inches in Charlotte. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph, in part because of a high pressure system that's been responsible for recent cooler weather.
As Hurricane Irma arrives, the collision of different pressure systems could spread high winds over a wider area, Panovich says.
"Isolated spots" in the mountains could receive 4-6 inches, Panovich says, putting some areas at risk of flash flooding.
Storm surges could cause some flooding along the Carolinas coastline. Surges should be higher in South Carolina because of stronger winds there, Panovich says.
Comparisons To Matthew
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster says Hurricane Irma could cause damage in some parts of the state on par with last year's Hurricane Matthew, which caused flooding and led to five deaths.
McMaster and his disaster readiness team on Sunday offered updates about Irma, which hit Florida but wasn't expected to directly cross South Carolina. The governor says while the storm isn't going to hit the state with full force, it shouldn't be taken lightly.
He says some hotel rooms are still available for evacuees fleeing from Florida and Georgia, especially in the state's northeast around Myrtle Beach.
Officials said armed patrol officers are going to the seven barrier islands where evacuations were ordered to watch for looters.
