Here’s a more recent account of Tropical Storm Debby, updated Sunday afternoon.
A tropical storm that is moving into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico may impact parts of South Carolina and North Carolina by the middle of next week. The storm could bring heavy precipitation, rough surf and other impacts to these regions.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory for Tropical Depression Four. The tropical depression was moving past the northwest part of Cuba, with the long-term path of the storm moving into the Gulf of Mexico before swinging back over Florida and into the Atlantic.
The cone that shows the storm’s probable path includes much of S.C. However, many variables remain, including the strength of the still-developing storm and its exact eventual path.
If the system strengthens into a tropical storm as currently predicted, its name would be Debby, the fourth named storm of the season.
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What watches and warnings are in effect?
As of Saturday afternoon the depression was about 115 miles south-southwest of Key West, Florida.
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A hurricane watch is in effect in the Florida Panhandle from Indian Pass to Yankeetown. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.
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A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge including the Dry Tortugas and the West Coast of the Florida peninsula from south of Yankeetown to East Cape Sable. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
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A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Florida Keys north of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
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A storm surge warning is in effect in Florida for Aripeka northward to the Aucilla River. A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
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A storm surge watch is in effect in Florida for Bonita Beach northward to Aripeka, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, and west of the Aucilla River to Indian Pass. A storm surge watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
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What can we expect in South Carolina?
The Hurricane Center’s forecast shows the center of the storm reaching South Carolina by about 8 a.m. Thursday. But effects like heavy rain could start as early as Monday night or Tuesday.
Rainfall along the coast is expected to be heavy. The S.C. coast from the southern part of the state past the Charleston area could see 12-16 inches of rain. That will likely result in “considerable” flash and urban flooding, and some river flooding is possible, the Hurricane Center said.
The likelihood of storm surges creates a life-threatening situation, the Hurricane Center said. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
Rain of about 1-2 inches is forecast for parts of the Upstate.
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Where is Tropical Depression Four?
Track it: South Carolina Storm Tracker and Model Mixer
Conditions at 2 p.m. Aug. 3:
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Location: 115 miles south-southwest of Key West, Florida.
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Maximum sustained winds: 35 mph.
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Movement: west-northwest at 15 mph.
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Are you prepared for a hurricane?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Even if this system won’t pose a threat to the Upstate, it’s never too early to be prepared.
Iris Seaton, Carolinas Connect, and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida, contributed.
Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and also a content coach for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Tropical Depression Four could affect SC: National Hurricane Center
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