Tropical Depression Three Forms Off SE Coast
Tropical Depression Three has formed off the Southeast coast, and while this system will bring rain, gusty winds and rip currents, it’s expected to be short-lived.
Latest Status And Forecast
The center of the system is located more than 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. It’s expected to track northward toward South Carolina on Saturday.
This system is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Chantal between now and when it arrives on the South Carolina coast on Sunday morning.
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Projected Path
A tropical storm watch has been issued from Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to Little River Inlet, South Carolina. This means tropical storm conditions (40+ mph winds) are possible in these areas Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Watches And Warnings
Impacts
Rainfall will be the most widespread impact from this system both in its wake over the Florida Peninsula through Saturday and into the eastern Carolinas Saturday through Sunday. Localized flooding can’t be ruled out, but we don’t expect anything widespread.
Rainfall totals might reach 2 to 4 inches in the eastern Carolinas, with isolated totals of 6 inches possible.
Outdoor plans this holiday weekend will be touch and go in these areas, so be sure to have a plan B and a way to shelter from lightning.
Current Radar
Gusty winds and minor coastal flooding will also impact the Southeast coast. Storm surge could be 1 to 2 feet above ground level in the tropical storm watch area.
An elevated threat of rip currents will occur over the holiday weekend along parts of the Southeast coast, especially in the Carolinas. Take note of flags warning about this danger at beaches and stay out of the water if the flags are red.
(MORE: What Flags Mean For Ocean Conditions At Beaches)
Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
