FIRST ALERT: Tropical storm warning in effect for much of SC coast
By Live 5's Patrick Phillips, Marissa Thompson, Marissa Lute, P.J. Williams and Anna Harris
September 16, 2024
MORE: CLOSINGS - 2 Lowcountry districts announce changes for Monday
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/AP) - A tropical storm warning is now in effect from Edisto Beach northward into North Carolina.
The Live 5 Weather team declared First Alert Weather Days for Sunday night and Monday because of the increased impact expected from the system.
Live 5 First Alert Meteorologist Dorien Minor said the initial forecast indicates Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will push towards the South Carolina coast, possibly making landfall in upper Charleston or Georgetown Counties, by Monday afternoon. Impacts include the following:
- Rain: 1 to 3 inches for coastal counties and Williamsburg County, with locally higher amounts possible in Georgetown County.
- Winds: Sustained winds between 15 to 25 mph; gusts up to 45 mph possible, where Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect.
- Rip Currents: High risk continues through Monday; a preliminary moderate risk has been issued for Tuesday.
- Coastal Flooding/Erosion: Moderate tidal flooding has been observed with Sunday evening’s high tide. Minor to moderate flood stage is possible throughout the week with astronomical tides expected to elevate.
The tropical storm warning, which was issued Sunday afternoon, extends from Edisto Beach to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.
Click here to download the free Live 5 First Alert Weather app.
At 5 p.m. Sunday, the disturbance was centered near latitude 32.0 North, longitude 78.0 West. The disturbance is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph and this general motion is expected to continue through Monday.
On the forecast track, the center of the system should reach the coast within the warning area on Monday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible before the system makes landfall.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles from the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 mb or 29.71 inches.
Gordon weakens to tropical depression
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, the center of Tropical Depression Gordon was located near latitude 19.2 North, longitude 46.1 West, about 1,115 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands.
The depression is moving toward the west near 8 mph. A west to west-southwest motion is expected during the next few days, with Gordon forecast to slow down considerably through the middle of the week.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next few days.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb or 29.74 inches.
Francine weakens and moves inland after lashing Louisiana
Francine weakened Thursday after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of utility customers, sent storm surge rushing into coastal communities and raised flooding fears in New Orleans and beyond.
As the system moved inland, crews began clearing roads and restoring electricity while neighborhoods and businesses started cleaning up the mess. There were no reports of deaths or injuries, Gov. Jeff Landry said.
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