Tag Archives: South Carolina

Disturbance Drops Rain on Southeast U.S.

A disturbance designated as Invest 90L dropped rain over the southeast U.S. on Monday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of the disturbance was located near latitude 32.7°N and longitude 86.7°W which put it about 30 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Montgomery, Alabama. The disturbance was moving toward the north-northeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1011 mb.

A disturbance that formed over the Gulf of Mexico during the weekend moved quickly toward the north-northeast and it was located over the southeast U.S. on Monday morning. The center of the disturbance made landfall on the northern Gulf Coast on Sunday night near Pensacola, Florida. The disturbance was dropping locally heavy rain over parts of Alabama and western Georgia on Monday morning. The disturbance will move quickly toward the north-northeast and it will merge with a cold front over the southeastern U.S. Locally heavy rain will spread over eastern Tennessee, western South Carolina, western North Carolina, eastern Kentucky, western Virginia and West Virginia. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Possible Development near Southeast U.S.

A low pressure system could develop near the coast of the Southeast U.S. during the next 48 hours. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of a developing low pressure system currently designated as Invest 90L was located at latitude 31.3°N and longitude 79.3°W which put it about 150 miles (240 km) east of Brunswick, Georgia. It was moving toward the east-southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1017 mb.

Early morning visible satellite images appeared to show that a low pressure system was forming along a nearly stationary front off the coast of the southeast U.S. More thunderstorms were forming in the developing low pressure system and some rotation was evident in satellite loops. Thunderstorms appeared to be organizing into bands. The southern end of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. was producing westerly that were blowing across the top of the developing low pressure system. Those winds were causing moderated vertical wind shear. The upper level winds were also inhibiting the development of thunderstorms on the western side of the developing low pressure system.

The low pressure system will move through an environment somewhat favorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. The upper level trough will move northeast of the low pressure system on Saturday and the upper level winds will weaken. An upper level low east of the Bahamas could enhance upper level divergence to the southeast of the developing low pressure system. The National Hurricane Center is indicating the probability is 30% that a tropical cyclone forms during the next 48 hours. A reconnaissance plane has been tentatively tasked to investigate the system on Saturday afternoon, if necessary.

Tropical Storm Elsa Moves over North Carolina

Tropical Storm Elsa moved over North Carolina on Thursday. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Elsa was located at latitude 35.6°N and longitude 79.0°W which put it about 25 miles (40 km) west of Raleigh, North Carolina. Elsa was moving toward the northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The Tropical Storm Warning included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the eastern portion of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to Port Jefferson Harbor. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from New Haven, Connecticut to Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts including Block Island, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cape Cod.

Tropical Storm Elsa moved a little more quickly toward the northeast on Thursday. The surface center of Elsa moved over North Carolina. The structure of Elsa exhibited the typical characteristics of a tropical storm moving northeast near the coast of the U.S. Heavy rain was falling in the northeastern part of Tropical Storm Elsa. The heaviest rain was falling on eastern North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Drier air was wrapping around the western and southern sides of Elsa. The strongest winds were blowing in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Elsa that was over the Atlantic Ocean.

An upper level trough over the Great Lakes will steer Tropical Storm Elsa quickly toward the northeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Elsa will move over Virginia on Thursday evening. Tropical Storm Elsa could be near Long Island on Friday morning. Elsa could pass near Cape Cod later on Friday. Tropical Storm Elsa will make a transition to an extratropical cyclone when it moves farther north. Elsa will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the East Coast of the U.S. from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Tropical Storm Elsa could cause sporadic power outages along the East Coast. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Elsa Prompts Warnings for East Coast

Tropical Storm Elsa prompted the issuance of warnings and watches for the East Coast of the U.S. on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Elsa was located at latitude 32.1°N and longitude 82.3°W which put it about 55 miles (90 km) west of Savannah, Georgia. Elsa was moving toward the north-northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 55 m.p.h. (90 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to Great Egg Inlet, New Jersey. The Tropical Storm Warning included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Great Egg Inlet to Sandy Hook, New Jersey. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the eastern portion of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to Port Jefferson Harbor. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from New Haven, Connecticut to Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts including Block Island, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cape Cod.

The center of Tropical Storm Elsa was moving across eastern Georgia on Wednesday night. Heavy rain was spreading across South Carolina. Rainbands on the eastern side of Elsa’s circulation were producing winds to tropical storm force over the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA buoy 41008 at Grays Reef reported a sustained wind speed of 38 m.p.h. (61 km/h) and a wind gust of 47 m.p.h. (76 km/h). The circulation around Tropical Storm Elsa was still well defined. A distinct low pressure system was evident on the surface map, radar and satellite displays. Storms on the eastern side of Elsa generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.

