Rain subsides, but will continue through evening

Image by National Weather ServiceImage by 20080711rain.jpg This 5:08 p.m. radar image shows the storm pushing east at some 16 mph.

A bank of rain is pushing its way to Charleston and rain total of 2 to 3 inches are expected. But, watch out the rain comes an hour after high tide so many drain systems may not adequately work, so watch out for bad flooding.

Some useful links:
- View a map of total rainfall
- Report a power outage: 1-888-333-4465 (streetlights and outdoor lighting: 1-800-251-7234)
- SCE&G's mobile Web page
- SCE&G's storm tips
- Area traffic cameras

Thunderstorms, penny sized hail, and winds in excess of 40 mph are forecast by the National Weather Service..

As of 6:24 p.m. 5,606 power outages had been reported in the Charleston area, and 686 in the Oragneburg-Summerville area. Looks like fun is on the way. Also, keep an eye on the National Weather Service's radar map.

The rain and storms are expected to pop up through midnight.