DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- The first bands of rain and gusty winds from Hurricane Helene arrived in South Carolina on Thursday morning, and state officials are preparing to respond to potential impacts from the storm. "We've been through this before many, many times and we've got an expert team," Gov. Henry McMaster told reporters during a brief gaggle in Dorchester County. McMaster issued an emergency declaration on Wednesday afternoon, activating the state's emergency plans and allowing agencies to coordinate resources to ensure a swift response to any assistance requests from local officials and county emergency managers. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) moved to OPCON 2 on Thursday morning in anticipation of the storm's arrival, and McMaster said the agency has been in communication with all counties. Forecasters expect Helene's impacts to be most significant in the Upstate and the Midlands with 6 to 12 inches of rain and higher isolated amounts. Flash flooding is likely. "We know it's going to be a lot of water," McMaster said. "Problem more than some folks have seen, particularly in the Upstate." The South Carolina Department of Transportation said crews are prepared to respond to any issues with the roads that may occur. "We urge everybody in the state: stay off the roads if you can," McMaster said. Damaging winds are likely with hurricane-force gusts possible in the Upstate and western Midlands beginning Thursday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center. There is also an elevated risk for tornadoes, particularly overnight into Friday morning, and much of the state remains under a tornado watch. McMaster encouraged residents to montior local weather forecasts and take necessary precautions. DOWNLOAD THE STORM TEAM 2 WEATHER APPAPPLE USERS CLICK HERE | ANDROID USERS CLICK HERE