FIRST ALERT: Coastal storm bringing rain & windy start to long weekend!

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - We continue to monitor the development of a coastal storm that will bring rain and gusty winds to the area starting late tonight, Friday and Saturday. Computer models continue to show multiple scenarios which range from heavy rain and gusty winds Friday and Saturday to a few showers and breezy conditions. We are forecasting 2-4 inches of rain in some places especially along the coast with winds 20-30 mph with higher gusts. Gale warnings are flying along the coastal waters and we could see some gusts up to near 40 mph. Cooler temperatures are likely to occur with temperatures struggling to get out of the 60s on the Friday and Saturday. High risk for rip currents as well for the next couple of days. As a result, a First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Friday and Saturday. It looks like this storm system, regardless of track, will begin to move out of the area on Sunday and Memorial Day leading to more sunshine, less rain and warmer temperatures. The average high this time of the year is 85°. We are unlikely to reach that average high for the next 5-7 days.

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy & Breezy with scattered showers, Low 59.

FRIDAY: Scattered Rain. Windy. High 68, Low 58.

SATURDAY: Scattered Rain. Windy. High 69, Low 60.

SUNDAY: Sun & Clouds. Isolated Rain/Storms. High 78, Low 61.

MEMORIAL DAY: Partly Cloudy. Isolated Rain/Storms. High 84.