News Summary
Tropical Depression 3 has developed off the coast of South Carolina and may strengthen into Tropical Storm Chantal. North Carolina is bracing for potential impacts including rain and thunderstorms expected from late this weekend into early next week. Beachgoers should prepare for increasing rain chances and hazardous coastal conditions ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Monitoring of the situation is crucial as the storm may affect holiday festivities along the coast.
CHARLESTON, SC – Tropical Depression 3 has formed off the South Carolina coast as of Friday afternoon and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Chantal by tomorrow. The system poses potential impacts for North Carolina, where showers and thunderstorms are anticipated from late this weekend into early next week, just in time for the holiday festivities.
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, beachgoers in the Carolinas should prepare for increasing rain chances due to the developing tropical system. The National Hurricane Center initially identified the system as Invest 92-L before officially classifying it as Tropical Depression 3. Current forecasts predict scattered rain and storms for regions in North Carolina, particularly along the coast, extending through the Piedmont Triad and Foothills.
Winds associated with the system may produce gusts between 15-25 mph, although severe threat levels are not currently expected. Rainfall totals are likely to be light, with some areas possibly missing out, depending on the system’s track. Rain and storm activity are predicted to linger into Monday before the system drifts out to sea.
From the Outer Banks to the northeastern coast of Florida, coastal impacts such as rough surf and dangerous rip currents are anticipated. These hazardous conditions highlight the need for caution among those heading to the coast during the holiday weekend. Current forecasts indicate that while the system is expected to weaken quickly on Sunday, its potential to draw energy from warm ocean waters may enhance storm activity over South Carolina and North Carolina.
It’s essential to note that residents in North Carolina may recall the effects of Hurricane Arthur, which made landfall on July 3, 2014, at Category 2 strength. Arthur was noted for being the second earliest landfalling hurricane in the state’s history, following only a June 25, 1945, Category 1 hurricane. Hurricane Arthur caused an estimated total damage of less than $25 million and fortunately resulted in no reported fatalities.
As the tropical weather system develops, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions during the holiday weekend. Residents and visitors should monitor local forecasts and heed any advisories issued by emergency management officials, especially when planning outdoor activities along the coast.
For now, Tropical Depression 3 is expected to drift offshore through Saturday as it continues to develop. The evolving situation will be closely monitored as it impacts weather conditions throughout the region.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 11 News
- Wikipedia: Tropical cyclone
- WXII 12 News
- Google Search: Tropical weather North Carolina
- Star News Online
- Google Scholar: Tropical depression North Carolina
- CBS 17 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical storm development
- Fox Weather
- Google News: North Carolina Hurricane
