Hilton Head, SC, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Coastal South Carolina is preparing for severe weather as Tropical Depression Nine heads towards the Southeast. With sustained winds of 35 mph, the system may strengthen into a tropical storm named Imelda. Residents can expect strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a significant threat of flooding, particularly in the Hilton Head area. Forecasts predict 4 to 6 inches of rain, with localized areas potentially seeing up to 10 inches. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation as watches may be issued for the Lowcountry.
Charleston, South Carolina – Coastal South Carolina is bracing for severe weather beginning on Monday as Tropical Depression Nine heads toward the Southeast. This system, expected to strengthen and potentially be named Imelda if it becomes a tropical storm, is projected to have strong winds, rip currents, and possible flooding in the coming days.
The National Hurricane Center reported at 11 a.m. on Saturday that Tropical Depression Nine has sustained winds of 35 mph and is currently located 200 miles northwest of the eastern tip of Cuba and 105 miles south-southwest of the Central Bahamas. The storm is moving northwest at 5 mph.
Forecast models indicate that Tropical Depression Nine could strengthen into a tropical storm by Saturday night, with a possibility of it briefly becoming a hurricane early next week off the coast of Florida. The forecasting process is complicated by the presence of Hurricane Humberto, a Category 4 hurricane in the central Atlantic, which may interact with Tropical Depression Nine in a phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara effect. This rare interaction could divert Tropical Depression Nine away from the coast, depending on the strength and proximity of Humberto.
Expected Weather Impacts
Residents of Hilton Head Island and surrounding areas can expect:
- Strong tropical-force winds, with low-end hurricane-force winds possible on Monday or Monday night.
- Heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting 4 to 6 inches in the Beaufort area over the weekend through the following week.
- A moderate threat of flooding rains, particularly along and east of Interstate 95, where localized maximum rainfall could reach 10 inches if the system stalls in the Atlantic.
- Significant storm surge along coastal areas of South Carolina, with minor impacts anticipated along the coast of Georgia.
A tropical storm watch or hurricane watch may be issued Saturday afternoon or evening for residents in the Lowcountry. As the storms develop, local meteorologists are actively monitoring conditions and adjusting forecasts accordingly.
Other Tropical Systems
Currently, the National Hurricane Center is tracking three systems in the Atlantic as the hurricane season remains active. Tropical Storm Humberto, which formed earlier in the week, is expected to become a hurricane while moving northwest. Meanwhile, Hurricane Gabrielle no longer poses a threat to Beaufort County, as it continues moving west across the Atlantic.
Additionally, a tropical wave known as AL94 near the Bahamas has a high chance of developing into a cyclone, which could also be named Imelda. The trajectory of AL94 might lead it to impact South Carolina, with the potential for landfall in Georgia or the Carolinas, or it may remain far enough offshore to minimize adverse effects.
Rainfall and Surge Predictions
Should Tropical Depression Nine and AL94 merge into significant storms, rainfall could total between 3 to 6 inches across the southeast U.S., from Florida to the Carolinas, with localized areas receiving up to 10 inches. Furthermore, a storm surge in the northwestern Bahamas may raise water levels by 1 to 3 feet, combined with large waves and dangerous rip currents along the southeast U.S. coast.
Summary of Key Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tropical Depression Nine | Currently has 35 mph sustained winds, expected to strengthen and possibly named Imelda |
| Location | 200 miles northwest of Eastern Cuba, 105 miles south-southwest of Central Bahamas |
| Expected Arrival | Strong winds and flooding starting Monday |
| Rainfall Predictions | 4 to 6 inches in Beaufort, localized up to 10 inches |
| Coastal Impact | Storm surge expected along South Carolina coast |
FAQ Section
What is Tropical Depression Nine?
Tropical Depression Nine is a weather system currently expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, potentially named Imelda.
Where is Tropical Depression Nine located?
Tropical Depression Nine is located 200 miles northwest of the Eastern Tip of Cuba and 105 miles south-southwest of the Central Bahamas.
What are the expected impacts of Tropical Depression Nine?
The expected impacts include strong winds, heavy rainfall with potential flooding, and a significant storm surge along the South Carolina coast.
When are these impacts expected to begin?
The impacts are expected to begin on Monday.
What rainfall amounts are predicted?
Rainfall is forecasted to total 4 to 6 inches in the Beaufort area, with localized totals possibly reaching 10 inches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Storm Erin Forms in the Atlantic, Threatens South Carolina
Tropical Storm Debby Brings Historic Rainfall and Flooding Threats to the Carolinas
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hurricane Preparedness
- Island Packet: Storm Updates
- Travel and Tour World: Tropical Storm Imelda
- Wikipedia: Tropical Cyclone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