An upper level trough over the Great Lakes will steer Tropical Storm Elsa toward the northeast during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Elsa will move across South Carolina on Thursday morning and North Carolina on Thursday afternoon. Elsa could be over eastern Virginia on Thursday evening and near Long Island by Friday morning. Even though the center of Tropical Storm Elsa will be over land for another 18 to 24 hours, bands on the eastern side of the circulation could produce tropical storm force winds over the Atlantic Ocean and along the East Coast of the U.S. Elsa will also drop locally heavy rain over South Carolina, eastern North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Gusty winds and heavy rain could cause sporadic power outages. Heavy rain could also cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Elsa Makes Landfall in Florida

Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall on the coast of north Florida on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Elsa was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 83.6°W which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Perry, Florida. Elsa was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Aripeka to Ochlockonee River, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Marys River, Florida to Little River Inlet, South Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Little River Inlet, South Carolina to Sandy Hook New Jersey including Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

The center of Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall in Taylor County, Florida about 20 miles southwest of Perry around 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday. Elsa weakened from a hurricane to a strong tropical storm before it made landfall. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation around Tropical Storm Elsa dropped heavy rain over Florida. Rain was beginning to spread over southern Georgia. Gusty winds caused power outages in parts of Florida. Elsa caused a minor storm surge along the west coast of Florida.

Tropical Storm Elsa will weaken steadily during the next 48 hours while the center moves farther inland. Elsa will be steered toward the northeast during the next few days by an upper level trough over the Great Lakes. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Elsa will move over southern Georgia on Wednesday night. Elsa could be over South Carolina on Thursday morning and it could be over eastern Virginia by Thursday night. Elsa could strengthen back to a tropical storm if the center moves over the Atlantic Ocean later this week.

Tropical Storm Elsa will continue to drop locally heavy rain over northern Florida during the next few hours. Heavy rain will spread over southern Georgia, South Carolina, eastern North Carolina and eastern Virginia. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Gusty winds could cause sporadic power outages. There could be enough low level wind shear in stronger rainbands to produce tornadoes. When Tropical Storm Elsa gets closer to the East Coast of the U.S., southeasterly winds will blow water toward the coast. Those winds will cause water levels to rise along the coast

Elsa Strengthens Back to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Elsa strengthened back to a hurricane on Tuesday evening. At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Elsa was located at latitude 26.6°N and longitude 83.1°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) south-southwest of Tampa, Florida. Elsa was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Egmont Key to the Steinhatchee River, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Flamingo to Egmont Key and from the Steinhatchee River to the Ochlockonee River, Florida. That warning included Naples, and Ft. Myers. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Marys River to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to the South Santee River, South Carolina.

Former Tropical Storm Elsa strengthened gradually throughout the day on Tuesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of circulation and an eye appeared to be forming at the center of Elsa. Storms near near the center of circulation generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The removal of more mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease, which caused the wind speed to increase. The distribution of thunderstorms around Hurricane Elsa remained asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Elsa. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hurricane Elsa.

Hurricane Elsa will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Elsa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge. The ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hurricane Elsa. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear that will inhibit intensification. However, the southwesterly winds may also increase upper level divergence to the northeast of Elsa. Additional upper level divergence could cause the surface pressure to continue to decrease. Hurricane Elsa could intensify a little more on Tuesday night.

Hurricane Elsa will move around the western end of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high will steer Elsa toward the north on Tuesday night. Hurricane Elsa will turn toward the northeast on Wednesday when it reaches the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. On its anticipated track the center of Elsa will pass just to the west of Tampa on Tuesday night. Hurricane Elsa could make landfall near Cedar Key on Wednesday. The stronger winds and heavy rain will occur on the eastern side of Hurricane Elsa. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. After the center of Elsa moves north of Tampa, southwesterly winds will push water into Tampa Bay which could cause a storm surge of up to six feet (two meters). Hurricane Elsa could cause a storm surge of 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.6 m) along other parts of the west coast of Florida. A higher storm surge could occur near Cedar Key when the center of Elsa makes landfall. Gusty winds could cause power outages in Florida and southeastern Georgia.

