Weekend forecasts remain uncertain as Hilton Head area braces for tropical effects
Although forecast uncertainty remains high, hurricane experts say coastal South Carolina can expect strong winds, rip currents and possible flooding beginning Monday as a still-unnamed tropical system spins toward the Southeast.
Tropical Depression Nine — which would bear the name Imelda if it turns into a tropical storm — is expected to become a tropical storm Saturday night and briefly become a hurricane early next week off the Florida coast, according to the National Hurricane Center’s official forecast at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Forecasting is made trickier by the now-Category 4 Hurricane Humberto in the central Atlantic Ocean, which could cause a rare interaction between the two storms called a Fujiwhara effect.
If Humberto is strong and close enough, it could pull Imelda away from the coast, according to Frank Strait, the severe weather liaison with the South Carolina Climatology Office.
Here are the potential impacts to the Hilton Head Island area and when they’re expected to arrive, according to the 11:30 a.m. briefing from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office.
Winds: Strong tropical-force winds to low-end hurricane-force winds are possible Monday or Monday night.
Rain: Heavy rainfall is likely, with the NWS predicting 4 to 6 inches of rain in the Beaufort area this weekend and through the coming week. Meteorologists predict a moderate threat of flooding rains, especially along and east of Interstate 95. Localized rainfall could reach up to 10 inches if the system slows or stalls in the Atlantic.
Storm surge: “Significant” storm surge is possible in coastal South Carolina with “at least minor impacts” along the coast of Georgia.
A tropical storm watch or hurricane watch is possible for Lowcountry residents Saturday afternoon or evening, according to the NWS.
