Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight off SC Coast

Storm details and impacts

Landfall and trajectory

• Expected landfall: Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight off SC coast is forecast to make landfall near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina on Monday evening
• Post-landfall movement: The tropical system off SC coast is expected to move inland towards western North Carolina after landfall
• System classification: The National Hurricane Center had difficulty determining if the storm warning SC coast tropical system would be tropical or sub-tropical, but named it Helene

Rainfall projections

• South Carolina and southeast North Carolina: 4-8 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts up to 10 inches, through Monday night due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight South Carolina
• Interior North Carolina: 2-4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts up to 6 inches, through Tuesday
• Virginia: 2-4 inches of rain forecast, with isolated totals up to 6 inches

Wind and coastal impacts

• Tropical storm warning: Issued for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight off SC coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina
• Storm surge: Minor storm surge of 1-3 feet forecast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, and along several rivers in North Carolina
• Wind arrival: Tropical-storm-force winds from the storm warning SC coast tropical system are forecast to arrive tonight and continue through tomorrow

Flood risk and watches

• Flood watch: Approximately 6 million people are under a flood watch due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight South Carolina, from northeast South Carolina up through central North Carolina
• Affected areas: Flood watch includes Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Cape Hatteras, and Raleigh
• Severe weather threat: Low-end severe weather threat for eastern North Carolina, with the potential for isolated tornadoes in southern parts of the South Side and Eastern North Carolina

South Carolina coastal vulnerability

General vulnerability factors

• Coastal importance: South Carolina's coastal regions, now under tropical storm warning for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight off SC coast, contribute significantly to the local and national economy through tourism, trade, ports, transportation, and aquaculture
• Hazard exposure: The SC coast is exposed to numerous natural hazards including floods, storm surges, hurricanes, nuisance flooding, heat waves, and winds
• Climate change impact: The frequency and magnitude of these hazards are increasing due to climate change

Specific vulnerabilities

• Sea level rise: South Carolina's coast is experiencing accelerated sea level rise, with an expected increase in annual days of nuisance (high tide) flooding and coastal inundation area in the future
• Topography: Charleston, a major coastal city, is very flat with much of it sitting at 20 ft above sea level, making surface drainage of rain water and storm surge difficult
• Ecological importance: The coastal areas have numerous riverine estuaries, lagoons, salt marshes, and wildlife refuges that play a crucial role in maintaining a favorable environment for 291 ecological species

Preparedness and resilience

• Community assistance: The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium assists with community efforts related to flood preparedness and resilience for events like Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight South Carolina
• Infrastructure resilience: A method and guidance for assessing the resilience of public water and wastewater systems to flooding has been developed
• Healthcare access: Efforts are being made to improve access to healthcare facilities during extreme weather events, such as when a tropical storm warning is issued for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight off SC coast

FAQ

What is Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight and where is it located?

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight is a tropical system located off the South Carolina coast. It is expected to make landfall near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina on Monday evening.

What areas are under a tropical storm warning?

A tropical storm warning has been issued from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight off the SC coast.

How much rainfall is expected from this storm system?

South Carolina and southeast North Carolina can expect 4-8 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts up to 10 inches. Interior North Carolina may receive 2-4 inches, with up to 6 inches in some areas.

When are tropical-storm-force winds expected to arrive?

Tropical-storm-force winds from the storm warning SC coast tropical system are forecast to arrive tonight and continue through tomorrow.

What other impacts should residents be prepared for?

Residents should be prepared for potential flooding, with approximately 6 million people under a flood watch. There's also a risk of minor storm surge of 1-3 feet along the coast and several rivers in North Carolina, as well as a low-end severe weather threat with the potential for isolated tornadoes in parts of North Carolina.