Tropical Storm Danny Makes Landfall in South Carolina

Tropical Storm Danny made landfall on the coast of South Carolina on Monday evening. Danny weakened to a tropical depression after the center moved over land. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Danny was located at latitude 32.6°N and longitude 81.5°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west-northwest of Beaufort, South Carolina. Danny was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1013 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Danny made landfall near Hilton Head, South Carolina at approximately 7:30 p.m. EDT on Monday. Danny produced gusty winds along the coast of South Carolina. Bands on the western side of Tropical Storm Danny dropped locally heavy rain over the area around Savannah, Georgia. Showers and thunderstorms then moved over central Georgia.

Tropical Depression Danny will move west-northwest during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Danny will move over eastern and central Georgia on Tuesday. Tropical Depression Danny will continue to weaken as it moves farther inland. Danny will drop locally heavy rain over parts of Georgia on Tuesday.

Tropical Depression Four Strengthens to Tropical Storm Danny

Former Tropical Depression Four strengthened to Tropical Storm Danny near the coast of South Carolina on Monday afternoon. At 3:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Danny was located at latitude 32.2°N and longitude 79.7°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Danny was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1014 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston.

Based on data from weather radar and a reconnaissance plane, the National Hurricane Center determined that former Tropical Depression Four had strengthened to Tropical Storm Danny on Monday afternoon. Thunderstorms formed near the center of Danny, when the center moved over the warmer water in the Gulf Stream. Downdrafts in the thunderstorms transported stronger winds to the surface and former Tropical Depression Four intensified into Tropical Storm Danny. The thunderstorms were occurring in the western half of Danny. Bands in the eastern half of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds

Tropical Storm Danny will move through an environment that is slightly favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Danny will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. An upper level low centered over Northwest Florida will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical storm. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear that will inhibit intensification. However, the shear does not appear to be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Danny could get a little stronger during the next few hours.

Tropical Storm Danny will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer Danny toward the west-northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Danny could make landfall near Edisto Beach, South Carolina on Monday night. Danny will produce gusty winds along the coast of South Carolina. It could also drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern South Carolina and extreme eastern Georgia.

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Tropical Depression Four Forms, Tropical Storm Warning for South Carolina

Tropical Depression Four formed on Monday morning and the National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Warning for a portion of the coast of South Carolina. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Four was located at latitude 31.9°N and longitude 78.3°W which put it about 110 miles (175 km) east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Tropical Depression Four was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1013 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston.

The National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system off the coast of South Carolina as Tropical Depression Four on Monday morning. Bands of showers and lower clouds were revolving around the center of Tropical Depression Four. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands on the far western side of the circulation around the depression. An upper low was centered over northern Florida on Monday morning. The upper low was producing easterly winds that were blowing across the top of the tropical depression. The easterly winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was blowing the tops off clouds in many of the bands closer to the center of the depression

Tropical Depression Four will move through an environment that is only slightly favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. The depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. The upper level low will continue to cause vertical wind shear that will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms near the center of Tropical Depression Four. If the wind shear decreases, then there is a chance Tropical Depression Four could strengthen to a tropical storm later on Monday.

Tropical Depression Four will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer the depression toward the west-northwest. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Depression Four could make landfall near Edisto Beach, South Carolina on Monday night. The depression will produce gusty winds along the coast of South Carolina. It could also drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern South Carolina and extreme eastern Georgia.

Low Pressure System Approaches Southeast U.S.

A surface low pressure system that developed under the eastern side of an upper level low was approaching the southeastern U.S. on Monday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of the low pressure system which was designated as Invest 96L was located at latitude 31.6°N and longitude 77.6°W which put it about 140 miles (220 km) southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The low pressure system was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1013 mb.

A surface low pressure system formed over the Atlantic Ocean near the southeastern U.S. under the eastern side of an upper level low on Sunday. The surface low pressure system was clearly evident in visible satellite imagery on Monday morning. Bands of showers and lower clouds were revolving around the center of the surface low. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands on the far western side of the circulation around the surface low. The upper low was centered over northern Florida on Monday morning. It was producing easterly winds that were blowing across the top of the surface low. The easterly winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was blowing the tops off clouds in many of the bands closer to the center of the surface low.

The surface low will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high will steer the surface low toward the west-northwest. On its anticipated track the center of the surface low will reach the coast near the border between Georgia and South Carolina on Monday evening. The low pressure system could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the areas around Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

If thunderstorms develop near the center of the surface low, the National Hurricane Center could designate the system as a tropical depression or a tropical storm. If the low pressure system strengthens, then a Tropical Storm Watch or Tropical Storm Warning could be issued for a portion of the coast. A reconnaissance plane is tentatively scheduled to investigate the low pressure system on Monday afternoon, if necessary.