News Summary
Charleston is on high alert as Tropical Depression Three approaches the Southeast coast. With maximum winds of 35 mph, residents are advised to prepare for potential impacts including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding. The storm, expected to develop into Tropical Storm Chantal, could bring gusts exceeding 40 mph and up to 6 inches of rain by Monday. Local authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed and making safe decisions as the weekend unfolds.
Charleston On Alert As Tropical Depression Three Approaches
Well folks, the atmosphere has been buzzing here in Charleston, as we find ourselves facing the newly formed tropical depression off our beautiful Southeast coast. Late Friday afternoon, this system barged into the scene, marking itself as the third of the current Atlantic hurricane season. Local meteorologists have been keeping a close eye, and honestly, it’s quite the talk among residents!
What’s Happening?
As of the latest updates, the Tropical Depression is sitting about 160 miles south-southeast of Charleston, with maximum winds reaching 35 mph. Right now, the storm seems to be taking its sweet time, moving very slowly.
For those residing in locations like Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, and Charleston counties, the National Weather Service issued an updated statement around 11 p.m. Friday, warning about the swirling winds and the potential of this storm stretching its arms toward us this weekend. The forecast indicates that it could ramp up and transform into Tropical Storm Chantal by the time it makes landfall, likely hitting the Carolina coast by Sunday morning.
Brace for Impact
Now, if you’re planning any outdoor adventures near the coast, you might want to reconsider. Gusty northeast winds are predicted, and they could whip up to 40 mph along our gorgeous beaches. Even those mighty bridges, like Highway 17 and I-526, could see wind gusts blasting past 45 mph!
Rain bands are already on their way, expected to grace our shores early Saturday morning and slowly drift inland. And let’s not forget the potential for some significant rainfall. We’re looking at a forecast that suggests anywhere from 2 to 4 inches could drench the eastern Carolinas. Isolated areas? They could be seeing up to 6 inches by Monday, which could spell trouble!
Expect the Unexpected
As the skies darken this Saturday afternoon into the night, be aware of the potential for thunderstorms. This could lead to excessive rainfall, especially coinciding with the late afternoon high tide, raising the alarm for flooding in coastal cities and near tidal waterways.
On top of that, with the winds kicking in and the waves rising, we might face strong rip currents throughout the weekend, particularly on Saturday. For those of you who enjoy the beach, this could be a bit of a *danger zone*!
What Can You Do?
With all of this swirling around, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. The storm has the potential to create damage—not just to our delightful beach scenery, but also to structures such as porches, carports, and unanchored mobile homes. Be wary of broken tree limbs and the possibility of scattered power outages.
Additionally, localized flooding could pose serious risks, leading to rescues and rapidly rising water levels in rivers and tributaries. Those of you in areas with poor drainage systems should definitely keep a lookout, as the water could become quite the problem!
Stay Updated!
The National Weather Service will be providing updates, with the next one expected around 5 a.m. If conditions change before then, you can bet they’ll be in touch sooner. For those living from Edisto Beach to Little River Inlet, a tropical storm watch is in effect, signaling that we might be facing winds over 40 mph!
In short, folks: this weekend, let’s stay safe, keep an eye on the skies, and make some thoughtful decisions about our plans. Stay tuned, and we’ll get through this together!
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- The Weather Channel
- Fox Weather
- The New York Times
- CNN
- Google Search: Tropical Depression Three
- Wikipedia: Tropical Depression
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Depression
- Google News: Tropical Depression Three
- Google Scholar: Tropical Depression Three
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.
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