The first tropical storm of the season was confirmed Wednesday afternoon by the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Andrea is in the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to move ashore into the Big Bend area of Florida, then cross Georgia and South Carolina.

A tropical storm watch was issued for all areas of the Lowcountry at just after 6 p.m. This means that tropical storm conditions are possible in the next 48 hours.

Heavy rain and flooding are possible Thursday through Friday, along with gusting winds and a high risk of rip currents.

One way or another, “plenty of moist air is going to come up here,” said meteorologist Julie Packett with the National Weather Service, Charleston. The air here now is good and moist, tending to breed showers and thundershowers. The storm system will exacerbate that. And the area already is well above average rainfall for the year, so the ground is soaked.

Friday into Saturday, there’s the potential for heavy rain and flooding, a chance of thunderstorms. An isolated tornado can’t be ruled out.

The weather is expected to improve through Saturday and Sunday, but rain might be part of the entire weekend.