Tropical system could bring heavy rain, gusty wind to South Carolina

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A hurricane watch was issued Tuesday along the Gulf Coast of Florida as a tropical system is forecast to impact the state this week.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, which will likely become Helene, was somewhat poorly organized Tuesday morning. But the system is forecast to become better organized and strengthen further.

The system is expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, potentially as a major hurricane, before moving inland. The storm could go into Alabama, Georgia, or even South Carolina, depending on its track.

“After that, we need to pay close attention to the size, intensity, and forecast track. While we can’t completely nail down specifics at this point, the fact that Helene will be a fairly large storm means impacts, potentially significant, will be felt far displaced from the center of the storm,” said Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler.

Locally, we could see heavy rain, gusty winds (potentially tropical storm force), and even isolated tornadoes are in play, according to Fowler.

“There will be adjustments in the next couple of days, so stay tuned for future updates,” Fowler added.

The chance of formation in the next 48 hours is 100%.