Storm approaches the Carolinas and could bring up to 25 centimeters of rain

North and South Carolina are preparing for strong winds, rain, possible flooding and tornadoes. Potential Tropical Storm Eight arrives on Monday.

As of Monday morning, the “low pressure area” was not yet classified as a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center said, but it strengthened at 3 mph as it moved northwest toward the South Carolina coast. It carried maximum sustained winds of 50 mph about 100 miles east of Charleston.

The storm is expected to make landfall in South Carolina on Monday afternoon and move across both states overnight into Wednesday, the hurricane center said in a warning on Monday morning.

If it develops into a tropical storm, it will be called Helene – the next name on the list. The chances of that have dropped because the storm’s structure became less organized in the early hours of Monday and its maximum winds are expected to weaken as it approaches the coast, meteorologists say.

A tropical storm warning was issued for large parts of both states on Monday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center, “gusty winds, heavy rains and coastal flooding” are expected in the region. Tropical storm force winds are still possible in these areas.

The storm is expected to bring up to 20 centimeters of rain to the hardest hit areas, with up to 25 centimeters of rain possible in some areas, the warning said. “Some” tornadoes could also form in the eastern parts of both states by Monday night, the center said.

The rain could cause “locally significant flash flooding and urban flooding” in the Carolinas and put the entire Mid-Atlantic region at risk of isolated flooding, the warning said. Rivers in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina could also experience minor flooding through Monday night.

More: Tropical Storm Tracker: Atlantic cyclone could reach the Carolinas on Monday

Latest developments:

∎ The National Hurricane Center said the storm is expected to gain little strength before making landfall. It will continue to weaken as it moves inland until it dissipates on Wednesday, forecasters said.

∎ High tides associated with the full moon, large waves and strong northeast winds are expected to cause coastal high tides, leading to light or moderate flooding early in the week, the weather service said. Further storm development could further increase the risk of major coastal flooding.

∎ Gordon lost strength in the Atlantic and weakened to a tropical depression by 5 p.m., according to the National Hurricane Center. Gordon poses no threat to the mainland region, the weather service added.

More: Firefighters make progress in battling Southern California wildfires despite cooler weather

Because tropical storm conditions are expected on Monday, some schools in North Carolina will not open.

Brunswick County Schools posted on Facebook Monday morning that students should stay home while teachers would have an optional work day.

Meanwhile, Brunswick Community College will also close its doors on Monday due to the severe weather. Classes will be held remotely where possible.

Normal school operations apply at schools in New Hanover and Pender.

-Sherry Jones, Wilmington StarNews

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known for their rip currents, which can be dangerous for swimmers. The new system has increased the risk even further, the weather service said in an update on Sunday.

The good news: Strong rip currents were most likely to occur on Sunday a few hours before and after low tide, which occurred before noon. However, the risk of rip currents remained, and the current advisory warned inexperienced swimmers not to enter the water.

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the update warned. “Dangerous surf rip currents can throw a swimmer or surfer headfirst onto the bottom, causing neck and back injuries.”

Contributors: John Bacon and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY

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