The Upstate can expect a high probability of thundershowers Thursday, thanks to an eastward-moving cold front combining with tropical moisture pushed into the region by Tropical Depression Ernesto, according to the National Weather Service in Greer.

Some areas could receive a quick inch of rain, but the worst of the weather was expected south and east of the Upstate, according to the service.

Ernesto weakened Wednesday, losing its status as a tropical storm as it moved inland over Florida with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. But forecasters expected it to move back into the Atlantic, strengthen to a tropical storm and hit the state?s coast this afternoon.

Gov. Mark Sanford isn?t calling for evacuations but urged coastal residents to pay attention to the storm and heed the warnings of local officials, according to spokesman Joel Sawyer.

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Officials in Charleston and Colleton counties recommended voluntary evacuations for beaches, barrier islands, mobile homes and low-lying areas, according to the service. The American Red Cross opened eight shelters in four Lowcountry counties.

Ernesto was expected to hit around high tide on Thursday afternoon, causing moderate coastal flooding on barrier islands and in Charleston Harbor. Moderate beach erosion is expected with severe erosion in vulnerable places, such as Edisto Beach and Hunting Island.

Forecasters expected winds of 40-50 mph with gusts of 60 mph in Charleston County. Tornadoes are possible.

Rainfall in Charleston and Berkeley counties could reach seven inches, according to the service.

But the weather over Charleston was expected to clear over Labor Day weekend with partly cloudy and mostly sunny skies prevailing through Monday, according to the service.

In the Upstate, forecasters expected a 20-30 percent chance of showers and partly cloudy skies through the extended weekend.

Paul Alongi can be reached at 298-4746.