Beaufort County will dodge major impacts from a strengthening storm system that was predicted to move onshore near the Santee River entrance later Monday, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.
On Monday morning, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was about 100 miles east of Charleston and churning northwest at 3 mph, packing 50 mph sustained winds. NWS meteorologists said the system would slowly strengthen off South Carolina’s coast and shift onshore Monday afternoon or early evening.
A faster motion toward the northwest or north-northwest was expected Monday and Tuesday, followed by a gradual turn toward the north by Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“The low still has a chance of becoming a tropical or subtropical storm,” the center said. “Weakening is forecast after the system moves inland, and it is likely to dissipate over the Carolinas by late Wednesday.”
Regardless of whether the storm builds into a stronger system and that predicted major impacts are north of Beaufort County, the NWS said the area’s beaches are at a high risk for rip currents and 5-foot breakers are expected.
Local meteorologists said there is a possibility of minor coastal flooding, with an increasing threat into next week as it nears the full moon and perigee. A full moon Tuesday will bring Hilton Head Island’s evening high tide at 8:55 p.m. to 9.5 feet, according to US Harbors’ site. In Beaufort, Tuesday night’s high tide will reach 9.1 feet at 9:22 p.m.
“The combination of elevated tide levels and hazardous surf will result in significant beach erosion, especially for east and northeast facing beaches,” the NWS said.
Advisories
Small craft advisory: All remaining marine areas.
High risk for rip currents: All beaches Monday.
High surf advisory: All beaches along the southeast South Carolina coast on Monday morning.
Source Agencies
