1 of 2 systems in the Atlantic could bring tropical trouble to SC coast, meteorologists say

Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) have their eyes on two disturbances in the Atlantic, one of which is situated just off the east coast of Florida.

Of more concern, though, is a system located 200 miles north of the northern Leeward Islands, 99L, which has a 50 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next five days. If this storm develops, AccuWeather meteorologists have it taking two potential tracks, one of which would put it uncomfortably close to the Lowcountry.

"At this time, the more likely scenario is for the tropical system to stay offshore," AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said in a report.

99L is currently moving northwest, and might gather strength as upper-level winds become more favorable for its development over the weekend. However, the air that the system is running into will be dry, which might prevent it from organizing.

The low pressure area off the coast of Florida is currently moving north and is given a slight, 10 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone over the next five days. The NHC advises that it is still capable of dropping heavy rains on Florida over the next few days, though, even if it doesn’t organize.

The National Weather Service in Charleston advises that there is a good chance the system will effect weather in Beaufort County next week.

“This time of year, with so much moisture in place, whenever you get a weak low that comes into the coast it can certainly enhance the rainfall across the area,” said Steven Taylor, senior forecaster with the NWS in Charleston. “Right now it doesn’t look like any significant impacts are expected. It is just going to help enhance the rainfall potential across the area over the next 48 hours.”

This story was originally published August 11, 2017 at 4:01 PM with the headline "1 of 2 systems in the Atlantic could bring tropical trouble to SC coast, meteorologists say."