(Columbia, SC)-- The storm system that is predicted to bring heavy rains to parts of the state is now a tropical storm.
The National Hurricane Center said the system that had been a tropical cyclone has strengthened into Tropical Storm Helene and is expected to become a major hurricane.
The NHC says Helne is expected to bring rain totals of four to eight inches to the Southeastern U.S. with some areas getting as much as 12 inches.
Forecasts show the storm will start to impact South Carolina late Thursday night and early Friday morning.The Upstate and the Midlands could see flooding.